Principal Data Engineer � Mission Data Pipelines

Boost • Reston, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Galaxia Technologies is seeking a Principal Data Engineer – Mission Data Pipelines to design, implement, and sustain robust mission data pipelines supporting the Department of the Air Force’s DIFC2 program and the Horizon initiative. In this highly visible role, you’ll partner with the Space Systems Command (SSC) and multi-agency stakeholders to engineer automated, secure, and reliable data flows that strengthen interoperability across mission systems. This position blends data architecture, security compliance, and software engineering—building the backbone that enables real-time mission insight and decision advantage. This role is based in Reston, VA, with a focus on supporting hybrid operations within the DIFC2 Program Management Office.

Requirements

• 9+ years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field; or 7+ years with a master’s degree, or 4+ years with a Ph.D. in a related discipline.
• 7+ years in software engineering, system integration, or data platform development in DoD, IC, or complex mission environments.
• Expertise in designing and implementing data pipelines, ETL workflows, and integration architectures.
• Experience working with structured and semi-structured data (JSON, XML, CSV, etc.).
• Active Top Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain and maintain SCI/SAP access and consent to a polygraph.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Apache NiFi, Apache Airflow, or other orchestration ETL tools.
• Python proficiency, including data transformation and analytics libraries.
• Palantir Foundry Data Engineering experience (Pipeline Builder, AIP Logic, etc.).
• Experience fusing large-scale, multi-source datasets into operational pipelines.
• Familiarity with DoD mission data architectures and interoperability frameworks.
• Exceptional communication skills translating complex technical details into operational context for government and mission partners.

Responsibilities

• Analyze mission workflows and DIFC2 system architectures to identify critical mission data artifacts.
• Define the structure, semantics, and lifecycle of DIFC2 mission data products.
• Ensure data standards support interoperability, traceability, and reuse across mission components.
• Serve as the technical liaison defining data exchange interfaces between DIFC2 and external mission systems.
• Collaborate with mission partners to define schema, formats, data transports, and integration expectations.
• Document interface specifications to ensure sustained system interoperability and mission assurance.
• Support the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process by defining secure technical data exchanges.
• Contribute to compliance documentation including data message definitions, PPSM (Ports, Protocols, and Services Management) entries, and topology diagrams.
• Work with cybersecurity teams to ensure data pipelines meet DoD security and RMF requirements.
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable ETL and data transformation pipelines for ingesting, persisting, and distributing mission-relevant data.
• Use low-code/no-code orchestration technologies (e.g., Apache NiFi, Apache Airflow) and custom tools to deliver automated solutions.
• Develop and maintain transformation logic in Python, leveraging libraries such as Pandas and NumPy as needed.
• Implement API endpoints and service interfaces (REST or platform-native) for downstream mission use.
• Ensure validation, normalization, and transformation processes maintain data accuracy and integrity.
• Establish monitoring, logging, and alerting mechanisms to maintain pipeline reliability and performance at scale.
• Deliver fully operational pipelines enabling automated ingestion and dissemination of DIFC2 mission data.
• Develop technical documentation detailing purpose, source systems, transformation logic, and access methods.
• Produce RMF artifacts and interface documentation supporting ongoing accreditation and audit readiness.
• Continuously refine data pipeline performance to meet evolving mission needs and operational tempo.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $200K-275k based on experience
• Options for 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision premiums
• 401K Matching up to 6% with immediate 100% vesting
• 25 days of PTO plus 10 federal holidays
• Professional growth through exposure to cutting-edge defense and intelligence technology programs.
• Opportunities to influence enterprise-scale modernization across the national defense ecosystem.
• A culture rooted in technical integrity, mission excellence, and service leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal