Data Engineer (Mid-Level)

About Novaren

Novaren Systems, LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company delivering secure, AI-enabled data modernization solutions to Federal Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Community clients. We specialize in Azure-native analytics, governed AI/ML systems, and mission-aligned data architecture designed for high-assurance environments.

Our culture emphasizes disciplined execution, security-first engineering, human-centered AI, and long-term partnership with federal agencies.

Position Overview

Novaren is seeking a Mid-Level Data Engineer to support enterprise data modernization initiatives for a Federal civilian agency, focused on building scalable, cloud-native data pipelines and analytics-ready datasets that enable advanced analytics and AI/ML adoption. This role supports modernization of the agency's Azure Data Lake environment and enterprise ingestion, transformation, and orchestration capabilities.

The Mid-Level Data Engineer will design and deliver production-grade ETL/ELT services, develop reusable transformation frameworks, and operationalize cloud-native data workflows that meet Federal security, governance, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong Python and SQL fundamentals, hands-on Azure experience, and a track record of building dependable pipelines that produce trusted, analytics-ready data.

The salary range for this position is $100k to $125k.

Core Competency Areas

This role requires demonstrated expertise across the following technical domains:

• Programming & Data Engineering: Advanced Python development with Pandas, NumPy, PySpark, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and related open-source libraries. Experience building reusable ETL/ELT services, APIs, automation scripts, and data transformation frameworks.

• Cloud & Azure Ecosystem: Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure SQL, Azure Data Factory, Microsoft Fabric/Foundry, Azure Blob Storage, Azure-based orchestration, and cloud-native data processing.

• Data Integration & ETL: Structured and unstructured data ingestion, schema enforcement, schema evolution, data harmonization, data cleansing, API integration, relational database integration, and enterprise data workflows.

• Data Quality & Governance: Data validation frameworks, anomaly detection, metadata-driven orchestration, lineage support, auditability, data quality controls, and governance-aligned processing pipelines.

• Operational Excellence: Logging, monitoring, observability, fault tolerance, CI/CD integration, performance tuning, retry handling, and scalable cloud operations.

• AI/ML Readiness: Preparation of analytics-ready and feature-ready datasets supporting machine learning workflows, predictive analytics, and enterprise reporting initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Pipeline Engineering & Data Integration

• Design and develop enterprise-grade ETL/ELT pipelines supporting structured and unstructured data sources

• Build ingestion and transformation workflows for large-scale datasets across cloud and hybrid environments

• Develop APIs and microservices that enable interoperability between analytics platforms, source systems, and downstream consumers

• Implement schema validation, schema evolution, and data harmonization patterns across enterprise data flows

Cloud-Native Development & Orchestration

• Build and maintain Azure-based data services and orchestration workflows using Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, Azure SQL, and Microsoft Fabric

• Implement cloud-native processing patterns that scale across enterprise data volumes

• Integrate CI/CD practices, automated testing, and observability into data engineering delivery

• Apply performance tuning, retry handling, and fault tolerance patterns to ensure reliable production operations

Data Quality, Governance & Collaboration

• Implement data quality controls, validation rules, anomaly detection, and lineage support across pipelines

• Collaborate with architects, analysts, and data scientists to deliver analytics-ready and feature-ready datasets

• Ensure data solutions comply with Federal security, privacy, Zero Trust principles, and governance requirements

• Support Agile delivery and continuous improvement initiatives across modernization workstreams

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 3+ years supporting enterprise data engineering, analytics, or ML-enabled data environments

• 3+ years of hands-on experience developing in Python (Pandas, NumPy, PySpark) and writing production SQL

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with Azure cloud data services, including Azure Data Lake, Azure SQL, and Azure Data Factory

• Experience building ETL/ELT pipelines, API integrations, and reusable data transformation frameworks

• Experience applying data quality, schema validation, and governance controls within production pipelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Azure Data Engineer Associate certification (or equivalent)

• Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, or similar cloud-native analytics platforms

• Experience supporting regulated or Federal cloud environments

• Familiarity with data governance frameworks, enterprise data cataloging, and compliance standards (FISMA, FedRAMP, Zero Trust)

• Experience supporting U.S. Federal Government or DoD data programs

• Knowledge of API integrations, cloud interoperability, and modern data orchestration frameworks

• Experience operating in Agile delivery environments

• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance or higher

Compensation & Benefits

Novaren offers a competitive total rewards package, including:

Health Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Generous PTO, federal holidays, and sick leave

Additional

Life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible work arrangements

Additional details available at https://www.novarensystems.com

Equal Employment Opportunity

Novaren Systems, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, source of income, credit information, political affiliation, matriculation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Maryland, DC, or local law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruiting process, please contact the Novaren Recruiting Team at info@novarensystems.com.

www.novarensystems.com

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote