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New Grad Data Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

Support EOFY Management data engineering activities, including ETL pauses, point-in-time reporting, database archival, population locking, and validation of new fiscal year reporting; coordinate with ...

Palantir Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$117K - $140K/yr

We develop new tools, code, and services to execute data engineering activities. Our engineers work to collect, process, and feed analytic tools, turning data into intelligence in response to ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$114K - $190K/yr

The Data Engineer will leverage their development skills and experience to support the successful ... Developing custom solutions or code to ingest and exploit new and existing data sources.

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50/hr

Data Engineer Location: Remote - close to one of the corporate offices in McLean, VA, Dallas, TX or ... Understand project requirements and support both new and existing data systems within the ...

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$114K - $190K/yr

The Data Engineer will leverage their development skills and experience to support the successful ... Developing custom solutions or code to ingest and exploit new and existing data sources.

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$117K - $140K/yr

Closure Technologies is seeking a Data Engineer that will leverage their development skills and ... Developing custom solutions/code to ingest and exploit new and existing data sources * Developing ...

Enterprise Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$117K - $140K/yr

We develop new tools, code, and services to execute data engineering activities. Our engineers work to collect, process, and feed analytic tools, turning data into intelligence in response to ...

New

Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$114K - $190K/yr

The Data Engineer will leverage their development skills and experience to support the successful ... Developing custom solutions or code to ingest and exploit new and existing data sources.

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

We are looking for more than just a "Data Engineer", but a technologist with excellent ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA

$125K - $160K/yr

We are looking for seasoned Data Engineer to work with our team and our clients to develop ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$125K - $160K/yr

We are looking for more than just a "Data Engineer", but a technologist with excellent ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Palantir Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$117K - $140K/yr

Data Engineer will also develop new tools, code, and services to execute data engineering activities involving data of varying types and in varying conditions. Responsibilities * Movement of ...

New

Palantir Data Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$117K - $140K/yr

Data Engineer will also develop new tools, code, and services to execute data engineering activities involving data of varying types and in varying conditions. Responsibilities * Movement of ...

New

Forward Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

The Forward Data Engineer will design and optimize data pipelines, ensure data integrity, and ... new environment and other services. • Provide support that may include administration and ...

Forward Data Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

The Forward Data Engineer role involves designing and optimizing data pipelines, ensuring data ... new environment and other services. • Provide support that may include administration and ...

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Showing results 1-20

New Grad Data Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$44.1K

$128.6K

$176K

How much do new grad data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad data engineer in Virginia is $128,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $136,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the New Grad Data Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad Data Engineer, you need a strong grasp of programming languages like Python or SQL, a background in computer science or a related field, and an understanding of data modeling and database concepts. Familiarity with data engineering tools such as ETL pipelines, cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, and certifications in these areas can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure you can effectively handle complex data tasks, collaborate with technical teams, and adapt to evolving technologies in a fast-paced environment.

What does the typical day look like for a New Grad Data Engineer?

As a New Grad Data Engineer, your day often involves writing and optimizing code for data pipelines, cleaning and transforming data, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. You’ll work closely with senior data engineers, data scientists, and sometimes business stakeholders to understand data requirements and deliver reliable solutions. Many entry-level roles emphasize learning and professional growth, so you can expect regular mentorship, code reviews, and opportunities to work on small components of larger projects. Over time, you’ll take on more complex responsibilities and contribute to the overall data infrastructure of your organization.

What is a New Grad Data Engineer job?

A New Grad Data Engineer is an entry-level role for recent graduates who focus on designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure. They work with databases, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and big data technologies to ensure efficient data flow and storage. Typically, they collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and software engineers to support data-driven decision-making. This role requires knowledge of SQL, Python, and cloud platforms, along with problem-solving and analytical skills. It is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in data engineering while learning industry best practices.

What job categories do people searching New Grad Data Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Data Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for New Grad Data Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most New Grad Data Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various New Grad Data Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,604 per year, or $61.8 per hour.
Data Engineer

