Data Infrastructure Engineer

Description
We are seeking a Data Infrastructure Engineer to build and operate the data platform that powers AI/ML analytics modules. You will design and implement scalable data ingestion pipelines, robust ETL/ELT, and a modern data lake / delta lake (lakehouse) on AWS. You'll also establish a managed metadata repository and governance layers (catalog, lineage, quality, access controls) and deliver automated cloud provisioning plus CI/CD for data pipelines to enable reliable, repeatable deployments across environments.
This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys platform building, automation, and enabling advanced analytics through trusted, well-governed data.
What You Will Do:
Build & Operate Data Pipelines (Batch + Streaming)
Design and implement batch and streaming ingestion from APIs, relational databases, file drops, event streams, and external partners.
Build and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines to produce curated, analytics-ready datasets for reporting and ML consumption.
Implement incremental processing patterns, change data capture (CDC) approaches where appropriate, and data contract standards.
Deliver a Modern Lakehouse (Data Lake / Delta Lake)
Build and manage a scalable lakehouse on AWS object storage (e.g., S3) using open table/file formats and delta/lakehouse concepts (e.g., ACID tables, schema evolution, time travel patterns).
Optimize performance and cost through partitioning, compaction, lifecycle policies, and efficient compute/storage usage.
Establish environment standards for dev/test/prod and consistent promotion across stages.
Metadata, Governance, Lineage & Quality (Trust Layer)
Implement a managed metadata repository for dataset cataloging, ownership, glossary/definitions, tagging, and discoverability.
Enable end-to-end lineage (source transformations consumption) to support auditability and impact analysis.
Implement governance controls including policy-based access, data classification, retention, and secure data handling.
Build operational data quality checks (freshness, completeness, validity, anomaly detection) and publish SLAs/SLOs.
AWS Automation + CI/CD for Data Pipelines
Implement automated cloud provisioning in AWS using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for consistent environments and secure-by-default baselines.
Build and enhance CI/CD for data pipelines, including automated tests, validation gates, promotion workflows, and rollback strategies.
Improve observability with metrics/logs/alerts, dashboards, runbooks, and incident response readiness.
Cross-Team Collaboration & Documentation
Work closely with engineering, security, networking, and application teams to support mission needs and delivery timelines.
Maintain high-quality engineering documentation including SOPs, system diagrams, and secure configuration baselines.
Summarize and present findings and recommendations-both written and verbal-to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Skills
data pipeline, data ingestion pipelines, lakehouse, AWS, SQL, metadata, data engineering, ci/cd, Databricks, git, Terraform, Jenkins, AWS Codepipeline
Top Skills Details
data pipeline, data ingestion pipelines, lakehouse,aws,sql, metadata, data engineering, ci/cd
Additional Skills & Qualifications
What You Will Need:
Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, IT, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of FOUR (4) years experience building production data pipelines and/or data platforms.
Strong experience implementing data ingestion and ETL/ELT workflows, including data modeling and transformation best practices.
Hands-on experience building a data lake / delta lake (lakehouse) on AWS (or equivalent cloud) using object storage and modern table formats/patterns.
Proficiency in SQL and one programming language commonly used for data engineering (Python preferred; Scala/Java acceptable).
Experience with metadata management and governance: cataloging, lineage, ownership, access controls, classification and policy enforcement.
Experience implementing automated AWS provisioning using IaC and operating across multiple environments.
Experience building or operating CI/CD pipelines for data workflows (testing, packaging, deployment automation, environment promotion).
Solid security fundamentals: IAM/least privilege, encryption, secrets management, secure SDLC practices.
What Would Be Nice To Have:
Hands-on experience with Databricks
Hands-on experience utilizing modern DevOps practices, including tools like Git, Terraform, Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, and Docker.
Experience utilizing AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Cursor, Kiro) to safely accelerate implementation while maintaining strict code quality through testing, code reviews, and security practices.
Knowledge graph and Graph RAG experience, including:
o Graph modeling and ontology/taxonomy alignment
o Entity resolution and relationship extraction
o Hybrid retrieval approaches combining gra
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Mc Lean, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.