The Senior Data Engineer leads evaluations of enterprise data integrity, focuses on modernization risks, strengthens data management practices, and ensures operational continuity throughout the data lifecycle.
Who is Element?
We serve as a partner at the intersection of innovation and our clients' needs, efficiently crafting meaningful user experiences for government and commercial customers. By breaking down complex problems to their fundamental elements, we create modern digital solutions that drive efficiencies, maximize taxpayer dollars, and deliver essential outcomes that serve the people.
Why Work at Element?
Make an impact that resonates-join our vibrant team and discover how you can improve lives through digital transformation. Our talented professionals bring unparalleled energy engagement, setting a higher standard for impactful work. Come be a part of our team and shape a better future.
Position Summary
The Senior Data Engineer serves as the Data Architecture & Integrity Assessment Lead responsible for evaluating enterprise data environments and identifying risks associated with legacy data management during modernization initiatives. This role supports a structured 16-week technical assessment with an optional follow up implementation phase focused on strengthening existing data practices, identifying system dependencies, and ensuring data integrity throughout the modernization lifecycle. Element's approach prioritizes data reliability and operational continuity over large-scale redesign. Rather than introducing unnecessary transformation layers, this role focuses on strengthening current data management practices, identifying integrity risks, and sequencing improvements that support coexistence between legacy and modern systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluating applications and data environments against data architecture best practices and risk mitigation strategies for managing legacy data throughout the modernization lifecycle.
- Analyzing and documenting data dependencies that impact system decoupling, modularization, and coexistence strategies.
- Identifying data integrity risks within current systems, databases, and operational workflows.
- Assessing data flow patterns, database relationships, and integration points across interconnected applications.
- Documenting existing data management practices and identifying opportunities to strengthen reliability and governance.
- Collaborating with infrastructure and architecture teams to ensure data considerations are integrated into stabilization and modernization planning.
- Producing clear findings and recommendations as part of the 16-week technical assessment deliverables.
- Leading the implementation of approved data management improvements in Phase 2, ensuring changes enhance reliability while preserving operational continuity.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Information Systems, or a related field.
- This individual brings 8+ professional experience in data engineering, database architecture, or enterprise data platform management.
- Strong expertise in:
- Data architecture and modeling.
- Database management (SQL, NoSQL) and integration strategies.
- Data quality, governance, and risk mitigation.
- Experience with legacy system modernization, system decoupling, and modularization initiatives.
- Proven ability to lead technical projects and implement data improvements across complex environments.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear recommendations for business and technical stakeholders.
- US Citizenship or Permanent Residency required.
- Must reside in the Continental US; located in the state of Pennsylvania a plus, but not required.
- Depending on the government agency, specific requirements may include public trust background check or security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in any of the following is a plus:
- Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
- Cloud-focused certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Big Data or Azure Data Fundamentals).
- Google Professional Data Engineer
- Experience working in large-scale enterprise, healthcare, or public sector environments with complex system dependencies is strongly preferred.
- Experience working within the State/Commonwealth is a plus.
Location
Be in your Element. We are a remote-first company based in Washington, DC.
Element is an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
We believe in a world where solutions we build improve the lives of those who use them.
Top Skills
AWS
Azure
NoSQL
SQL
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