Data Engineer (TS/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Data Engineer to support a newly funded program in San Diego, CA. This position is fully on‑site and requires an active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to pass a CI polygraph within 6 months. The Systems Engineer will support the full lifecycle of fielded C2 and weapon systems, lead design and development activities, generate engineering documentation, and work directly with customers in a technical capacity. This role supports a long‑term program funded through 2030.

Work Environment:

• On‑site in San Diego, CA within secure classified facilities. Requires minimum 75% on‑site presence. Travel up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS may be required based on mission needs.
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with customers in a hands‑on technical role, supporting system deployment and implementation planning.
• Lead system design and development activities, producing engineering artifacts, documentation, and technical reports.
• Apply systems engineering principles across all phases of the system lifecycle to ensure program success.
• Prepare and deliver detailed reports, technical briefings, and stakeholder presentations.
• Contribute technical content and tutorials to product documentation and engineering knowledge bases.
• Stay current with emerging technologies including automated testing, distributed databases, software‑defined networking, container orchestration, and DevSecOps.
• Support distributed systems and tools such as Hadoop, HBase/Accumulo, Spark, and Kafka.
• Utilize and automate tools including Puppet, Ansible, Terraform, Bash, PowerShell, and Python.
• Apply strong cybersecurity best practices including secure shell, public‑key encryption, TLS, certificate management, access control, and DoD/IC security processes.
• Provide software sustainment guidance including configuration management processes and documentation.
• Use Agile management tools (Jira, Confluence, GitLab) to represent accurate work status and progress.
• Work on‑site within classified facilities; limited remote work only with explicit sponsor approval.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Network Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 -10 years of experience in systems engineering and implementation of engineering principles in professional environments.
• Experience with automation and infrastructure tools such as Puppet, Ansible, Terraform, Bash, PowerShell, and Python.
• Background in automating runtime environments, troubleshooting complex interface systems, and supporting network equipment.
• Experience with distributed systems and data platforms including Hadoop, Accumulo/HBase, Spark, and Kafka.
• Strong understanding of security best practices including encryption, PKI, access control, and DoD/IC compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain organization, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required or ability to obtain one; CI polygraph or ability to pass within 6 months.
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience generating engineering artifacts using Visio, CAD, or similar tools.
• Background in documenting repeatable technical instructions and procedures.
• Familiarity with lab environments, IT equipment, and enterprise‑level software configuration management.
  
  

Compensation:

• Pay range: $140,000 - $190,000 (Based on years of relevant experience)
  
  

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave.
  
  

Application Period: Opens on 02/23/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.