Data Manager

Overview

The Data Manager supports the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) program by overseeing the full lifecycle of test and mission data. This position requires strong technical project management skills to effectively plan, execute, and track data-centric projects from inception to completion. The Data Manager will coordinate the data flow between producers and consumers, ensuring adherence to mission-specific standards while managing schedules and mitigating risks to data integrity and timeliness. This role serves as a crucial bridge between test event operations and data consumers, applying project management discipline to the operational tasks of data ingestion, parsing, cataloging, distribution, and archival to ensure all data products are delivered accurately, securely, and on schedule to support vital analysis and decision-making. This position is located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with test data producers to ensure timely, standardized delivery of data products defined in Integrated Data Management Plans (IDMPs) and Data Handling Plans (DHPs).
• Track, validate, and report data delivery status from receipt through dissemination and archival, ensuring metadata completeness and policy compliance.
• Verify data format and metadata compliance from providers; collaborate with Mission Data Owners to address non-standard inputs.
• Conduct QA checks to validate data integrity, reconcile orphan files, and verify cataloging accuracy.
• Maintain accountability of physical and digital media, ensuring check-in/out procedures are followed and inventory status is accurate.
• Generate and maintain trackers, reports, and dashboards on data readiness, ingestion metrics, and distribution milestones; communicate status to leadership and analysis teams.
• Identify workflow inefficiencies (e.g., duplicative data entry) and propose automation or process optimization opportunities.
• Work closely with Data Analysts, Librarians, and Advanced Research Center (ARC) personnel to ensure consistent data flow and support Joint Analysis Team (JAT) requirements.
• Provide surge and after-hours support for critical test events as required.
• Support audits, retention reviews, and process assessments; perform other data management tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Data Management, or a related field. Additional experience may substitute for degree.
• 5–10 years of experience in data management or test data operations; experience with MDA or DoD programs strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with technical project management, mission test environments, metadata standards, and secure data handling.
• Experience in multi-domain data environments (classified/unclassified).
• Active DoD Secret clearance required; must maintain eligibility throughout employment.
• Must reside within 50 miles of Redstone Arsenal or be willing to relocate.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Travel: Up to 25%

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong preference for candidates with prior experience supporting the MDA or missile test data environments, including familiarity with data flow, system integration, or analysis processes unique to test missions.
• Strong understanding of data management principles, including ingestion, parsing, cataloging, and metadata validation.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with scripting languages such as Python or R for data preparation and analysis.
• Working knowledge of metadata standards, data dictionaries, and validation procedures.
• Experience developing dashboards and visual reports in Power BI or Tableau.
• Ability to analyze data quality and performance metrics to identify process bottlenecks or anomalies.
• Strong communication skills; capable of translating technical data findings for non-technical audiences and leadership.
• Understanding of data governance policies, retention schedules, and secure handling of classified information.
• Collaborative and analytical mindset with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and adept at managing multiple priorities in a mission-driven environment.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; cli