Data Engineer - Senior
At a glance
Senior Data Engineering role at Cherokee Federal. Reston · full-time · $150,000–$175,000 base.
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and run data systems that support intelligence work
- Set up how data is stored, reached, combined and managed across different data environments and systems
- Work with data users to shape data structures and architectures, then load them with usable information
- Improve data transfer capacity and query speed, and help choose backend database technologies
What you bring
- A bachelor's in a related STEM discipline, or four years of equivalent client-server engineering experience
- An active Top Secret/SCI clearance; you can qualify without the polygraph if you can obtain it during hiring
- DIA CIO 8570 compliance at Security+ level or above, plus the ability to obtain privileged account authorization
- Hands-on experience securing Linux and Windows servers, managing virtual compute and storage, and handling backups and recovery
Who this fits
This is an on-site senior engineering role in Reston, with no supervisory authority. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and provide proof of status; an active polygraph is required, though clearance holders without one may obtain it during hiring. The posting prefers at least twelve years of related experience, including some recent work, and favors a related master's degree.
From the employer
Data Engineer - Senior
Reston, VA, United States (On-site)
Job Title: Data Engineer - Senior
Job Code: ITS954
Location: Reston, VA
Reports to: Program Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority
Prepared Date: 10/5/2026
A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.
This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.
Position Summary:
Cherokee Strategic Edge is seeking a Data Engineer to support Defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific research, and contribute to the DIE’s integrated all-source analysis of foreign defense capabilities for warfighters, Defense planners and policymakers.
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary Range for Data Engineer - Senior: $150,000 – $175,000
Benefits That Set Us Apart
When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.
Highlights include:
• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection
Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.
Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.
Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
Includes the following:
• Designs, implements, and operates data management systems for intelligence needs.
• Designs how data will be stored, accessed, used, integrated, and managed by different data regimes and digital systems.
• Works with data users to determine, create, and populate optimal data architectures, structures, and systems.
• Plans, designs, and optimizes data throughput and query performance.
• Participates in the selection of backend database technologies
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No supervisory/management authority
Basic Qualifications:
• Experience implementing and enforcing security baselines to conform to network security policies on host workstations as well as on servers, typically Linux (Ubuntu & Redhat) and windows based
• Ability to standup and manage a compute and storage architecture using Citrix and/or VMWare's ESXi
• Experience with installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software
• Experience overseeing or conducting backup, recovery, and reconstitution activities
• Experience implementing controls
• Experience installing and maintaining servers (physical and virtual) used for network services, engineering storage solutions, and engineering virtual test environments
• DIA CIO 8570 compliant (SEC+ or higher) with the ability to gain Privileged Access Account authorization
• Experience creating and managing user accounts utilizing LDAP and experience implementing and managing PKI for authentication
• Experience managing Linux and Windows servers hosted on VMWare ESXi hypervisor
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or related STEM degree program, or four years of equivalent level experience as a client Server Engineer.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years preferred
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.
Company Information:
Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Strategic Edge, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #IntelCareers
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at careers@cherokee-federal.com.
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