The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning
Join the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University.
Position specifics We are seeking a
Senior Data Engineer
with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Visualization and Decision Support Division of Penn State ARL.
Location:
State College, PA or Reston, VA
(ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.)
You will:
Design and maintain scalable, high‑performance database solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on PostgreSQL—including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
Evaluate and integrate alternative database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
Lead efforts to optimize data pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems
Implement monitoring, automation, and performance‑tuning tools for all database environments
Advise on data lifecycle management—balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements
Required skills/experience includes:
5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical roles
Expert‑level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication)
Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query optimization
Experience with non‑relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB)
Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and deployment
Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
Proficiency in SQL and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working closely with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers
Preferred skills/experience includes:
Experience architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases
Knowledge of data lake, warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field
Minimum Education & Experience Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science.
Experience requirements vary by rank:
Senior Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience
Principal Professional: 14+ years of relevant experience
Advanced Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience
Principal Professional: 19+ years of relevant experience
Background checks / Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 – $219,600.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.
EEO Statement Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.
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Position specifics We are seeking a
Senior Data Engineer
with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Visualization and Decision Support Division of Penn State ARL.
Location:
State College, PA or Reston, VA
(ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.)
You will:
Design and maintain scalable, high‑performance database solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on PostgreSQL—including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
Evaluate and integrate alternative database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
Lead efforts to optimize data pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems
Implement monitoring, automation, and performance‑tuning tools for all database environments
Advise on data lifecycle management—balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements
Required skills/experience includes:
5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical roles
Expert‑level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication)
Strong understanding of data modeling, normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query optimization
Experience with non‑relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB)
Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and deployment
Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
Proficiency in SQL and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working closely with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers
Preferred skills/experience includes:
Experience architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases
Knowledge of data lake, warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field
Minimum Education & Experience Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science.
Experience requirements vary by rank:
Senior Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience
Principal Professional: 14+ years of relevant experience
Advanced Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience
Principal Professional: 19+ years of relevant experience
Background checks / Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.
Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 – $219,600.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.
EEO Statement Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.
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