Senior Data Engineer

Meridian Systematics is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to help build data-driven infrastructure that teams can trust. This hybrid role in Springfield, VA supports a flexible schedule and includes benefits such as health coverage, paid time off, and 401(k) with matching.

In this position, you will design, build, and maintain scalable data systems, partnering with data scientists, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure data is accessible, reliable, and prepared for analysis. The work includes ETL and ELT pipelines, unified data platform components, data governance and security policies, and ongoing performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, install, test, and maintain highly scalable data management systems.
• Implement and manage ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) processes to move and transform data across systems.
• Build and maintain unified catalog, data warehouse, and/or data lake solutions, including creating and managing table schemas.
• Create data validation methods and implement data governance and security policies to improve data quality and reliability.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business leaders to understand data needs and deliver solutions aligned with company objectives.
• Write scripts and use orchestration tools to automate repetitive tasks and data workflows.
• Monitor data system performance and optimize for speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Data Engineer or in a similar role.
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one: Python, Java, or Scala.
• Strong experience with relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Hands-on experience with big data tools such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, or Kafka.
• Familiarity with cloud services including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Experience with ETL frameworks and tools such as Talend, Informatica, or AWS Glue.
• Active Top Secret clearance (Top Secret required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Professional certifications such as AWS Certified, Google Cloud Certified Professional Data Engineer, IBM Certified Data Engineer, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate.
• In-depth knowledge of data modeling techniques, including star and snowflake schemas.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Understanding of CI/CD principles and experience with tools such as Jenkins and GitLab CI.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with various teams.

Benefits

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

Pay: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Work location: Hybrid remote in Springfield, VA 22152

Technologies: SQL, Python, Java, Scala, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Apache Spark, Hadoop, Kafka, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Talend, Informatica, AWS Glue, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitLab CI, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load), ELT (Extract, Load, Transform)