Senior Data Engineer

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.                                                

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring a Senior Data Engineer to drive the massive data discovery and classification effort for the Zero Trust initiative at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Before data can be protected, it must be found and understood. You will be responsible for illuminating "dark data" across the Command’s complex information environment, ranging from hyperscale cloud data lakes on NIPR to legacy file shares and isolated storage arrays on the SIPR and Top-Secret networks.

As a Data Engineer, you will architect and manage the deployment of advanced discovery platforms, specifically BigID and NetApp BlueXP. You will configure these tools to crawl petabytes of structured (SQL/Oracle), semi-structured (logs/NoSQL), and unstructured (SharePoint/File Shares) data. Your primary mission is to build the "Global Data Inventory"—a dynamic, real-time map of where sensitive CUI and classified intelligence resides—enabling the security teams to apply precision protection. You will use your knowledge of data pipelines and storage infrastructure to ensure that scanning operations provide 100% visibility without degrading network performance.

Responsibilities:

• Data Discovery Architecture: Deploy and manage BigID and NetApp BlueXP scanners across hybrid environments, including configuring dockerized collectors for air-gapped discovery on the Top-Secret network.
• Structured Data Mapping: Connect discovery tools to enterprise databases (SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL) to scan schemas and columns for PII, DoD ID numbers, and other sensitive indicators without impacting database performance.
• Unstructured Data Crawling: Configure scans for massive file repositories (NetApp NAS, QNAP, SharePoint On-Premises), optimizing scan windows and throttling to prevent latency for mission users.
• Cloud Data Integration: Utilize Microsoft Purview Data Map and custom connectors to inventory data residing in AWS S3 buckets, Azure Blobs, and Data Lakes.
• Classification Tuning: Collaborate with mission owners to train Machine Learning (ML) classifiers to recognize unique USSOCOM data types (e.g., mission names, operational codes) and reduce false positive rates in the data inventory.

Location: Onsite in Tampa, FL

• Master's degree (MA/MS)
• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Data Discovery Expertise: Proven experience deploying and managing enterprise data discovery and governance platforms such as BigID, Varonis, NetApp BlueXP (Data Sense), or Informatica.
• Storage & Database Knowledge: Strong understanding of storage protocols (NFS, SMB/CIFS, S3) and database structures (SQL, NoSQL) to troubleshoot connectivity and scanning access.
• Containerization: Proficiency with Kubernetes and Docker, as many modern discovery collectors are deployed as containerized microservices.
• Data Handling: Experience dealing with large-scale data inventories (Petabyte scale) and understanding of data lineage and provenance concepts.

Preferred Experience & Skills ("Nice-to-Haves"):

• Experience with Microsoft Purview Data Map (formerly Azure Purview).
• Knowledge of Regex for custom data pattern definition.
• Background in Data Engineering or ETL pipeline development.
• Familiarity with USSOCOM network architecture and storage standards.

Certifications:

• Required: CompTIA Security+ CE (or higher) to meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements.
• Preferred: Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).
• Preferred: Azure Data Engineer Associate or BigID Certified Professional.

Clearance:

• Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

The Company

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015) and two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC).

Industry Recognition

Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more.  We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development.  Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in-person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self-identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

How to Apply

To apply to Kentro Positions- Please click on the: “Apply for this Job” button at the bottom of this Job Description or the button at the top: “Application.”  Please upload your resume and complete all the application steps. You must submit the application for Kentro to consider you for a position.  If you need alternative application methods, please email [email protected] and request assistance.  

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email [email protected].