Data Engineer (AI) Senior Engineer (5143) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Belvoir, VA - Nolan Bldg) at SMX

<p>SMX is seeking a <strong>Data Engineer (AI) Senior Engineer</strong> to contribute to the development and sustainment of data pipelines and data services that enable AI/ML capabilities within Army Intelligence mission environments. This role focuses on preparing transforming, and delivering reliable data to support model training, inference, and analytic workflows. The Data Engineer (AI) Senior Engineer partners with AI/ML engineers, analysts, platform teams, and mission leadership to align data capabilities with operational outcomes, security, and governance.</p> <p><strong>This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA.</strong></p> <p><strong>Essential Duties &amp; Responsibilities</strong></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Data Pipeline Development &amp; Maintenance</span></h2> <ul> <li>Build, maintain, and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines that supply structured and unstructured data to AI/ML workflows.</li> <li>Implement data ingestion, cleansing, transformation, normalization, and feature preparation steps according to established methods.</li> <li>Ensure pipelines are reliable, repeatable, and well-documented.</li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Data Quality, Validation &amp; Monitoring</span></h2> <ul> <li>Perform data profiling, validation, and integrity checks to ensure high-quality inputs to AI/ML models.</li> <li>Monitor data pipeline performance and data flow health; document and escalate issues to senior engineers.</li> <li>Contribute to improving data observability and traceability.</li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Deployment &amp; Monitoring</span></h2> <ul> <li>Employ Agile methodologies for project management.</li> <li>Manage deployment pipelines, containerization, and CI/CD workflows for AI services in the cloud to ensure reproducible data operations.</li> <li>Implement robust monitoring, observability, and performance tracking for AI-supporting data systems.</li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Training &amp; Support</span></h2> <ul> <li>Provide training and technical support to military personnel to ensure effective adoption and utilization of AI technologies.</li> <li>Document integration architecture, processes, and operational dependencies, to include data structures, transformation logic, data lineage, pipeline workflows, and operational procedures.</li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Compliance &amp; Security</span></h2> <ul> <li>Ensure compliance with military security, privacy and governance standards for AI-supporting data systems.</li> <li>Ensure processes and procedures leverage changes in data engineering and AI/ML governance best practices.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Required Skills, Experience &amp; Education</strong></p> <p>Security</p> <ul> <li>Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work</li> <li>Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user account on a TS/SCI information system (e.g. Army Cloud Computing Service Provider) prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01.</li> <li>Security+ or related DoDD 8140-relevant certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)</li> </ul> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical field and 3+ years of experience in data engineering or large-scale data processing in an AI/ML-supporting capacity, or</li> <li>Bachelor’s Degree and in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical field and 7+ years of experience in data engineering or large-scale data processing in an AI/ML-supporting capacity.</li> </ul> <p>Technical Expertise</p> <ul> <li>Hands-on experience with data engineering or large-scale data processing.</li> <li>Experience with programming and/or scripting languages (e.g., Python, SQL, Bash).</li> <li>Familiarity with cloud platforms, data storage systems, and workflow orchestration tools.</li> <li>Understanding of containerization and CI/CD principles.</li> </ul> <p>National Security Operations Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Familiarity with military operations, intelligence workflows, and digital platforms.</li> <li>Ability to work within the constraints of military security and compliance standards.</li> </ul> <p>Problem-Solving &amp; Communication</p> <ul> <li>Able to work closely with model developers, analysis, and platform engineers to understand data requirements and operational context.</li> <li>Strong problem-definition and solution-development skills to troubleshoot and optimize data operations in support of AI/ML systems.</li> <li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse teams.</li> <li>Support new team member onboarding and assist with training materials as needed.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Desired Skills/Experience</strong></p> <ul> <li>Background in data privacy, ethical AI deployment, or regulated industries</li> <li>AWS Certified Security – Specialty or equivalent cloud certifications</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Application Deadline: June 22, 2026</p> <p>#CJPOST</p> <p>#LI-onsite</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p>&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><span style="font-size: 16px;">The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning &amp; development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.</span></p></div><div class="title">The proposed salary for this position is:</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$165,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$180,000 USD</span></div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion"><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.</p> <p>We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.</p> <p>SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.</p> <p><span data-teams="true"><span id="message-body-1758638857922" class="fui-ChatMyMessage__body rcngbzt ___eyw0iv0 f10pi13n ftqa4ok f2hkw1w f8hki3x f1d2448m f1bjia2o ffh67wi f1j6vpng f1pniga2 f987i1v f1ffjurs f15bsgw9 f14e48fq f18yb2kv fd6o370 ffwy5si f3znvyf f57olzd f4stah7 f480a47 fs1por5 fk6fouc figsok6 fkhj508 f19n0e5 f9ijwd5 fzqqayd f10ostut f1o0qvyv f9ggezi f1xp5gbu f150uoa4 ffyari3 fo7qwa0 f16xkysk fxowb0n f11ghf3q f13aoclr flypziy f10kwr27 fquw1qa fftr39l f13lathq f15hsm81 f2ss68y ffb60jq f8nuap2 f13nk4fk f7jacry fq08z5q fd9af6s fr74w9q fcl9uv6 f13sm7pj f1u6qqly f16wpxbl faim3u9 f6cs3qo fa2w2z3 fd39nx6 f10gn8j9 frcqmxy f1w9ws4k f1ddxkqj fd10euv fvuz61 f1nbc6gw"><span id="content-1758638857922" class="fui-Primitive ___16zla5h f1oy3dpc fqtknz5 fyvcxda"></span></span></span></p> <div id="x_Signature"></div> <p>Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.</p> <p>SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).</p></div>