Data Engineer / Data Project Lead, Head Start

Data Engineer and Data Project Lead for Head Start CSIP, providing technical leadership for data management, data engineering, and the design, development, integration, maintenance, and improvement of data pipelines and analytics to support OHS grants management and leadership decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and delivery of data management and engineering initiatives that support OHS program oversight and operations.
• Utilize agile, iterative project management to prioritize work by value, user needs, and effort.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to align data priorities with contract deliverables and performance metrics.
• Supervise and mentor data-focused staff, including Data Analysts, Data Visualization Specialists, Data Management Specialists, and Data Entry Support Specialists.
• Design, build, and maintain data pipelines, integrations, and automation using federally compliant tools and platforms.
• Facilitate the integration of data from federal systems such as HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions, and the TTA Hub into operational and analytical tools.
• Maintain and enhance workflow and task-tracking solutions, including Smartsheet-based tools such as SmartFlow.
• Support use of the OHS Data Layer and cloud infrastructure to enable scalable, secure data processing and analysis.
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and alignment across systems, mitigating competing data sources.
• Implement and support data quality assurance, validation processes, and governance practices suitable for federal environments.
• Document data structures, pipelines, and processes to support knowledge transfer and continuity.
• Lead the development of data products, dashboards, reports, and automated outputs to support grants management, monitoring, and leadership decision-making.
• Assist in generating standardized documents and correspondence through automated data integration where appropriate.
• Enable data-driven decision-making by improving access to timely, relevant, and well-structured data.
• Analyze data workflows and business processes to identify efficiency, automation, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, data dictionaries, process documentation, and handoff materials.
• Support creation of training materials and guidance to promote consistent use of data tools and solutions.
• Respond to data-related inquiries and support ad hoc and recurring data requests from OHS staff and leadership.
• Participate in briefings, meetings, and planning sessions related to data management initiatives.
• Coordinate with technical and programmatic teams to ensure solutions align with operational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible post-baccalaureate experience in data engineering, data management, or related technical roles.
• At least three years of supervisory or technical team leadership experience.
• Three or more years designing and managing complex, high-profile data projects.
• Three or more years of experience with data integration, ETL processes, database design, and data pipelines.
• One or more years of experience in early childhood education and/or Head Start programs.
• At least one year of experience with federal systems such as HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions, and the TTA Hub integrated into operational and analytical tools.
• U.S. government issued security clearance required (to be initiated after hire).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Technologies

• Smartsheet
• SmartFlow
• HSES
• AMS
• GrantSolutions
• TTA Hub
• OHS Data Layer
• AWS
• Azure
• Python
• SQL

Details

• Location: Reston, VA (remote)
• Salary: USD 81,499 - 138,549 per year