Junior Data Engineer

BigBear.ai is seeking a motivated Junior Data Engineer to support the development and ongoing maintenance of data pipelines and database integrations. This onsite role in Norfolk, VA supports government and national security missions, with a focus on reliable data delivery, data quality, and secure data operations.

You will work across the data lifecycle, helping to ingest, transform, validate, and deliver information from multiple systems while collaborating with developers and data teams to improve data processes through incremental, Agile-style progress.

What you will do

• 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 to retrieve, transform, validate, and analyze data across relational databases.
• Support data integration efforts by connecting source systems, developing data imports, and helping automate recurring data transfers and reporting processes.
• Perform data quality checks, audits, and reconciliations to identify inconsistencies and improve 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 using AWS, Databricks, and other approved enterprise data platforms.
• Develop and maintain data dictionaries and technical documentation, including dataflow diagrams and standard operating procedures.
• Support metadata and data inventory management to improve data governance, traceability, and standardization across systems.
• Assist with reports, dashboards, and data products for actionable information to 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 initiatives to reduce manual work, improve efficiency, and increase confidence in enterprise data.

What you bring

• 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 ability to write queries and 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 that improve data 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

Additional experience that helps

• 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.