Chief Data Engineer

Position Chief Data Engineer
Work Location McLean, VA
Security Clearance TS/SCI with Polygraph

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation’s toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don’t look any further than Cornerstone Defense.

Benefits Overview:
Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *

Position Description
We are seeking a skilled Data Engineer to support one of our Intelligence customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data engineering and integration, with a focus on normalizing data from diverse sources for advanced analytical methodologies. The Data Engineer will enhance the program's ability to integrate data from varied data sets and capitalize on emerging analytic capabilities developed across the Intelligence Community (IC).

Key Responsibilities:

• Integrate data from a wide range of data sets with varying formatting and tagging standards.
• Normalize and standardize data for incorporation into AI/ML enabled analytical methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand data requirements and ensure seamless integration.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines, ETL processes, and data integration workflows.
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and accuracy throughout the integration process.
• Stay current with emerging data engineering technologies and best practices.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to non-technical team members on data engineering methodologies and best practices.
• Create and maintain documentation for data integration processes and workflows.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in integrating data from diverse sources with varying formats and tagging standards.
• Strong understanding of data normalization, standardization, and ETL processes.
• Experience with data processing platforms such as Hadoop, Spark, and cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and tools like Apache NiFi, Talend, or similar ETL tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and present findings.
• Experience working within the Intelligence Community (IC) or other government agencies.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with AI/ML enabled analytical methodologies and emerging analytic capabilities.
• Knowledge of national security threats and data exploitation strategies.