Data Engineer

Unissant

Herndon, VA • On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Unissant, Inc. delivers innovative capabilities to the agencies that keep our nation healthy and safe. We apply our domain expertise, data acumen, and technology know-how to achieve breakthrough results for our clients. Working collaboratively, we advance missions and careers through a focus on honesty, integrity, and dependability. We continuously look for talent, excited to join that effort. To learn more about our exciting organization, please visit us at www.unissant.com.
We are seeking a Data Engineer to join our team in Washington, DC, in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Law Enforcement Systems and Analysis (LESA) program within the Statistical Tracking Unit (STU)
The STU serves as ICE's official statistical reporting unit, ensuring accountability, consistency, and accuracy in the reporting of ICE operations. STU maintains critical reports and queries, supports congressional and interagency data requests, FOIA responses, litigation needs, and continuous reporting improvements through the ICE Integrated Decision Support System (IIDS) and ENFORCE. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in data pipeline development, batch and streaming architecture, data modeling, and cloud data platforms to provide the infrastructure foundation that enables STU analysts and data scientists to deliver accurate and timely statistical reporting.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines using ETL and ELT patterns to ingest, transform, and deliver data from ICE systems of record, including ENFORCE, IIDS, and related sources, to analytical and operational targets.
  • Develop and manage batch processing and real-time streaming data workflows using Apache Kafka and Apache Spark to support STU reporting cycles, including daily, weekly, and EOFY deliverables.
  • Implement and maintain dimensional data models using Star schema and Snowflake schema patterns to support STU statistical reporting, congressional deliverables, and machine learning workloads.
  • Build, configure, and manage cloud data platform infrastructure on AWS, GCP, and/or Azure, including data lakes, data warehouses, and serverless processing, consistent with FedRAMP and DHS and ICE data governance standards.
  • Create and maintain datasets, databases, automations, and reporting tools using SQL, Python, R, VBA, Databricks, Oracle OBIEE or OAS, and UiPath, as requested by federal stakeholders.
  • Facilitate the review, storage, and integration of data into ICE's various data analytics and engineering environments; perform ETL operations to transform raw data into formats suitable for STU analysts and data scientists.
  • Implement automated data quality reviews for data collected through ERO reporting and LESA reconciliation processes; ensure accuracy of data uploaded to UIP DQI Verify.
  • Design data pipelines with appropriate controls for fairness, transparency, and security while protecting sensitive law enforcement data in accordance with DHS privacy and data governance requirements.
  • Provide ad hoc after-hours support with data analytics and programming skills, including SQL, Python, R, VBA, Databricks, OAS, and UiPath, to support STU and DQI emergency taskings as requested.
  • Support EOFY Management data engineering activities, including ETL pauses, point-in-time reporting, database archival, population locking, and validation of new fiscal year reporting; coordinate with ITM OCIO on technical logistics.
  • Design and build data pipelines ensuring scalable, accurate data flow from multiple sources to data warehouses or lakes; design systems capable of handling large volumes of data as ICE reporting needs grow.
  • Complete documentation on data engineering practices, including standard operating procedures and continuity guides; provide training and support to STU users on data management tools and best practices.
  • Develop and execute User Acceptance Tests to validate enhancements to reporting databases and supporting tools; deliver UAT results at least monthly per release schedule.

Work Experience and Job Skills:
  • 3-10 years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or a closely related discipline, preferably supporting federal government, law enforcement, or high-accountability reporting environments.
  • Demonstrated expertise in data pipeline design using ETL and ELT methodologies, managing end-to-end data flows across government systems of record.
  • Hands-on experience with batch and streaming data processing using Apache Kafka and Apache Spark.
  • Proficiency in data modeling using Star schema and Snowflake schema for data warehousing and statistical reporting workloads.
  • Experience with cloud data platforms on at least one major provider, including AWS Glue, Redshift, S3, Lambda; GCP BigQuery, Dataflow, Pub/Sub; or Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and Event Hubs.
  • Strong SQL skills; Python and/or R proficiency; experience with Databricks, Oracle OBIEE or OAS, VBA, and/or UiPath preferred.
  • Experience with ICE or DHS systems, including ENFORCE, IIDS, UIP, OBIEE or OAS, is a strong plus.
  • Familiarity with data quality frameworks, metadata management, data cataloging, and FedRAMP-authorized or classified cloud environments.
  • Ability to meet strict, high-accuracy delivery deadlines consistent with STU standard operating procedures and FOUO and LES data handling requirements.

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree required. Preferred fields include Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Master's Degree in a relevant technical discipline preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
  • Cloud data engineering certifications strongly preferred, including AWS Certified Data Engineer, Google Professional Data Engineer, or Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate.
  • Apache Kafka, Spark, or Databricks certifications are a plus.

Communication Skills:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate data engineering findings and pipeline designs to both technical staff and non-technical federal stakeholders.
  • Ability to produce timely, accurate, and error-free deliverables consistent with FOUO and LES requirements and STU standard operating procedures.

Clearance Requirements:
  • Active ICE clearance required; preference for candidates currently cleared or cleared within the last two years.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required clearance level is a condition of employment.

Travel:
  • Minimal travel expected.
  • On-site in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

Environmental Requirements:
  • Work is primarily performed in a routine office environment.
  • May be required to lift up to ten (10) pounds.
  • Must be flexible and available to work extended hours as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual or individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Unissant management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.
Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre-employment screening.
Unissant, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE; M/F/Disability/Vets).