We are actively hiring a Secret or Top Secret/ TS/SCI-cleared
Apache Spark Developer to support NGA's Data Modernization Services (DMS) mission by building and optimizing large-scale data processing pipelines. This role focuses on developing high-performance Spark applications within a containerized, Kubernetes-based environment, supporting mission analytics, data exploitation, and AI/ML integration. The ideal candidate thrives in distributed data environments, understands performance tuning deeply, and can operate effectively in secure, air-gapped systems.
This role is on-site/flexible hours in Herndon, VA; Springfield, VA; St. Louis, MO; or Aurora, CO.
Clearance Required for this role: TS/SCI with willingness/ability to obtain/maintain Counterintelligence Polygraph
Core Technology Stack Data / Processing
- Apache Spark (PySpark, Scala)
- Delta Lake, Parquet
- Structured Streaming
Infrastructure
- Kubernetes (execution environment)
- Docker
Storage / Cloud (Abstracted)
- S3 / object storage
- AWS / GCP / Azure (environment-dependent)
DevOps (Exposure Level)
Languages
- Python (PySpark)
- Scala (preferred)
- Bash / scripting
Key Responsibilities - Design, develop, and maintain Apache Spark pipelines (batch and streaming) using PySpark and/or Scala
- Process and transform large-scale datasets using modern data lake architectures (Delta Lake, Parquet)
- Optimize Spark jobs for performance, including:
o Partitioning strategies
o Shuffle optimization
o Memory tuning
o File sizing and storage efficiency
- Implement Structured Streaming pipelines for near real-time data processing
- Develop and deploy Spark applications within containerized environments (Docker)
- Execute workloads in Kubernetes clusters, supporting scalable and distributed processing
- Integrate Spark pipelines with downstream systems, including:
o Analytics platforms (SQL, notebooks)
o AI/ML workflows and feature engineering pipelines
- Support data ingestion and storage in object-based systems (e.g., S3-compatible storage)
- Troubleshoot data pipeline failures and ensure reliability in mission-critical environments
- Operate within secure, air-gapped environments, including:
o Managing dependencies without internet access
o Working within controlled network and security constraints
Required Qualifications: - TS/SCI (eligibility) with ability/willingness to obtain/maintain counterintelligence polygraph
- Bachelor's degree plus 5 years• experience in data engineering or Spark development (will entertain additional years• experience in lieu of degree)
- Strong hands-on experience with:
o Apache Spark or Enterprise Java Developer
o Python (PySpark)
o Data processing at scale
o Parquet and/or Delta Lake
o Distributed data systems
o Docker / containerization
o Kubernetes (basic to intermediate experience)
- Experience with object storage systems (e.g., S3 or equivalent)
- Strong troubleshooting and performance tuning skills
- Proficiency in Bash or scripting
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with Scala for Spark development
- Experience with Structured Streaming in production environments
- Familiarity with Iceberg or lakehouse architectures
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git)
- Exposure to Terraform or Infrastructure as Code
- Experience supporting AI/ML data pipelines
- Prior experience supporting NGA, IC, or DoD programs
Pay range dependent on geolocation for candidate.
An approximate salary range for this position is $150,000-$275000. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Some of our benefits include:
- Generous PTO plus 11 Federal Holidays
- Retirement Planning • 401k Fully Vested with Match
- Tuition Assistance Program • Annual contributions to help you pay down your loans
- Annual Health and Wellness Allowance • buy an Apple Watch, a treadmill, or hit the gym on us
- Career Development • Annual Funds to spend on Education and Training
- Volunteer Time Off • Annually, all employees can spend 8 hours directly supporting a charity of choice
- Charitable Match • ABSC matches an employee's donation to a qualifying charity
- Referral Program • We pay for internal and external referrals!
- LOV Awards • Earn bonus awards throughout the year from our Living Our Values awards program
Apply to join our team today! We are always looking to grow our team - if you know someone who is seeking a new career opportunity, please share this job opening with them! ABSC offers generous external referral bonuses. You don't need to be an employee to benefit from our Referral Program!
