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DST Data Engineer

DST Data Engineers provide technical and subject matter expertise to process raw data, analyze data sets, solve complex problems, and develop/implement capabilities to advance CIA’s mission objectives.
  • Full time
  • Starting salary: $72,030 -$170,800*
  • *Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level
  • Bachelor’s in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related studies
  • Foreign Language Bonus Eligible
  • Opportunities for travel are possible
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Agency-wide Requirements

All applicants must be:

  • U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
  • Able to complete security and medical evaluations
  • Registered for the Selective Service

About the Job

As a DST Data Engineer at CIA, you will enable the Agency to analyze, process and deliver data products critical to intelligence collection activities against our nation’s highest priority threats in a global environment that is often hostile, fast paced, and technologically savvy. Using the latest techniques and cutting-edge capabilities, DST Data Engineers analyze and process large collection-related datasets according to organizational priorities. DST Data Engineers also evaluate technical and scientific data in order to provide timely insights that inform technical operations and development activities to maximize intelligence collection strategies.

Using your research, subject matter expertise and critical thinking skills, you will process raw data, develop software solutions, implement capabilities, analyze critical datasets, and steer intelligence operations. An ability to solve complex puzzles, identify patterns, vulnerabilities, and technological capabilities to enable new collection operations is vital to this work. This requires strong analytic, research, and investigative skills combined with an aptitude for and interest in technical and scientific topics, personal initiative, and a bias for collaboration.

Opportunities may exist for foreign travel, technical and management training, and assignments in other offices within the CIA. Advanced training will be provided in analytical tools, software development / programming and methodologies, as well as a variety of technologies.

Who You’ll Work With

At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.

Read more about diversity and inclusion

What You’ll Get

Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.

As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.

Learn more about working at CIA.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields or related studies:
    • Computer Science
    • Electrical / Computer Engineering or related field
    • Mathematics / Statistics
    • Forensics (Digital Forensics; Forensic Science, and Technology)
    • Data Science
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience Programming in Linux and/or Windows OS environments
  • Experience with Software Development using computer programing languages like Javascript and/or Python.
  • Ability to work independently and in groups within a team environment
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications

  • Without previous work experience, a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is strongly desired
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Data analytics
    • Econometrics, mathematical modeling, or geospatial modeling
    • Gaming and modeling
    • Internet/web technology
    • Mathematical analysis
    • Network security and engineering
    • Signal processing and analysis
    • Social network analysis
    • Statistical operations research
    • Survey research, design, and analysis
    • Telecommunications networks/voice data communications
  • Self-starter attitude with initiative
  • Creativity
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills
  • Strong analytic and research skills
  • Demonstrated experience working with Agile software development. Desired familiarity collaborating with technical writers and technical program policy representatives. 
  • Experience with database and search technologies.
  • Experience with software development technologies or code version management software.
  • Experience analyzing large streaming datasets