Junior Data Engineer

BigBear.ai is seeking a motivated Junior Data Engineer to help build and maintain data pipelines, database integrations, and data quality processes. This onsite role in Norfolk, VA supports data engineering activities aligned to government and national security missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving data pipelines and ETL processes to ingest, transform, validate, and deliver data from multiple source systems.
• Write, maintain, and optimize SQL queries for data retrieval, transformation, validation, and analysis across relational databases.
• Support data integration by connecting source systems, developing data imports, and helping automate recurring data transfers and reporting processes.
• Conduct data quality checks, audits, and reconciliations to identify inconsistencies and maintain data integrity.
• Assist with database development and maintenance, including schema documentation, query optimization, data organization, and performance monitoring.
• Support cloud-based data engineering and integration activities using AWS, Databricks, and other approved enterprise platforms.
• Develop and maintain data dictionaries, technical documentation, dataflow diagrams, and standard operating procedures to improve data discoverability and usability.
• Support metadata and data inventory management to improve data governance, traceability, and standardization across systems.
• Assist in developing and maintaining reports, dashboards, and data products for technical teams and leadership.
• Support secure data access and handling practices, including user permissions, access controls, and protection of sensitive information.
• Collaborate with software developers, data analysts, and cross-functional teams to troubleshoot data issues and deliver incremental improvements using Agile development practices.
• Contribute to process automation and continuous improvement efforts to reduce manual work and improve processing efficiency and confidence in enterprise data.

Required Qualifications

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Analytics, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in data analysis, data engineering, database support, ETL development, reporting, or data integration.
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases, including the ability to write queries to retrieve, manipulate, and validate data.
• Familiarity with data imports, ETL processes, data transformations, or integrations between multiple source systems.
• Experience performing data validation, quality assurance, auditing, reconciliation, or similar activities to improve accuracy and reliability.
• Basic understanding of database structures, data relationships, query performance, and data management principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and the ability to investigate and resolve data discrepancies.
• Ability to document technical processes, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate with technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team environment, learn new tools and technologies, and support multiple data-related priorities.

Technologies

• SQL, AWS, Databricks, Microsoft SQL Server, Power BI, Tableau, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), Python, R

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to AWS, Databricks, or other cloud-based data platforms.
• Experience with Microsoft SQL Server, Databricks, or other relational database technologies.
• Familiarity with data governance, metadata management, data inventories, data dictionaries, or data cataloging.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), or other reporting and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with Python, R, or scripting used to support data processing and automation.
• Experience integrating data across enterprise applications, databases, file transfers, or external data sources.
• Understanding of data security, access management, regulatory compliance, or handling sensitive information.
• Exposure to Agile software development, IT service management, or collaborative development environments.
• Interest in supporting government, defense, critical infrastructure, or other mission-focused data environments.

Education and Experience

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience and 3 years minimum of relevant experience, with a target range of 3-5 years.

Location

Norfolk, VA (onsite)