Junior Data Engineer

Zel Technologies is seeking a Junior Data Engineer to provide technical support for data informatics, management, and curation of biologically oriented data sets used in a web-based application for Intelligence Community data discovery and RFIs. In this onsite role in Charlottesville, VA, you will help organize repositories, compile metadata, and support the end-to-end preparation of verified datasets for client-facing workflows.

You will also coordinate with clients, fellow curators, and software developers, using GitLab to track tasks, documentation, and curation status updates. The position requires an active clearance and the ability to pass required background and drug screening checks.

Responsibilities

• Manage, curate, and review internal and external biologically oriented repository data sets that include scientific reports and intelligence information.
• Prepare and upload verified data sets into a web-based IC application to enable data discovery and support critical RFIs.
• Review acquired materials to identify, compile, and document relevant metadata for multiple complex data sets.
• Maintain, navigate, and optimize structured folder systems where data repositories are organized and stored.
• Use GitLab to manage tasking via issues, update curation statuses, and maintain team SOPs, weekly updates, and workflows on GitLab wiki pages.
• Serve as a central communication link on-site, collaborating closely with clients, fellow curators, and software developers.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must hold an active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with CI Poly.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of a degree, 4+ years of relevant data management experience.
• Proven experience working with complex folder data structures.
• Proven experience compiling and reviewing metadata from diverse data sets.
• Hands-on experience using GitLab for task management (issues) and wiki documentation and coordination.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of biological or life sciences.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) preferred in life sciences or a data management-related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience working within Department of Defense (DOD) contracting environments.
• 1+ years of direct experience working on data management or data curation projects.

Technology

• GitLab
• GitLab wiki

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Location: Charlottesville, VA (onsite). Compensation: USD 100,000 - 107,000 per year. Minimum experience: 2 years.