Senior Data Engineer

What We Do 

The CERT Cyber Mission Readiness (CMR) directorate fortifies the U.S. and its partners against cyber threats. We design large and small-scale exercises, facilitate tabletop scenarios, run cybersecurity contests, and create open-source tools to bolster cyber defense capabilities. Actively partnering with sponsors, CMR identifies and addresses vulnerabilities to advanced cyber adversaries.

Central to CMR is a culture of collaboration and dedication. Committed to arming our nation and allies with the tools to combat cyber threats, we seek passionate individuals who are technologically inclined and value teamwork. The right attitude, coupled with a thirst for knowledge, is paramount. We foster continuous professional growth through extensive training, mentorship, and cross-learning. 

Within the CMR directorate is the Operational Readiness and Evaluation (ORE) team. ORE intensifies the Cyber Workforce's defense posture. Collaborating with SEI teams and governmental units, we assess operational capabilities against established benchmarks, shaping strategies for maximum mission assurance. Leveraging innovative simulation technology, we develop high-end virtual training arenas and design challenging scenarios, striving to be at the pinnacle of cyber readiness. 

ORE champions a unified and progressive culture. Driven to uplift the national cybersecurity workforce, we invite individuals with a zeal for technology, collaboration, and ongoing learning. Our ethos revolves around comprehensive training, mentorship, and skill-sharing. 

Position Summary 

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will be integral to our efforts in developing data architectures and analytics frameworks that support complex analysis and operational missions. Your role involves not only maintaining robust data solutions but also directly engaging with mission partners to assess and enhance their data engineering capabilities. Your expertise will be vital in defining new work roles and creating tailored training programs to empower our government partners. 

Requirements: 

• You have BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience. 
• Willingness to travel up to 25%, including international travel, supporting SEI's mission. 
• Must pass a background check and be eligible for a Department of Defense security clearance. 

Duties: 

• Design and implement effective data pipelines and architectures to support advanced data analysis and mission-critical operations. 
• Manage the data lifecycle from modeling to database architecture, ensuring integrity and accessibility of data. 
• Develop and optimize tools for data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL). 
• Utilize data science algorithms and machine learning to address specific challenges faced by Mission Partners. 
• Work collaboratively with Mission Partners to evaluate and improve their data engineering and analysis programs. 
• Define new work roles and develop customized training, exercise, and simulation programs to enhance the skills and capacities of individual team members and groups. 
• Ensure data systems comply with cybersecurity controls and policies tailored to the defense sector. 

​Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Joining ORE provides a chance to enhance your skills. While prior experience with the following is advantageous, it's not mandatory: 

• Strong proficiency in object-oriented programming languages such as Python, Java, and SQL. 
• Expertise in cyber data processing, management, and visualization, including experience with tools like Elasticsearch, Apache NiFi, Kafka, and Logstash. 
• Comprehensive knowledge in data science and machine learning, both supervised and unsupervised. 
• Demonstrable experience with Big Data platforms and tools such as Jupyter Lab, ROCK NSM, and ALEX. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and engage with government Mission Partners. 
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development in data engineering and cybersecurity. 

​Desired Experience: 

• Previous roles in government or military sectors dealing with cybersecurity, including identifying and eliminating cyber threats, large-scale cyber data collection via log and sensor instrumentation, and cyber data management. 
• Experience in educational roles, particularly in instructional design, delivering training and instructional programs in data-related fields, instrumenting, collecting, and analyzing learner experience data. 

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Why work here?

• Join a world-class organization that continues to have a significant impact on software.
• Work with cutting-edge technologies and dedicated experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Be surrounded by knowledgeable staff with broad expertise across AI/ML, cybersecurity, software engineering, risk management, and policy creation.
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
• Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System.
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.
• Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.