Senior Data Engineer

Position Summary

This is an ONSITE position located in Norfolk, VA. Active Secret clearance REQUIRED.

NCC is seeking a skilled Senior Data Engineer to support enterprise-level data initiatives within a fast-paced and mission-driven environment.This individual will be responsible for designing, developing, optimizing, and maintaining scalable data pipelines, databases, analytics platforms, and reporting solutions that support operational and strategic decision-making.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in PostgreSQL database administration, SQL development, Python programming, Qlik Sense development and administration, data architecture, and ETL/ELT processes. This role requires a proactive professional who can translate complex business requirements into efficient, scalable data solutions while ensuring data integrity, governance, security, and performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines and automated ETL/ELT processes.
• Integrate and transform data from multiple structured and unstructured data sources.
• Serve as the primary PostgreSQL Database Administrator (DBA) responsible for database installation, configuration, maintenance, security, backup/recovery, monitoring, and performance optimization.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain PostgreSQL databases, SQL queries, stored procedures, views, indexes, and database objects.
• Perform database performance tuning, capacity planning, indexing strategies, query optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain Python-based solutions for data ingestion, transformation, automation, validation, and reporting processes.
• Design and maintain enterprise data models and schemas supporting operational reporting, analytics, and business intelligence initiatives.
• Develop, administer, and support Qlik Sense applications, dashboards, data models, and reporting solutions.
• Manage Qlik Sense data connections, reload schedules, security rules, and application performance.
• Support and enhance Power BI, Tableau, Qlik Sense, and other enterprise reporting environments as needed.
• Monitor data quality, validate data integrity, and troubleshoot inconsistencies across systems.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, analysts, and technical teams to gather requirements and deliver scalable data solutions.
• Translate business needs into technical specifications and actionable reporting capabilities.
• Implement data governance standards, security controls, backup strategies, and best practices for enterprise data management.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to data pipelines, databases, Qlik Sense environments, and reporting failures.
• Support production deployments, system enhancements, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance activities.
• Lead technical initiatives and provide mentorship to junior engineers and analysts.
• Participate in project planning, prioritization, and continuous process improvement efforts.
• Document database architectures, data flows, ETL processes, system configurations, and reporting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with organizational, contractual, and security requirements related to enterprise data environments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Active Secret clearance or higher at the time of application.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 9 years of experience in data engineering, database administration, business intelligence, or enterprise analytics environments.
• Strong hands-on PostgreSQL DBA experience, including database administration, backup/recovery, performance tuning, security management, and system optimization.
• Advanced SQL development expertise, including complex queries, stored procedures, views, indexing strategies, query optimization, and data transformation logic.
• Strong proficiency in Python development for data engineering, automation, scripting, ETL processing, and data validation.
• Experience designing, developing, and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines and automated data workflows.
• Hands-on experience developing and administering Qlik Sense dashboards, applications, and reporting solutions.
• Experience with Qlik Sense data modeling, scripting, reload management, and security administration.
• Experience integrating data from multiple enterprise systems and data sources.
• Experience with relational database design, data modeling, and enterprise reporting architectures.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data validation, database security, and quality assurance best practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve database, data pipeline, reporting, and analytics platform issues in production environments.
• Experience gathering business requirements and translating them into scalable technical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts, manage priorities, and mentor junior team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms and modern analytics architectures.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps/data operations practices.
• Knowledge of enterprise data security and access management processes.

NCC provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an applicant that requires a reasonable accommodation, please email us. Please reference the position in your email.

NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristic. E-Verify Employer. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Pay: $175,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• If selected for a position, when are you able to start in the role?
• What are your salary expectations for this role?

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Work Location: In person