Lead ETL Engineer (Expert)

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.Nightwing is currently seeking a detail-oriented and experienced ETL Engineer to join our data engineering team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and integration processes that enable reliable, timely, and high-quality data delivery across the organization. This role requires strong technical capabilities, a deep understanding of data architecture, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Natural Language Processing (NLP), large-scale data processing, and search/discovery systems, with the ability to lead technical teams and translate mission needs into scalable, production-ready capabilities that deliver operational impact.Development will take place in an iterative fashion using Agile development methodology with input from all levels of stakeholders. The candidate must have the ability to communicate with project team members, user community, and leadership to assess changes and demonstrate iterative progress.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines that support data warehouse, analytics, and application needs. Must be experienced with large data sets [hundreds of thousands of records, GB and TB size data sets]Extract, transform, and load data from various sources into centralized storage solutions.Design and enhance search and discovery platforms across large volumes of structured and unstructured dataPerform data ingestion, ETL, and integration across enterprise and multi-source environmentsOptimize ETL workflows for performance, scalability, and reliability.Conduct data validation, profiling, and quality checks to ensure accuracy and completeness.Troubleshoot and resolve data inconsistencies, pipeline failures, or performance bottlenecks.Build and maintain cloud-native solutions (AWS) aligned to secure and resilient architecture patternsPartner with mission operators, analysts, and senior stakeholders to define requirements and deliver mission-relevant analyticsTranslate mission needs into technical designs, architectures, and implementation roadmaps, ensuring alignment to operational objectivesDeliver clear, compelling visualizations, dashboards, and executive-level briefings that communicate analytic insights and recommendationsProvide technical leadership and mentorship, including hands-on development, code review, and team developmentOwn delivery of analytic capabilities from concept through deployment, accreditation, and sustainmentSupport system accreditation, data governance, and security architecture, ensuring data integrity and compliance within classified environmentsRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).Minimum 6-8 years working in Linux Operating system with updating the system for efficient parallel processing, understanding memory, storage and processing data at scaleMinimum 6-8 years in Object Oriented programming. Python is preferred software development languageMinimum 6-8 years of demonstrated experience with applications in the Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) environment or an Amazon Web Services cloud environment. Willing to consider to substitute C2S if candidate has a minimum 4-6 years of cloud computing technology to include Azure, Oracle, Google, etc.Minimum 4-6 years of demonstrated (Extract, Transform, Load - ETL) with large structured and unstructured raw data sets.Strong experience with ETL tools such as Informatica, Talend, SSIS, AWS Glue, or Azure Data Factory.Proficiency in SQL, including complex queries and query optimization.6-8 Years of experience with AWS platform including understanding EC2, RCS instance typesStrong understanding of data warehousing concepts, data modeling, and schema design.Hands-on experience with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.Familiarity with relational and NoSQL databases.Experience using version control systems such as Git.Desired QualificationsExperience working with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Databricks).Experience with transformer-based models (e.g., BERT) and modern NLP architecturesBackground in document exploitation, e-discovery, or large-scale search platformsExperience with multi-modal analytics (OCR, image recognition, text + image fusion)Familiarity with search technologies (Solr, Elasticsearch, Lucene)Experience with containerization and DevSecOps pipelines (Docker, CI/CD)Cloudera or similar big data certificationsExperience developing risk scoring, anomaly detection, or predictive analytic modelsTS/SCI with Polygraph Required Day 1Salary & BenefitsThe salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.SummaryLocation: Sterling, VAType: Full time