Zero Trust Data Engineer - Sr. (5426) (TS/SCI) (Ft. Belvoir, VA )

SMX is seeking a Senior Zero Trust Data Engineer to join a team of highly driven, supportive, and skilled professionals engaged in supporting clients across INSCOM programs. For this role, SMX is seeking a skilled professional to develop and manage distributed, parallel data processing pipelines that support Zero Trust (ZT) principles. This role involves end-to-end responsibility for critical data workflows, including establishing data connections, parsing and normalizing data, mapping and modeling structures, enriching datasets, and integrating with advanced data analytics platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in scalable data engineering and a keen understanding of secure, reliable information handling in complex environments.

This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and manage distributed parallel data processing pipelines, which include but is not limited to processes such as establishing data connections, data parsing, data normalization, data mapping and modeling, data enrichment, and integration with data analytics, supporting ZT principles.

Operate and maintain the data processing pipelines in accordance with the availability requirements of the platform. Handle all stages, including data connections, parsing, normalization, mapping, modeling, enrichment, and integration with analytics platforms.

Collaborate cross-functionally with software engineers, data scientists, intel analysts, and customers to ensure data processing pipelines meet military requirements.

Communicate clearly and effectively with teammates, customers, and external partners.

Prepare written and verbal communications on analyses, findings, and project progress.

Update technical documentation such as system design documentation (SDD); standard operating procedures (SOPs); and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); and training material.

Collaborate with functional area Data Stewards and other ZT Pillars to explore data flow mapping tools.

Identify automated data tagging/labeling solutions and assist with market research to evaluate their capabilities, scalability, and alignment with organizational requirements.

Coordinate with Data Governance CME and Automation Pillar Lead, test integration of data and attribute-based access into Policy Decision Points (PDP) and Policy Enforcement Points (PEP).

Required Skills, Experience & Education

Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with eligibility for SCI and NATO read-on before starting work.

Security+ certification

Master's degree in a discipline covered under Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 8 years' experience as a data engineer OR a bachelor's degree in a discipline covered under Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) with 10 years' experience as a data engineer.

8+ years' experience in cybersecurity, systems engineering, or information technology, with significant project delivery for large, complex organizations.

8 years' experience with distributed parallel streaming and batch data processing pipelines.

8 years' experience with Python, Java, or other programming languages.

8 years' experience applying agile methodologies to the data engineering part of a system development life cycle (SDLC).

8 years' experience with developing, operating, and maintaining data processing pipelines in a classified environment.

8 years' experience integrating with data SDKs / APIs and data analytics SDKs / APIs.

8 years' experience with data mapping, modeling, enriching, and correlating classified data.

8 years' experience with the identification and duplication of data sources and record types to meet military requirements.

8 years' experience with Git repositories and CI/CD pipelines. Examples include but are not limited to GitHub and GitLab.

Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user (PU) account on a government information system prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01.

Desired Skills/Experience

Experience integrating with Army Intel information systems and record types

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

AWS Certified Security – Specialty or equivalent cloud certifications

Application Deadline: July 13, 2026

#CJPOST

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what's possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).