Staff Data Engineer

Salary: $121,000 - 161,000 per year Requirements:

• We require a B.S. in data science, AI/ML, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
• We require at least six years of relevant experience as a Data Engineer/Scientist.
• We need experience building data pipelines and normalizing data with standard Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Polars.
• We expect experience working on a team with version control tools such as git, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
• We require an active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance with a recent Full-Scope Polygraph (FSP).
• We prefer an M.S. or PhD in data science, AI/ML, computer science, or a related field.
• We prefer experience with GitLab, DevSecOps, test-driven development, containers such as Docker or Docker Compose, cloud services like AWS, and distributed computing tools such as Spark or PySpark.
• We value experience leading interdisciplinary teams of researchers and software developers.
• We prefer familiarity with large language models, transformer-based architectures, natural language processing methods such as BERT, reinforcement learning, clustering, deep neural networks, tracking algorithms, and pattern-of-life analytics.
• We prefer experience with GenAI Ops practices and tools such as LLM-as-a-judge, LangFuse, MLFlow, or Arize Phoenix.
• We prefer experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries such as HuggingFace and LangChain.
• We prefer Linux experience.
• We prefer familiarity with AWS resources such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and Bedrock.
• We prefer experience with additional languages such as Java, C++, Rust, Go, and/or C#.
• We prefer experience implementing GPU-based algorithms in Python or C++ using CUDA and related libraries.
• We prefer experience in application deployment, virtualization, and container orchestration such as Podman, Docker, Kubernetes, or Rancher.
• We prefer experience shaping and writing proposals.

• We will lead and mentor an interdisciplinary team of developers and researchers.
• We will build and maintain ETL pipelines that support AI/ML and LLM solutions.
• We will assemble large, complex datasets to enable AI/ML algorithm development and implementation.
• We will create the infrastructure needed to extract, transform, and load data from multiple sources efficiently.
• We will curate and maintain data used for metrics and evaluation.
• We will implement artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms.
• We will identify, design, and deliver internal process improvements, including scalable infrastructure redesign, better data delivery, and automation of manual work.
• We will develop software using Agile methodologies.

• AI
• AWS
• Lambda
• BitBucket
• C#
• Cloud
• CUDA
• DevSecOps
• Docker
• EC2
• ETL
• Git
• GitLab
• Support
• Java
• Kubernetes
• LLM
• Langfuse
• Linux
• Machine Learning
• MLflow
• Phoenix
• Podman
• Python
• PySpark
• Rust
• Security
• Spark
• numpy
• pandas
• Computer Vision

More:

We are ARKA Group L.P., an advanced technologies company supporting the U.S. military, the intelligence community, and the commercial space industry with next-generation solutions for the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, we bring modern approaches and a strong culture of innovation to challenging problems. This Staff Data Engineer/Scientist role is based in Herndon, VA, and we offer generous relocation support for eligible candidates, flexible scheduling options for many positions, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, HSA contributions, a 401(k) with company contributions, paid vacation and holidays, tuition assistance, bonus eligibility, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, and an employee assistance program. Herndon offers a mix of small-town character and big-city convenience, with parks, historic sites, dining, shopping, and easy access to Dulles International Airport and the Herndon Metrorail Station. We are an equal opportunity employer, and this position does not offer visa sponsorship.

last updated 33 week of 2026