Junior Data Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Job Summary
The Junior Data Engineer supports system-specific implementations that enable enterprise ingestion by assisting in the design, build, and operation of automated metadata harvesting pipelines that populate DHA-EDC content on reliable schedules.

This role focuses on hands-on engineering using SQL/Python/R to develop connectors and extraction scripts, implement validation rules, and configure refresh frequencies to support completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of harvested metadata.

Working closely (in-person and virtually) with source system SMEs, the Junior Data Engineer helps safely extract metadata from authorized sources and escalates tool constraints and design decisions to Architects within the approved architecture.
In support of an automated metadata harvesting and documentation, this role contributes to building and orchestrating metadata extraction pipelines to ensure timely population of DHA-EDC content.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in engineering metadata harvesting pipelines (SQL/Python/R), connectors, validation rules, and refresh frequencies for system-specific implementations supporting enterprise ingestion.

• Collaborates in-person/virtually with source system SMEs to safely extract metadata from relevant sources and validate results during review cycles.

• Supports implementation and testing of automated metadata harvesting tools and ETL/ingestion workflows to enable real-time or scheduled extraction.

• Implements validation checks to help measure metadata completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, including coverage reporting and issue flagging for remediation.

• Participates in defect triage and troubleshooting for failed harvest runs, refresh delays, or validation errors; documents findings and supports re-runs after fixes.

• Co-develops the metadata harvesting plan with Architects and program stakeholders; translates requirements into build tasks and technical documentation.

• Produces and maintains technical documentation for pipelines, connector configurations, validation logic, and refresh schedules to support sustainment and knowledge transfer.

What you will need:

• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST". Candidates with an ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE OR PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred. Ability to meet the project's client security and access requirements.

• Bachelor's degree obtained

• 3 years of experience (or strong internship/coop experience) in data engineering, ETL/ELT, or pipeline development using SQL and Python.

• Working proficiency in SQL and Python; familiarity with R is a plus for statistical validation and profiling.

• Familiarity with building or supporting connectors/extractors (e.g., relational sources, APIs, file-based repositories) and running scheduled jobs.

• Ability to collaborate with technical SMEs and follow structured validation and documentation processes.

• Once onboard with Guidehouse, new hire MUST be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "Secret" security clearance.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document technical work clearly and escalate issues appropriately.

What Would Be Nice to Have:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

• Exposure to metadata/catalog patterns (e.g., metadata harvesting, catalog population concepts, lineage/semantic discovery concepts).

• Hands on experience performing data engineering related to metadata harvesting efforts.

• Hands on experience with leading data cataloging solutions such as Collibra, Alation, Unity Catalog, Azure Purview, or AWS Glue.

• Experience supporting testing/validation workflows (e.g., rule-based checks, completeness/accuracy/timeliness metrics, defect tracking).

• Familiarity working in Agile delivery teams and using backlog/issue tracking tools.

• Prior experience in federal health, healthcare.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Basic Life & Supplemental Life

• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Student Loan PayDown

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities

• Skills Development & Certifications

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program

• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.