Junior Data Engineer

Zel Technologies is hiring a Junior Data Engineer to provide critical technical support for data informatics, management, and curation of biologically oriented data sets. In this onsite role in Charlottesville, VA, you will help prepare and stage verified repositories for a web-based application used to support Intelligence Community data discovery and RFIs.

You will coordinate data review, metadata compilation, repository organization, and documentation workflows, using GitLab to track tasks and keep team processes consistent. The position is designed for someone who can manage complex data structures and communicate effectively with both clients and internal partners.

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 the web-based IC application to enable data discovery and support critical RFIs.
• Review acquired materials to identify relevant content, compile associated metadata, and document metadata for complex data sets.
• Maintain, navigate, and optimize structured folder systems used to organize and store data repositories.
• Use GitLab to manage tasking through issues, update curation status, and maintain SOPs and weekly updates via the GitLab wiki.
• Serve as a central communication link on-site, collaborating closely with clients, fellow curators, and software developers.

Requirements

• US citizenship.
• Must hold an active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with CI Poly.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and 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, including issues for task management and wiki documentation for team coordination.
• Successful completion of background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of the biological or life sciences.
• Preferred BA/BS in the life sciences or a data management-related field, with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience in Department of Defense (DoD) contracting environments.
• 1+ years of direct experience working on data management or data curation projects.

Technologies

• 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

Salary: USD 100,000 - 107,000 per year. Experience: 2+ years required. Education: BA/BS required.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Majority of the time spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, vision ability to adjust focus, and related vision requirements.