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Dea Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $155K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $155K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $155K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Expression is seeking a Data Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

Junior Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

The program is focused on replacing fragmented legacy investigative and case management ... The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. About the Company: Founded in 1997 and ...

Junior Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

The program is focused on replacing fragmented legacy investigative and case management ... The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. About the Company: Founded in 1997 and ...

The program is focused on replacing fragmented legacy investigative and case management ... The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. About the Company: Founded in 1997 and ...

Junior Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

The program is focused on replacing fragmented legacy investigative and case management ... The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. About the Company: Founded in 1997 and ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

The program will modernize DEA's investigative and case management environment through a centralized, secure, scalable platform supporting integrated workflows, data exchange, mobile capabilities ...

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Dea Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do dea investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for dea investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DEA investigator?

DEA Investigators, also known as Diversion Investigators, are federal law enforcement professionals who work for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Their primary role is to investigate and prevent the illegal diversion of controlled substances, such as prescription medications, into the illicit market. They conduct inspections, audits, and investigations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and manufacturers to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations. DEA Investigators also gather evidence, prepare reports, and may testify in court cases related to drug diversion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DEA investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DEA Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong investigative skills, and typically federal law enforcement training. Familiarity with surveillance technology, case management systems, and firearms proficiency—often supported by certifications like the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)—is essential. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong interpersonal communication skills set outstanding investigators apart. These skills ensure thorough, lawful investigations and effective collaboration in combating drug-related crimes.

What are some common challenges faced by DEA investigators during investigations, and how are they typically addressed?

DEA Investigators often encounter challenges such as working with limited or sensitive information, conducting surveillance in high-risk environments, and coordinating with multiple agencies. These challenges are typically managed through rigorous training, adherence to established protocols, and frequent collaboration with colleagues in law enforcement and legal departments. Investigators also rely on advanced technology and strong communication skills to ensure that investigations are thorough, safe, and legally compliant. Maintaining flexibility and discretion is essential due to the sensitive nature of the cases.

What is the difference between Dea Investigator vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectDea InvestigatorForensic Scientist
Required CredentialsDEA Agent Certification, Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related fieldDegree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, field investigations, undercover workLaboratories, crime scene analysis, research settings
Employer & IndustryDrug enforcement agencies, federal and state law enforcementCrime labs, forensic laboratories, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on drug investigations, law enforcement proceduresFocuses on scientific analysis of evidence

Dea Investigators primarily conduct drug-related investigations within law enforcement agencies, often working in the field and requiring law enforcement credentials. Forensic Scientists analyze physical evidence in labs, focusing on scientific methods. While both roles deal with crime evidence, Dea Investigators are more involved in enforcement and fieldwork, whereas Forensic Scientists specialize in scientific analysis.

How do you become a DEA investigator?

To become a DEA investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant law enforcement experience, and must pass a background check, physical fitness test, and drug test. Applicants often need to complete specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and meet age and citizenship requirements. Prior experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields can be advantageous.

How much do DEA investigators make?

DEA investigators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and rank. They often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, and may require specialized training and security clearances.

How to become a DEA investigator?

To become a DEA investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant law enforcement experience, and must pass a background check, physical fitness test, and drug test. Prior experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields is often required, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Applicants must also complete specialized training at the DEA Academy.
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What cities are hiring for Dea Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Dea Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Dea Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dea Investigator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Dea Investigator jobs?

For Dea Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dea Investigator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Data Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA • On-site

Hatch IT
11 - 50 employees

$131K - $158K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

hatch I.T. is partnering with Expression to find aData Engineer. See details below:

About The Role:

Expression is seeking aData Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. This program is focused on modernizing DEA's case management capabilities and creating a centralized, secure, scalable ecosystem supporting law enforcement, investigative, forensic, and intelligence missions.

The Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines supporting the ingestion, transformation, migration, validation, and integration of structured and unstructured data. This position will contribute to the modernization and migration of DEA legacy data while helping ensure data is accurate, consistent, secure, and prepared to support analytics and emerging AI/ML capabilities.

Location and Clearance:
  • Clearance: Top Secret (SCI) required.
  • Location: Arlington, VA. The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters.
About the Company:

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression's "Perpetual Innovation" culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for their clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with their clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable ETL pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and loading structured and unstructured datasets.
  • Support large-scale migration of legacy data into the modernized DEA investigative and case management ecosystem.
  • Analyze complex data structures and source-to-target mappings to identify opportunities for workflow optimization and automation.
  • Implement data cleaning, standardization, validation, classification, and transformation processes to improve data quality and consistency.
  • Monitor and ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity across systems and platforms.
  • Implement data migration strategies supporting application modernization and transitions across platforms and cloud environments.
  • Develop and execute data validation processes and checkpoints throughout data migration activities.
  • Collaborate with analysts, data scientists, developers, and business partners to translate requirements into effective data engineering solutions.
  • Support data interoperability and exchange across integrated systems.
  • Monitor pipeline performance, troubleshoot operational issues, and improve reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
  • Support data preparation and tagging activities needed for analytics and AI/ML use cases.
  • Participate in Agile development activities, including sprint planning, stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
  • Document data flows, source-to-target mappings, transformation logic, validation processes, and operational procedures.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree on STEM fields and 2+ years of professional experience.
  • Hands-on experience with data analysis, ETL development, and data migration.
  • Proficiency in SQL, including complex queries, data transformations, and performance tuning.
  • Familiarity with Python for data manipulation, scripting, and workflow automation.
  • Experience with ETL frameworks or orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow, Talend, dbt, or similar technologies.
  • Understanding of data warehousing principles, including dimensional modeling and staging architectures.
  • Exposure to cloud-based data platforms such as AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery, Azure SQL, or similar environments.
  • Ability to perform data profiling, validation, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis.
  • Ability to clearly document technical processes, data mappings, and transformation logic.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, analysts, developers, and business stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
  • Knowledge of big-data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, or other distributed-processing frameworks.
  • Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker.
  • Familiarity with Git or similar version-control systems.
  • Experience designing automated data workflows or integrating workflow-orchestration tools.Experience supporting large-scale data migration or application-modernization initiatives.
  • Experience working in Agile development environments.
  • Experience supporting Federal Government programs or systems.
Benefits:

Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:

  • 401k matching
  • PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Education reimbursement
  • Complimentary life insurance
  • Generous PTO and holiday leave
  • Onsite office gym access
  • Commuter Benefits Plan
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