Remote AI Data Integration Specialist

Kentro

23h•Remote

About The Position

Kentro is hiring an experienced AI Data Integration Specialist to support our VA-ESOM- End Point Support and Operations Monitoring contract across the United States. The VA is responsible for providing comprehensive onsite and remote support to IT customers across all VA Administrations and special program offices, including direct support of over 340,000 VA employees and thousands of contractors who use government-furnished IT equipment and infrastructure. The VA provides support staff across 100+ CONUS and OCONUS locations, including difficult-to-accommodate locales, such as high cost of living or under-supported economic areas, where VA offices or facilities may be located and require onsite services. About OTG: The Operations Triage Group (OTG) provides expert engineering and data science support to VA OIT Senior Leadership (CIO, PDAS, SES) for the 100 most critical VA systems (C-100). We deliver strategic intelligence through major incident triage, daily executive briefings, and operational insights that directly impact Veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits. Position Overview: The AI Data Integration Specialist serves as a technical expert responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing data pipelines that enable AI/ML capabilities within mission-critical federal IT operations. Working closely with the AI Solutions Architect, you will transform raw operational data into AI-ready assets while ensuring data quality, governance, and compliance. This is a hands-on technical role requiring deep expertise in data engineering, ML pipelines, and integration architecture. You will assess complex data landscapes, identify gaps, design integration solutions, and demonstrate clear ROI for AI initiatives that directly impact Veterans’ access to healthcare and benefits.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. 10 years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
10+ years professional experience in data engineering, data integration, or ML operations roles.
Hands-on experience designing and implementing data pipelines for analytics or AI/ML applications.
Demonstrated experience working with enterprise data integration challenges in complex technical environments.
Federal government experience, particularly within VA or Department of Defense.
Strong ML/AI experience with understanding of data requirements for model training, validation, and inference
Proficiency in data ingestion and preparation techniques including ETL/ELT pipeline development
Experience with data pipeline orchestration tools and frameworks (Azure, Data Factory, or similar)
Understanding of metadata tagging standards and data cataloging approaches
Knowledge of data classification schemes and minimal data standards for AI/ML readines
Expertise in data source evaluation methodologies including quality assessment and gap analysis
Strong understanding of data flows, system integrations, and API-based data exchange patterns
Experience with cloud data platforms (Azure preferred) and hybrid cloud/on-premise integration patterns
Familiarity with ITSM platforms (ServiceNow preferred) and operational data structures
Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python preferred) for data transformation
Expert-level gap analysis capabilities with ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions
Strong analytical mindset for assessing data quality, completeness, and fitness for purpose
Critical thinking to evaluate trade-offs between data quality, cost, and timeline constraints
Systems thinking to understand data dependencies and downstream impacts of integration decisions
Ability to calculate and articulate ROI for data initiatives using operational metrics and business value
Ability to explain technical data concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Strong documentation skills for technical specifications, data flows, and integration patterns
Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams (SRE, Data Science, Analytics)
Experience supporting executive communications with data-driven insights
Curious: Continuously explores data landscapes to understand what exists, what’s missing, and what’s possible
High Contextual Understanding: Grasps the operational meaning and business significance behind data, not just technical structure
Confident with Gap Analysis: Comfortable identifying problems, articulating impacts, and proposing solutions
Detail-Oriented: Maintains precision in data quality assessment and integration design
Pragmatic: Balances ideal solutions with operational constraints and realistic timelines
Mission-Focused: Connects data work to Veteran impact and VA mission outcomes
US Citizen or Green card holder
Willing and able to get a Public Trust Suitability clearance
Must meet updated ID requirements: Bring required documents | GSA
If you do not currently meet the ID requirements outlined, you must be willing and able to update your current forms of ID in a timely manner to complete the suitability process successfully.

Nice To Haves

Deep experience with ServiceNow data models, APIs, and integration patterns
Prior work with Chief AI Office (CAIO) or federal data governance processes
Experience with Azure AI services and Azure data platform tools (Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks)
Knowledge of federal data standards and compliance frameworks
Experience with data quality tools and automated data profiling
Background in reliability engineering, SRE practices, or IT operations data
Certifications in data engineering, cloud platforms, or ML operations
Experience working in distributed, remote teams

Responsibilities

Data Source Evaluation & Gap Analysis
Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing data sources to determine fitness for AI/ML applications
Perform gap analysis identifying data quality issues, completeness problems, and integration challenges
Evaluate data source reliability, consistency, and availability for operational AI use cases
Document data lineage, dependencies, and transformation logic for governance and auditability
Assess technical debt and recommend remediation strategies for data infrastructure improvements
Data Governance & Standards
Implement metadata tagging standards ensuring discoverability and traceability across data assets
Apply data classification schemes aligned with federal security requirements and VA policies
Establish and enforce minimal data standards for AI/ML readiness across operational systems
Collaborate with Chief AI Office (CAIO) and data governance teams on compliance requirements
Design data cataloging approaches that support self-service discovery for analytics and AI teams
ML Operations & Value Demonstration
Support ML model development by preparing training datasets with appropriate feature engineering
Build and maintain data infrastructure supporting ML experimentation, training, and deployment
Implement data versioning and lineage tracking for ML reproducibility and auditability
Calculate and communicate ROI for data integration initiatives, demonstrating value through operational metrics
Identify opportunities where improved data integration can accelerate AI adoption or enhance model performance
Stakeholder Collaboration & Technical Communication
Partner with SREs, Data Scientists, and Analytics teams to understand data requirements and constraints
Translate technical data challenges into understandable terms for government stakeholders
Provide technical guidance on data feasibility for proposed AI initiatives
Document data integration patterns, best practices, and lessons learned for knowledge sharing
Support executive briefings by providing data-driven insights on AI readiness and capability gaps

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more.
We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.
We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in-person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

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