Chief Data Engineer

Responsibilities

We are in search of a forward-thinking Chief Data Engineer to lead our data engineering initiatives focused on designing and architecting scalable data infrastructure and systems. This essential leadership role is charged with crafting and executing a data strategy that supports Noblis’ Vision 2030 strategic objectives, especially in the context of enterprise scaling and data-driven initiatives.  The ideal candidate will bring an applied technical background in data engineering and architecture, with a significant track record in pioneering data-driven solutions that bolster efficiency, innovation, scalability, and compliance within complex regulatory environments.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CTO, CIO/DCIO and Mission Area Vice Presidents to define and prioritize data and analytics needs, particularly in support of corporate knowledge management and enterprise scaling initiatives, Noblis Sponsored Research, and a wide range of platforms with massive performance needs for computing such as AI/ML and immersive technology/XR platforms.
• Collaborate with CIO/DCIO to develop and execute the organization’s data strategy, ensuring it aligns with business goals and adheres to strict government contracting regulations.
• Design, build, and maintain scalable and resilient data management systems, data lakehouse initiatives, and data architectures capable of supporting the organization’s growth and technological advancements.
• Serve as a senior technical advisor for client-facing and research initiatives for scaling distributed and open data architectures.
• Oversee the selection and integration of advanced data technologies and tools, including AI/ML algorithms and XR platforms, to keep the organization at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Architect the organization’s data infrastructure to ensure scalability, efficiency, and alignment with business, regulatory requirements and future client-focused solutions and services.
• Establish robust data governance and quality control frameworks to guarantee data security, data accuracy and accessibility.
• Promote the organization’s capabilities in leveraging advanced technologies, including AI/ML and immersive technologies in client-facing and internal initiatives.
• Work across diverse scientific and technical disciplines to translate technical architectures into proposal solutions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant government contracting regulations, emphasizing data security and integrity.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and technological advancements, leveraging insights to drive organizational improvement and competitive advantage.
• Guide, mentor, and provide leadership with data engineers, cultivating an environment of innovation, high performance, diverse thought and continuous learning.

 

**This position is located in Reston, VA with the ability to work in a hybrid work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• High profile technical experience as a Chief Engineer or related technology-forward executive position with demonstrated experience interfacing frequently with clients, partners, and employees.
• Must have 15+ years of experience in data engineering or a related field, with at least 10 years in a hands-on leadership role. Exceptional leadership skills and experience managing and/or collaborating across multiple technical teams in high-stakes, fast-paced environments is required.
• Expert background in software engineering, database management, data architecture, networking, infrastructure design, and deployment.
• Proven expertise in commercial software pricing to define structures based on volume, capacity, and usage patterns such as database as a service (DBaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).
• Proven expertise in data modeling, data lakehouse architectures, data warehousing, ETL processes, and big data technologies to include integrating data from multiple sources into a common information pool for use by data scientists and ML engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Expertise in containerization and data orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Expert proficiency working in both Linux and Windows operating environments with DevSecOps, automated software deployment and full-lifecycle CI/CD experience.
• Proficiency in designing architectures for relational database management systems (RDBMS) including PostGres, Oracle, MS SQL Server, and noSQL.
• Expert proficiency in programming languages such as Shell Scripting, C, C++, Python, SQL and/or PL/pgSQL, and Java, along with experience in designing and implementing scalable data infrastructure.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code solutions and familiarity with data processing services across one or more commercial cloud providers.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing data and data security strategies in compliance with stringent government regulatory and security requirements in the context of government contracting.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts and opportunities into clear, strategic plans aligned with business objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to include effective engagement with C-level executives, clients, and technical teams.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) geared towards government and defense contracting.
• In-depth knowledge of data storage and infrastructure solutions to support a wide range of platforms requiring scaling and high performance such as AI/ML algorithms, spatial computing, high fidelity graphics, and immersive technology/XR platforms.
• Basic understanding of machine learning algorithms and analytics to better support data scientists and analytical workflows.
• Industry-recognized code committer and/or technical publisher/speaker in deep tech areas.
• Data center management experience with proven ability to forecast and scale infrastructure and computing according to organizational needs.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Learn more at Noblis -About Us

 

Why work at a Noblis company?

Our employees find greater meaning in their work and balance the other things in life that matter to them. Our people are our greatest asset. They are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, team-oriented, and mission-driven individuals who want to do work that matters and benefits the public. Noblis has won numerous workplace awards. Noblis maintains a drug-free workplace.

Client Engagement

· Lead proposals by utilizing capabilities across the company

· Lead strategic and business development initiatives, including account strategy development, capture efforts, and branding

· Identify opportunities that are aligned with Noblis’ strategic priorities, and cultivate relationships with clients expanding the footprint within an account or porting the work to another account/client

Salary Range Explanation

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

 

Salary at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, and clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is provided within the posting and are based on full time status. Part time staff receive a prorated salary based on regularly scheduled hours. The estimated minimum and maximum displayed represents the broadest range for this position (inclusive of high geographic and high clearance requirements), and is just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package for employees.

 

Posted Salary Range

USD $145,100.00 - USD $253,900.00 /Yr.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Noblis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (as well as because of or on the basis of traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

 

Noblis is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Noblis will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact employee-relations@noblis.org.