Senior Data Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Join a collaborative, mission-driven team where your leadership in Python, ETL, and cloud data engineering will directly shape scalable data solutions supporting critical mission objectives.

NS2 Mission is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to join a growing engineering team in Chantilly, VA . This role is ideal for a seasoned data engineering professional who not only brings deep technical expertise in Python and ETL development, but who is also excited to take on a technical leadership role within the team. The ideal candidate will help guide data architecture decisions, mentor junior engineers, and drive best practices across modern cloud-based data platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable ETL pipelines and enterprise data workflows
• Architect and implement robust Python-based data processing solutions in production environments
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers across the team
• Drive improvements in data quality, pipeline reliability, scalability, and operational performance
• Collaborate closely with engineering leadership, product stakeholders, and cross-functional teams in an Agile environment
• Support cloud-native data solutions within AWS environments and contribute to infrastructure modernization efforts
• Participate in technical planning, solution design discussions, and long-term data strategy initiatives
• Troubleshoot complex data engineering challenges and provide guidance on best practices and process improvements

Required Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in data engineering, software engineering, or related technical fields
• Strong expertise across the full ETL lifecycle including architecture, development, optimization, and maintenance
• Advanced proficiency in Python for large-scale data processing and pipeline development
• Hands-on experience working within AWS cloud environments (EC2, Lambda, EKS, S3, etc.)
• Experience leading technical initiatives or mentoring engineering teams
• Strong understanding of scalable data architecture and engineering best practices
• Experience working within Agile development environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow
• Experience with containerization technologies including Docker and Kubernetes
• Experience with infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps best practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to improve data quality and operational efficiency

What We’re Looking For

• A senior-level Data Engineer who can lead by example while remaining hands-on technically
• Someone who enjoys mentoring team members and helping drive engineering best practices
• A collaborative technical leader comfortable influencing architecture and solution direction
• A candidate with strong Python and ETL expertise who can contribute immediately to complex data engineering initiatives
• Someone excited to help shape and scale modern cloud-based data solutions within a growing team

Position Clearance Requirement:

TS/SCI with an FSP

Please be aware, many of our positions require the ability to obtain or maintain a U.S security clearance which requires U.S citizenship

We win with inclusion

NS2 Mission’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At NS2 Mission, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.

NS2 Mission is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with NS2 Mission and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.