Senior Data Engineer

• Design, build, test, and maintain scalable batch and streaming data pipelines (ETL/ELT) in classified and air-gapped environments.
• Develop transformation logic in Python, SQL, and PySpark to ingest, clean, normalize, and enrich structured and unstructured data.
• Integrate data from mission systems, operational applications, databases, APIs, and file-based sources into enterprise data platforms.
• Design data models, schemas, and entity relationships that support analytics, reporting, and downstream applications.
• Build and publish curated datasets and data products with clear documentation, versioning, and service-level expectations.
• Implement data quality checks, validation, monitoring, and alerting to ensure pipeline reliability and trusted outputs.
• Establish and maintain data lineage, metadata, and cataloging in accordance with data governance policies.
• Apply data security controls, including role-based and attribute-based access, data tagging and labeling, and need-to-know enforcement.
• Automate deployment and operations using CI/CD, version control, and infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Troubleshoot production issues, perform root cause analysis, and optimize pipeline performance and cost.
• Support the deployment of analytics and ML/AI workflows into operational systems.
• Collaborate with mission owners, analysts, data scientists, security staff, and system administrators to translate requirements into engineered solutions.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, or a related technical field, plus 7 years of relevant experience. 8140 compliances in certification/training may substitute for a degree.
• Training: Meets DoD 8140 foundational and residential qualification requirements for the assigned work role (approved certification, education, or training) Trainings include:
• SecurityX / CASP+
• CCSP
• Cloud+
• CSC
• GCLD
• GCSA
• GSEC
• Experience: 7+ years of professional data engineering experience
• Technical Skills:
• Strong Python and SQL development skills, demonstrated through production pipelines or applications.
• Experience with distributed data processing (PySpark / Apache Spark).
• Experience with relational and non-relational data stores and with data modeling and schema design.
• Experience integrating multiple source systems into a centralized data platform.
• Proficiency in Linux environments, Git, and CI/CD workflows.
• Working knowledge of data governance, data lineage, and metadata management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server (MSS), including T-SQL development and performance tuning.
• Prior work for USASOC, USSOCOM, or another special operations or Army component.
• Experience building and operating data platforms in classified or air-gapped environments (JWICS, SIPRNet).
• Experience with a modern data platform such as Palantir Foundry, Databricks, or comparable (pipelines, ontology/object modeling, application building).
• Experience with pipeline orchestration and streaming tools (e.g., Airflow, NiFi, Kafka).
• Experience with Elasticsearch/OpenSearch, graph databases, or geospatial data.
• Experience with containers and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) and infrastructure as code.
• Experience deploying ML/AI models or analytics into operational systems.
• Familiarity with RMF, ATO processes, and secure software development practices.
• Cloud experience in classified or government cloud environments.

Clearance Requirement:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• US Citizen

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees - Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones., We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015), two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC) and CMMC Level 2 Certification.

Industry Recognition

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.