Data Engineer - Senior

Prepared Date: 9/18/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

Summary

Cherokee Strategic Edge is seeking a Data Engineer to support Defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific research, and contribute to the DIE’s integrated all-source analysis of foreign defense capabilities for warfighters, Defense planners and policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, and operates data management systems for intelligence needs.
• Designs how data will be stored, accessed, used, integrated, and managed by different data regimes and digital systems.
• Works with data users to determine, create, and populate optimal data architectures, structures, and systems.
• Plans, designs, and optimizes data throughput and query performance.
• Participates in the selection of backend database technologies (e.g.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Starting Salary Range for Data Engineer - Senior: $150,000 – $175,000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Basic Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the labor category activities required to meet mission requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate understanding from information that may be incomplete, indirect, highly complex, seemingly unrelated, and / or technically advanced.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work with other IC members on information sharing, driving collection, and addressing analytic disputes and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates ability to develop concise, insightful, and comprehensive products for defense intelligence.
• Demonstrates ability to guide teams in researching multifaceted or critical problems.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Counterintelligence polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required Counterintelligence polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years preferred
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred
• Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Strategic Edge, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In accordance with Virginia’s pay transparency requirements, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $150,000 – $175,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Compliance Notices

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Job Info

• Job Identification 43763
• Job Category Information Technology Services
• Posting Date 09/18/2026, 10:33 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Reston, VA, United States (On-site)