Data Architect/Data Engineer

About the Customer The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E) in the Developmental Test Evaluation and Assessments (DTE&A) office is transforming the DoD Test and Evaluation Enterprise through digital modernization, data-driven decision-making, and integrated engineering approaches. As a direct report to the Under Secretary, this office is shifting the testing paradigm left, integrating formerly stove-piped disciplines (STAT, MBSE, Modeling and Simulation, Digital Engineering, and Agile DevSecOps) while infusing enabling technologies such as AI/ML to drive operational resiliency and cultural transformation across the defense enterprise. About the Role The DTE&A Data Management Platform (DDMP) is a flagship OUSW(R&E) initiative that consolidates all defense assessments into a central repository, digitizing workflows to improve security, efficiency, standardization, and analytics-driven planning. Built on Python, Flask, and MySQL and deployed on Arcus Cloud, DDMP has matured significantly, but its architecture requires modernization to meet the scale, security, and analytical demands of an evolving enterprise. System Innovation leads all aspects of DDMP’s development, hosting, and deployment and is seeking a Data Architect/Data Engineer to drive the next generation of this platform. This role sits at the intersection of data engineering, application development, and enterprise architecture, requiring both hands-on technical execution and strategic vision. The ideal candidate will design robust data pipelines, modernize the application stack, establish data governance frameworks, and contribute to Engagement 2030, System Innovation’s initiative to drive meaningful modernization across DoD acquisition and Test & Evaluation. Location: Hybrid in Washington, DC-Baltimore, MD area (2-3 in, 2-3out)Required Responsibilities Data Engineering & Operations Architect and deliver end-to-end data ingestion, validation, and optimization pipelines supporting enterprise analytics products, ensuring secure and reliable data flows for high-visibility OUSW assessment use cases. Modernize DDMP’s data layer, migrating from legacy infrastructure to scalable, maintainable solutions while enforcing data quality standards, monitoring, and audit frameworks. Ensure reliable, traceable data pipelines that support DDMP dashboards, visualization capabilities, and evolving analytics requirements. Custom Application Development Collaborate with the development team to extend and modernize DDMP’s Python/Flask architecture, incorporating modern frameworks and DevSecOps best practices on Arcus Cloud. Design and deploy secure, scalable web application components using Agile development processes, with project management via Jira and Confluence. Support CI/CD pipeline development and iterative delivery, ensuring compliance with DoD security and performance standards. Architectural Innovation Develop and implement a data onboarding and governance framework to standardize how assessment data is ingested, catalogued, and maintained across OUSW. Define data architecture standards, metadata management practices, and analytics infrastructure to support DDMP’s growing analytical capabilities. Evaluate and recommend modern technologies to replace or augment aging DDMP components and identify opportunities to integrate AI/ML for trend identification and decision support. Strategy & Implementation: Engagement 2030 Contribute to Engagement 2030 by designing data strategies that connect learning across the full engineering lifecycle, linking developmental, operational, and sustainment phases into a continuous feedback loop. Champion integrated digital ecosystems over siloed tools, enabling more effective collaboration and data-driven decision-making across the T&E enterprise. Lead and coordinate tiger teams across technical workstreams, translating Engagement 2030 strategic objectives into executable roadmaps and measurable delivery milestones. Engage senior DoD stakeholders, FFRDCs, and UARCs to build coalitions, communicate progress, and drive adoption of modern data and engineering practices across the enterprise. Support System Innovation’s business/growth objectives and expansion activities.Skills Required10+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or a closely related field; advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline preferred. Hands-on proficiency with Python and relational databases (MySQL or equivalent); demonstrated experience modernizing legacy data systems strongly preferred. Experience with cloud-based data platforms and deployment environments; familiarity with Arcus or other DoD-approved cloud environments a plus. Strong command of data pipeline design, ETL/ELT processes, data governance, and enterprise data management. Experience with modern web application frameworks and DevSecOps practices in an Agile environment. Familiarity with DoD data standards, cybersecurity requirements, and compliance frameworks. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior executives and non-technical stakeholders.Active SECRET clearance required. Clearance: Active Secret ClearanceAbout UsSystem Innovation is a small business that has an outstanding track record. We are thought leaders at the forefront of innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) who are creating widespread impact. Whether we are expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge or advancing the technological state of the art, we provide solutions to complex problems of national and global importance. Our unwavering sense of purpose and passion drives us to help our customers, teammates, and communities succeed.Key Differentiators**Highly Competitive Salary and Bonuses**Professional Development**Growth Opportunities