DataOps Lead

Role Overview

• Establish and maintain a corporate data management platform on multiple networks including classified and hybrid environments
• Lead the efforts to integrate enterprise data standards, data security, pipelines, data quality, and best practices for automated data ingestion, transformation, validation, and delivery with end user workflows, applications, and data
• Develop and track KPIs and metrics
• Serve as a principal technical lead coordinating data management activities with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable, secure, and interoperable data architectures aligned with organizational goals with a focus on AI and modeling & simulation integration
• Lead a team of 10 data engineers, data architects, and platform specialists; provide mentorship and career development
• Leverage Agile methodologies to manage priorities, sprint planning, and cross-team collaboration
• Promote DataOps best practices and work with data stewards across the organization through demonstrations, workshops, and training
• Support DOD, IC, and Civil Federal govt customer dataops strategy, design, implementation activities leveraging Aerospace implementation, best practices, and lessons learned
• Collaborate with other FFRDCs as needed
• Research emerging tools, architectures, industry trends and standards
• Champion potential opportunities to ensure Aerospace remains at the forefront of data engineering
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and innovation in data architecture and operations

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Computer Engineering, SW Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 10+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or data operations
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts, influence cross functional teams or mentor junior engineers
• Proficiency with data engineering and orchestration tools (e.g., Apache Airflow, dbt, NiFi, Talend, Kafka, Spark, Kubernetes)
• Hands on experience with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), most importantly the Azure suite of data management tools (Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Purview, etc.)
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks, compliance standards, and security requirements integrated into data pipelines (e.g., NIST SP 800-171, FedRAMP, CMMC)
• Demonstrated success with metadata management, master data management (MDM), and data quality frameworks to ensure trusted enterprise data assets
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and the ability to design and evolve enterprise-scale data ecosystems
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to bridge technical and mission-focused stakeholders across multiple constituencies
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across diverse teams
• Demonstrated ability for innovation, creativeness, resourcefulness, and initiative
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

Tech Stack

• Airflow
• Apache
• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• Google Cloud Platform
• Kafka
• Kubernetes
• Spark

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect