Koniag Professional Services, LLC is seeking an experienced Data Engineer/Data Project Lead HQ to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in managing complex data infrastructure, systems integration, and data project execution supporting federal discretionary grants administration. This senior-level position is responsible for overseeing and leading large and complex projects within an organization, managing project portfolios, defining project strategies, leading project teams, ensuring project quality, and managing project risks. The Data Engineer/Data Project Lead HQ may provide strategic direction, mentor junior project managers, and collaborate with executive stakeholders to achieve project goals. This role requires a high level of autonomy, leadership, and decision-making in driving project success. The Data Engineer/Data Project Lead HQ will lead strategic data initiatives and provide hands-on technical leadership for complex federal grants administration systems. Principal responsibilities will include but are not limited to: • Lead all data projects using Agile methodologies while supervising Data Analysts, Data Visualization Specialists, Data Management Specialists, and Data Entry Support Specialists, providing technical leadership, mentorship, performance evaluations, and resource allocation aligned with team strengths • Manage project portfolios, define project strategies, ensure project quality, and manage project risks and dependencies; collaborate with executive stakeholders to achieve project goals • Design, develop, and maintain data infrastructure including pipelines, ETL processes, APIs, data warehousing solutions, and cloud-based architectures (AWS, Azure) using Python, SQL, serverless technologies, and automated testing frameworks • Develop workflow-tracking solutions that integrate data from multiple federal systems (HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions, TTA Hub), including automated notifications, and implement data governance to ensure compliance with federal security standards and validate data quality • Create solutions to generate standardized documentation, such as templates and funding guidance letters, by efficiently producing and populating documents and integrating data from other systems • Communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences, translate business requirements into technical solutions, facilitate Agile ceremonies, manage project risks and dependencies, and provide timely status reporting • Create comprehensive documentation, including technical specifications, data dictionaries, system architecture diagrams, user guides, and runbooks, to support knowledge transfer and system sustainability • Identify automation opportunities, recommend system improvements, evaluate emerging technologies, apply AI appropriately within federal policies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement • Maintain version control with GitHub, use Docker for containerization, implement CI/CD pipelines, and ensure 99.9% system uptime and high availability • Travel within and outside the Region to conduct site visits, attend meetings, conferences, and training Education and Experience Required: • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Data Engineering, or related field from an accredited college or university • At least 10 years of relevant and progressive post-baccalaureate professional experience directly related to database design, ETL processes, data warehousing, and developing, implementing, and managing/improving complex, high-profile, multi-faceted data projects • Minimum 3 years of progressive supervisory experience leading technical teams • Demonstrated proficiency/experience in successfully developing, implementing, and managing/improving complex, high-profile, multi-faceted data projects • Proven track record delivering complex data projects on time and within budget • U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States Required Skills and Competencies: • Demonstrated ability to coach team members effectively • Demonstrated proficiency to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing • Demonstrated proficiency in database design, ETL processes, and data warehousing • SQL and programming language proficiency, with expert knowledge particularly in Python • API development and integration expertise • Experience integrating data from various federal systems using efficient processes, including building data pipelines, using APIs, and leveraging federal data layers • Creating workflow and task-tracking solutions supporting federal priorities including monitoring applications, complaints, inquiries, incidents, corrective actions, program requests, enrollment reports, activities related to the Full Enrollment Initiative, hires, waivers, monitoring, staff rosters, and correspondence • Data governance and security knowledge, with the ability to ensure compliance with federal security standards • Proven ability to address team member and client concerns and resolve problems effectively • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and web-based collaboration tools • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately • Ability to pass required background investigations for access to federal facilities and systems • Willingness to complete mandatory training requirements • Availability to travel within and outside the Region as needed Security Requirement: • Ability to obtain a Public Trust Desired Skills and Competencies: • Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Data Engineering, or related field • At least 1 year of experience in early childhood education and/or Head Start programs (highly preferred) • Federal information systems experience preferred • Application of AI in data pipelines preferred • Experience with early childhood education and/or Head Start programs • Cloud platform expertise: AWS, Azure • Proficiency with Docker, Confluence • Database systems: PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle • Project Management certifications in Agile/Scrum methodologies • Version control systems: GitHub experience • CI/CD pipeline implementation experience • Experience with containerization and serverless technologies • Automated testing frameworks knowledge • Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in federal contexts