Data Science Engineer Databricks/PostgreSQL

We are an East Coast government contracting firm supporting mission-critical modernization efforts for a major U.S. Government agency. As a Data Science Engineer, you will design, optimize, and maintain high-performance data platforms that combine Databricks lakehouse capabilities with robust PostgreSQL database administration in a secure AWS environment. This senior role drives data modernization, analytics, and reliable data delivery for high-impact federal projects. Key Responsibilities Administer, tune, and optimize PostgreSQL databases (including RDS) while integrating with Databricks (Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, Spark) for scalable analytics and data science workloads. Write, optimize, and maintain complex SQL and PL/pgSQL queries, stored procedures, functions, views, and indexes to support high-performance analytics and business logic. Design and implement efficient ETL/ELT pipelines, schemas, and data models across PostgreSQL and Databricks environments. Build and maintain batch and real-time data processing workflows using Apache Spark, Python, Auto Loader, Delta Live Tables, and related tools. Develop and manage systems in AWS, including RDS PostgreSQL, S3, Glue, Lambda, IAM, and CloudWatch. Monitor database and platform health, performance, and security using native tools, CloudWatch, Unity Catalog, and third-party solutions. Perform database migrations, backups, restores, upgrades, and zero-downtime data conversions. Automate routine tasks and infrastructure using Python scripting, Terraform, and infrastructure-as-code practices. Leverage AI-powered tools to accelerate development, query optimization, and delivery. Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and analysts to support feature stores, analytics, and governance. Ensure compliance with federal security standards (FISMA, NIST 800-53) through encryption, auditing, access controls, and vulnerability management. Provide on-call support for production systems and mentor junior team members. Use Git for version control, code collaboration, and maintaining infrastructure-as-code repositories. Required Qualifications 8+ years of hands-on experience in information technology, with significant production experience as a PostgreSQL DBA and building data platforms in Databricks. Strong expertise in SQL — including complex query writing, performance tuning, and optimization. Solid experience working with and developing systems in AWS (RDS PostgreSQL, S3, Glue, Lambda, IAM, CloudWatch). Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and data processing. Demonstrated experience with Databricks (Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, Spark, Workflows). Experience using Git for source control and collaborative development. Solid understanding of data governance, security, and compliance in regulated environments. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field. U.S. Citizenship and ability to pass a federal background check. Preferred Qualifications Certifications such as PostgreSQL Professional, Databricks Data Engineer, or AWS Data Analytics. Experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), CI/CD for databases, and vector extensions (pgvector) for AI use cases. Prior federal/government contracting environment experience. Familiarity with additional tools such as Airbyte, PostGIS, or TimescaleDB. Why Join? Contribute to high-visibility, congressionally mandated initiatives that directly impact national priorities. Work with cutting-edge tools in a modern data lakehouse environment. Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a stable, mission-driven organization.

Work Remotely Yes Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$175,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Software development: 7 years (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20003