Data Engineer (Mid-Level)

Notes

• This position is contingent upon contract award. *
• This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *

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Location

• Charlottesville or McLean, VA

Job Summary

The Data Engineer (Mid-Level) designs, develops, and supports database and data management solutions that enable reliable data storage, access, and integration across enterprise systems. This role is responsible for establishing database standards, ensuring data quality and security, and translating business and system requirements into effective data models and database structures. The Data Engineer collaborates with developers, systems engineers, and stakeholders to deliver scalable, high-quality data solutions in client‑server and enterprise environments.

Responsibilities

• Establish database management systems, standards, guidelines, and quality assurance processes for database deliverables.
• Design and document database artifacts, including conceptual designs, logical data models, capacity planning, and external data interface specifications.
• Develop and maintain data loading plans, data maintenance strategies, and database security policies.
• Document and communicate database designs, structures, and data relationships to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Evaluate, install, configure, and support database management systems and related tools.
• Adapt business requirements provided by modeling, development, and systems engineering staff into detailed data and database specifications.
• Define table structures, fields, attributes, relationships, and constraints for application databases.
• Provide subject matter expertise in designing, negotiating, and defending database tables, schemas, and data elements.
• Code complex programs and derive logical processes on technical platforms to support data processing and reporting.
• Build database‑driven windows, screens, reports, and data outputs.
• Assist in the design of user interfaces and business application prototypes that depend on database functionality.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, including data validation, testing, and verification.
• Develop and execute test application code in a client‑server environment.
• Support ongoing database maintenance, performance tuning, and issue resolution.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data engineering, database development, or database administration roles.
• Current TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience designing and implementing conceptual and logical database models.
• Experience translating business and system requirements into data specifications.
• Proficiency working with database management systems in enterprise or client‑server environments.
• Experience coding complex database queries, procedures, or scripts.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Current TS/SCI with CI Poly.
• Experience supporting enterprise‑scale or mission‑critical systems.
• Experience with data integration, reporting, or analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with data security, access controls, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in agile or structured SDLC environments.

Physical Demands or Work Environment

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional environment working with developers, engineers, and business stakeholders.
• Requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• May involve supporting both development and operational systems.

About ZelTech

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time‑critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near‑peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Our Mission

Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology‑driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

Our Workforce

ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professionals, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

Equal Opportunities

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.