Data Engineer

ICF is seeking a skilled Data Engineer to join our Corporate IT organization. You will design, build, and maintain the data infrastructure that powers insights and decision-making across our practices and support organizations. Working at the intersection of enterprise data platforms and client-facing analytics, you will have direct impact on how our firm manages and monetizes its most asset — data.

This is a high-visibility role reporting to the Sr. Director of Solution Architecture. You will collaborate closely with data analytics, cloud architecture, and application development teams in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

This position is Hybrid, with a preference for working a few days on-site in Reston, VA.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, build, and optimize scalable ETL/ELT pipelines that move data across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments

• Architect and manage enterprise data warehouses, data lakes, and Lakehouse solutions (Databricks, AWS/Azure)

• Write production-quality SQL, Python, and Spark code for data transformation, enrichment, and validation

• Implement and enforce data governance, lineage tracking, and cataloging standards across the organization

• Ensure data quality through automated monitoring, testing frameworks, and SLA adherence

• Partner with data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders to understand and fulfill data requirements

• Support CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code for data platform deployments

• Document data models, pipeline flows, and technical specifications to support knowledge transfer

Technical Skills:

Languages & Querying

• SQL (advanced) Python PySpark Bash/Shell Scala

Cloud & Platforms

• Microsoft Fabric Azure Synapse Azure Data Factory

Orchestration & Pipelines

• Apache Airflow dbt Databricks Kafka Spark 

Infrastructure & DevOps

• Terraform Docker Kubernetes GitHub Actions CI/CD

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related quantitative field

• 4+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or a closely related role

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience building and maintaining production data pipelines at scale

• 3+ years of experience working in an enterprise IT environment

• 3+ years of experience with advanced SQL and proficiency in at least one scripting language (Python strongly preferred)

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with a major cloud data platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

• 3+ years of experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow or Azure Data Factory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with streaming/real-time data processing (Kafka, Fabric Event Streams, or Spark Streaming)

• Strong understanding of data modeling concepts and frameworks — star schema, OBT, Data Mesh

• Familiarity with version control (Git) and software development best practices

• Exposure to data governance frameworks and metadata management tools (Collibra, Alation)

• Cloud certifications (AWS Data Analytics, Azure Data Engineer Associate, or equivalent)

• Master's degree in a relevant field

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to data accuracy and quality

• Effective communicator — able to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders

• Collaborative team player comfortable working across cross-functional teams

• Self-directed with ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.