Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning

Job Number: REQ_0000080458

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION
SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access
strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Information Science Division of the Applied
Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will architect and optimize data systems that empower our data scientists to
efficiently research, train, and deploy both traditional and ML-based algorithms and applications.

The ideal candidate is a
PostgreSQL expert who also brings hands-on experience with other modern data storage technologies-such as NoSQL, graph, and
time-series databases-and can guide the organization in choosing the right tools and structures for each data use case.

Located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all
transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database
  solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
• Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns
  and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on
  PostgreSQL-including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
• Evaluate and integrate alternative
  database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
• Lead efforts to optimize data
  pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
• Ensure data integrity, security, and governance
  across storage systems
• Implement monitoring, automation, and performance-tuning tools for all database environments
• Advise
  on data lifecycle management-balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements

Required
skills/experience includes:

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical
  roles
• Expert-level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning,
  replication)
• Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query
  optimization
• Experience with non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or
  DynamoDB)
• Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and
  deployment
• Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
• Proficiency in SQL
  and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills-comfortable working closely
  with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers

Preferred skills/experience includes:

• Experience
  architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases.
• Knowledge of data lake,
  warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
• Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and
  data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related
  field

Work location can be fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston , VA. Questions related to flexible work should
be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED
CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer – Data Science (ARL) – Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree –
Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer – Data Science (ARL) –
Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required
Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer – Data Science (ARL) – Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor’s Degree –
Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative
solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other
federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with
the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding
employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in
the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL
operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information.
Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $146,040.00 – $318,840.00. This salary
range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure – Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package
for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and
vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One
of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more
detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus
Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual
Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning
alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE
LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified
applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected
veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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