Job Description
Data Engineer - Senior
Reston, VA, United States (On-site)
Job Title: Data Engineer - Senior
Job Code: ITS954
Location: Reston, VA
Reports to: Program Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority
Prepared Date: 9/18/2026
A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.
Summary:
Cherokee Strategic Edge is seeking a Data Engineer to support Defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific research, and contribute to the DIE's integrated all-source analysis of foreign defense capabilities for warfighters, Defense planners and policymakers.
Responsibilities:
• Designs, implements, and operates data management systems for intelligence needs.
• Designs how data will be stored, accessed, used, integrated, and managed by different data regimes and digital systems.
• Works with data users to determine, create, and populate optimal data architectures, structures, and systems.
• Plans, designs, and optimizes data throughput and query performance.
• Participates in the selection of backend database technologies (e.g.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary Range for Data Engineer - Senior: $150,000 - $175,000
Benefits That Set Us Apart
When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.
Highlights include:
• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection
Because taking care of our employees isn't just a promise, it's part of who we are.
Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.
Basic Qualifications:
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the labor category activities required to meet mission requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate understanding from information that may be incomplete, indirect, highly complex, seemingly unrelated, and / or technically advanced.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate and work with other IC members on information sharing, driving collection, and addressing analytic disputes and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrates ability to develop concise, insightful, and comprehensive products for defense intelligence.
• Demonstrates ability to guide teams in researching multifaceted or critical problems.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Counterintelligence polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required Counterintelligence polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years preferred
• Master's Degree in a related field preferred
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.
