DE-26-327 - Data Engineer I - (DevOps Focus)

Data Engineer 1 (DevOps-Focused Role)

NOTE: While titled as a Data Engineer I role, this position is DevOps-focused, supporting CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and operational environments.

Location: Columbia, Maryland (not Remote)

Work Requirement: On-site in Columbia, Maryland, 3 days (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Immediate Hire)

Clearance: Public Trust Eligible (Due to federal contract requirements and Public Trust clearance eligibility, candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Next Phase Solutions and Services is seeking a Data Engineer 1 (DevOps-Focused) to support client-based development, operations, and infrastructure activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to build hands-on experience with DevOps practices, AWS cloud services, and modern delivery pipelines in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment.

Responsibilities

CI/CD Pipeline Support

• Monitor and support code pipelines to ensure smooth execution
• Troubleshoot failed builds and collaborate with team members to resolve issues
• Assist in maintaining and updating pipeline configurations

Cloud & Infrastructure (AWS)

• Support cloud operations, including monitoring resource health and utilization
• Assist with provisioning and managing compute, storage, and networking resources
• Perform routine environment management tasks

Infrastructure as Code

• Work with Infrastructure-as-Code tools (e.g., AWS CloudFormation) under guidance
• Support implementation of small infrastructure changes

Monitoring & Operations

• Use tools such as CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog
• Respond to alerts and escalate issues as needed
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and root cause analysis

Containerization

• Support Docker-based application packaging and testing
• Work with Dockerfiles and container concepts

Version Control

• Manage Git branches and support developers with merge conflicts
• Follow and help enforce branching strategies

Documentation

• Maintain runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and system documentation

Security & Compliance Support

• Apply patches and system updates under guidance
• Support team efforts to maintain compliance with internal policies and client requirements
• Assist in maintaining secure configurations across cloud and system environments

Collaboration

• Participate in standups, sprint ceremonies, and team discussions
• Work with developers, testers, and operations teams during deployments

Why This Role is Unique

• Immediate placement on an active CMS program 

• Exposure to enterprise healthcare data systems (CMS MARx) program
• Opportunity to grow into a DevOps career path
• Work in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment
• Exposure to real-world cloud and infrastructure systems
• Work within a Lean-Agile / DevOps delivery model

Requirements

Qualifications

Demonstrated hands-on experience (academic, internship, or project-based) with:

• CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Gitlab CI)
• AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, or similar)

• Familiarity with Linux and command-line tools
• Exposure to Docker or containerization concepts
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with scripting (Python, Bash, or PowerShell)
• Exposure to Infrastructure-as-Code concepts
• Coursework, labs, or certifications in DevOps, Cloud, or Infrastructure

Experience/Education Requirements

• 0 - 3 years of hands-on exposure (through academic work, internships, or projects) to DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, AWS services, and Linux environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (preferred)

Work Authorization

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain