Data Engineer

Overview

Most data engineering jobs are maintenance. This one is construction. You would be standing up ETL on Databricks and Spark for a National Guard analytics platform that is still being built, designing the models, setting the governance, and deciding how it works rather than inheriting a decade of someone else's decisions.

FWI is hiring a Data Engineer to support enterprise data analytics and AI/ML modernization for the National Guard Bureau, part of a larger Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (OUSW(P&R)) data analytics program. You will design, build, and maintain the data infrastructure behind a National Guard community data and analytics environment, the pipelines, models, and governance that make enterprise personnel and readiness data usable. This is hands-on pipeline engineering at enterprise scale, on a platform where data quality has direct operational consequences.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025, and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Hybrid: This role is based in Arlington, Virginia and works on a hybrid schedule, typically 1–2 days on site per week, with the balance remote. We are looking for someone in the National Capital Region who can be on site when the mission calls for it, not only on a fixed schedule. Working alongside the government team in person is part of how this role builds the relationships the work depends on.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement end-to-end data pipelines using ETL processes and technologies including Databricks, Python, Spark, Scala, JavaScript/JSON, and SQL
• Build and optimize pipelines from scratch, with scalability, reliability, and high-performance processing as first-order requirements
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand data requirements and design the data models and architectures to meet them
• Perform data cleansing, integration, and quality assurance to maintain the accuracy and integrity of large datasets
• Apply big data technologies to process and analyze large datasets efficiently
• Partner with data scientists, analysts, and government stakeholders to deliver timely, accurate data that supports decision-making
• Troubleshoot complex data problems and develop practical solutions
• Implement and enforce data governance policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practice

Qualifications

Required:

• Active DoD Secret clearance (final, in current scope)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field
• 3+ years of directly related experience as a Data Engineer
• Proficiency in ETL processes, with firsthand experience across technologies such as Databricks, Python, Spark, Scala, JavaScript/JSON, SQL, and Jupyter Notebooks
• Demonstrated experience working with large datasets and using big data technologies to process and analyze data efficiently
• Working understanding of data modeling and visualization, database design principles, and data governance practice
• Based in the National Capital Region, or willing to relocate, and able to report to the Arlington site as needed
• U.S. citizenship (required for the clearance)

Desired:

• Experience supporting the Department of War mission and familiarity with its associated datasets
• Prior work in Advana or the War Data Platform
• API development and integration experience
• Experience with machine learning models and/or generative AI
• Experience building in Palantir Foundry, including Workshop, Ontology Manager, and Gaia

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$115,000 – $125,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and clearance level.