Iron EagleX, a GDIT company, contributes to the U.S. government’s mission of protecting our nation and enables our customers to make quicker decisions and act faster than our adversaries.
Apache Airflow
Database Optimization
Extract Transform Load (ETL)
Git
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.
YOUR IMPACT
Own your opportunity to work with the largest government agency in the nation. Make an impact by advancing the Department of War’s mission to keep our country safe and secure.
OUR COMPANY
Iron EagleX (IEX), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), delivers agile IT and Intelligence solutions. Combining small-team flexibility with global scale, IEX leverages emerging technologies to provide innovative, user-focused solutions that empower organizations and end users to operate smarter, faster, and more securely in dynamic environments.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Iron EagleX is seeking a Senior Principal AI Data Engineer to support our AI team in Crystal City, VA. In this role, you will design, build, and operate data pipelines that ingest, store, and process high-volume, multi-source data primarily for modern AI/ML processes. You will partner with software, analytics, and product teams to create model-ready datasets (including features, embeddings, and prompts), implement scalable storage layers (such as a data lakehouse and vector stores), and enable low-latency retrieval for query, inference, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
As a Senior Principal AI Data Engineer, you will turn raw, multi-source data into reliable, high-performance inputs that directly power AI models and advanced analytics. Your work will make it faster and easier for teams across engineering, analytics, and products to develop, deploy, and improve AI capabilities by ensuring datasets are ready and accessible.
JOB DUTIES (INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO)
Design, develop, and implement scalable data pipelines and ETL processes using Apache Airflow, with a focus on data for AI
Build and tune search and retrieval capabilities using ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, including indexing strategies, schema mappings, and relevance/performance optimization.
Enable low-latency retrieval for AI inference and RAG applications by optimizing data access patterns, caching approaches, and index refresh strategies.
Collaborate with analytic teams to define requirements, schemas, and interfaces for downstream consumption.
Use Git for version control, peer code reviews, CI/CD workflows, and reproducible pipeline deployments across environments.
Operate within Linux environments and perform performance tuning across pipeline components, storage layers, and compute resources.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Experience with Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration.
Strong programming skills in Python.
Experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch for data indexing and search functionalities.
Understanding of vector databases, embedding models, and vector search for AI applications.
Expertise in event-driven architecture and microservices development.
Hands-on experience with cloud services (e.g. MinIO), including data storage and compute resources.
Strong understanding of data pipeline orchestration and workflow automation.
Working knowledge of Linux environments and database optimization techniques.
Strong understanding of version control with Git.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED
Clearance: Current TS/SCI Clearance with current or willingness to obtain CI polygraph
Experience: 10+ years of related experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Role requirements: Work is onsite in Crystal City, VA with optional CONUS travel
Due to US Government Contract Requirements, only US Citizens are eligible for this role
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off
Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results. #iexjobs #iexpriority
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
#iexjobs10 + years of related experience
* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree
None
U.S. Citizenship Required
The likely salary range for this position is $174,250 - $235,750. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans