Data Engineer

Data Engineer

***As required by our governmental client, U.S. Citizenship is required. Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearence and IRS suitability/Public Trust (candidates with an active IRS suitability/Public Trust are preferred) ***

The Data Engineer will play a key role in the IRS Unified API (UAPI) initiative, building and optimizing data pipelines that power enterprise APIs and AI/ML workflows. This position involves discovering and validating legacy and modern data sources, designing canonical data models, and ensuring data integrity and backward compatibility across systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with API and AI teams to deliver secure, scalable, and high-quality data solutions aligned with IRS standards

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Data Engineer: $100-130K

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Remote in one of the following key markets Washington D.C. Metro Area; Huntsville, AL; Colorado Springs, CO; Tampa, FL; Dayton, OH; San Antonio, TX; will require limited travel to the client location in the Greater Washington D.C. metro area

Data Engineer Responsibilities Include:

• Data Source Discovery & Validation: Identify, decompose, and validate legacy data sources (e.g., COBOL-based batch outputs, flat files) and modern databases for API integration.
• Pipeline Development: Design, build, and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines using tools such as Apache Airflow, Spark, dbt, Kafka, Databricks, or Flink to support UAPI and AI workflows.
• Data Modeling & Mapping: Create and maintain canonical/object models aligned to domain data standards; map and document relevant data elements for API consumption.
• Data Quality & Governance: Ensure data integrity, backward compatibility, and compliance with IRS standards; implement data versioning and governance practices.
• Testing & Monitoring: Develop automated unit, integration, and regression tests for data flows; configure synthetic monitoring and alerts using tools like Datadog, New Relic, or Prometheus.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with API engineers, AI/ML teams, and stakeholders to define data contracts and support consumer onboarding.
• Documentation: Produce clear, comprehensive documentation for data pipelines, mappings, lineage, and governance artifacts.
• Performance & Scalability: Optimize data workflows for performance, scalability, and reliability across distributed systems and cloud environments.
• Innovation & AI Enablement: Support AI-driven API development by providing high quality datasets for model training, inference, and feedback loops.

Data Engineer Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:

• U.S. Citizenship is required. Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearence and IRS suitability/Public Trust (candidates with an active IRS suitability/Public Trust are preferred)
• Bachelor degree strongly preferred; Computer Science or related technical degree preferred OR equivalent experience
• 3-5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience leading data pipeline projects and mentoring junior engineers
• Proficient in building and optimizing ETL/ELT pipelines using tools like Apache Airflow, Spark, dbt, Kafka, Databricks, or Flink
• Strong skills in SQL, Python or Scala, and working with data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift) and data lakes (e.g., Delta Lake, Lakehouse architecture)
• Familiar with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and orchestration, with experience in CI/CD and data versioning (e.g., DVC).
• Preferred (but not required) experience in one or more of the following: Real-time data processing, cataloging, data governance, privacy/compliance (GDPR, HIPAA), and cross functional collaboration with analytics, ML, or BI teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with customers, engineers, and leadership.

Company Information:

ATA, LLC is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about ATA, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI #LI-Remote #LI-RG-1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles:

• Data Platform Engineer

• Data Integration Engineer

• Data Pipeline Engineer

• Senior Data Engineer

• API Data Engineer

Keywords:

• ETL / ELT Pipelines

• Apache Airflow

• Data Modeling / Canonical Data Models

• Python & SQL

• Cloud Data Platforms (AWS / Azure / GCP)

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.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.