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Contract Graduate Data Engineer Jobs in Virginia

This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award** The Data Engineer (DE) works with the Sponsor, Mission Partners, Platform and Operations team to engineer, install, operation, and sustain database ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

As a data engineer, you know that organizing data can yield pivotal insights when it's gathered ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Type: Contract * Job #3714 Title: Data Engineer Location: Chantilly, VA *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply * Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$77K - $176K/yr

Share Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

As a data engineer, you know that organizing data can yield pivotal insights when it's gathered ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site +1

$130K - $135K/yr

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Data Engineer to join our dynamic team as we continue to ... This is a full-time position supporting a current contract. This role offers you a unique ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$114K - $190K/yr

The Data Engineer will leverage their development skills and experience to support the successful ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$62K - $141K/yr

Share Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0241347 Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Herndon, VA

$141K - $236K/yr

The Data Engineer will leverage their expertise with Python to support the customer's data ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Data Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

As a data engineer, you know that organizing data can yield pivotal insights when it's gathered ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

Contract * Job #4009 Title: Data Engineer Location: Herndon, Virginia *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply * Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$62K - $141K/yr

Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Data Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

R0236455 Data Engineer The Opportunity: Ever-expanding technology like IoT, machine learning, and ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

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Contract Graduate Data Engineer information

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a Contract Graduate Data Engineer?

As a Contract Graduate Data Engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and transforming datasets, and assisting with data integration projects. You will often collaborate closely with data scientists, analysts, and senior engineers, giving you exposure to best practices in data architecture and analytics. The contract nature of the role offers the chance to quickly gain experience across different tools and technologies, which can be valuable for career growth. While you may face challenges adapting to fast-paced project timelines, you'll also benefit from mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities in a supportive team environment.

What are Contract Graduate Data Engineers?

Contract Graduate Data Engineers are early-career professionals who work on a temporary or project basis to help organizations manage, process, and analyze data. They typically have recently completed a degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, data science, or engineering. Their responsibilities may include building data pipelines, supporting data infrastructure, and working closely with data scientists and analysts. Contract roles allow graduates to gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and explore different industries while contributing to data-driven projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Graduate Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Graduate Data Engineer, you generally need a degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, as well as foundational knowledge in data structures, algorithms, and database management. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or SQL, experience with data processing tools such as Apache Spark, and knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS or Azure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and handling evolving project needs. These skills and qualities ensure accurate data handling, efficient workflow integration, and the ability to deliver valuable insights in dynamic contract-based environments.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Graduate Data Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Contract Graduate Data Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Graduate Data Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Graduate Data Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Graduate Data Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Graduate Data Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Graduate Data Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

$122K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 hours ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.


Job Title: Data Engineer
Location:Sterling, VA
Clearance:TS/SCI Poly

**This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award**

The Data Engineer (DE) works with the Sponsor, Mission Partners, Platform and Operations team to engineer, install, operation, and sustain database/repositories (data lake, lake house, specialized databases) to include the data lifecycle from acquisition and ingest through curation and disposition. The DE ensures the data collections are processed from time of delivery at the landing zone. The DE works with Mission Partners to support their metrics, analytics, and dissemination. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop and maintain data and metadata policies and procedures for structural design and development to build, maintain and leverage the unified data storage, data lake, and lake house. ensuring integration with SYSTEM data standards.
  • Engineer the design, development, deployment, implementation and support of major databases and metadata structures to include the review and evaluation of database performance and optimization.
  • Develop plans for, and tools to enhance, the transition of legacy data to the SYSTEM during install as well as transition of development and/or production environment to new technology
  • Recommend and plan server/ cloud compute/storage resource recapitalization for Sponsor consideration
  • Provide comprehensive assessments of the technical characteristics of proposed installations and alternatives considered to optimize database performance
  • Develop methods of ensuring data incompatibilities among systems are systematically eliminated
  • Diagnose, isolate and expediently resolve complex problems pertaining to data infrastructure
  • Baseline and forecast server performance data; refine server hardware and software configurations
  • Manage, monitor and administer database system performance/schedule activities; oversee daily performance; perform backups/restores; archive data; provide technical assistance and support
  • Monitor industry trends and directions in database technology and tools; develop and present substantive technical recommendations to the Sponsor.
  • Compose technical documents including Design, Deployment, System specifications and Mission Partner baselines, updates, user's manuals, training materials, installation guides, proposals, and reports.

Required Skills:

  • SQL: Proficiency in writing and executing SQL queries for data manipulation and analysis.
  • Data Modeling: Understanding of data modeling principles and ability to design data structures that meet business requirements.
  • ETL/ELT Processes: Experience with Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) or Extract, Load, and Transform (ELT) processes and tools.
  • Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
  • Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python or Java for data manipulation and scripting.
  • Data Warehousing: Understanding of data warehousing concepts and experience with data warehouse technologies.
  • Data Governance and Security: Knowledge of data governance principles and best practices for data security and privacy.

Desired Skills:

  • Big Data Technologies: Experience with technologies like Apache Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka.
  • Data Visualization: Ability to create data visualizations using tools like Tableau or Power BI.
  • Data Pipeline Orchestration: Experience with data pipeline orchestration tools like Airflow or Luigi.
  • Data Quality Tools: Familiarity with data quality tools and techniques for identifying and resolving data quality issues.
  • Data Wrangling: Experience with data wrangling techniques for cleaning, transforming, and preparing data for analysis.

Desired Certs:

  • AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
  • Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Data Engineer
  • IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate
  • IBM Data Warehouse Engineer Professional Certificate
  • Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate


Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.


Nightwingoffers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.


Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.