Cloud Data Engineer

Position Overview

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), a key NASA science and flight operations center, is hiring a Cloud Data Engineer to join our Catalog Science Branch. You will help manage large-scale data infrastructure and processing for the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST), which supports missions including HST, JWST, Roman, Kepler, and TESS. This role supports a hybrid work model (currently work from home) for candidates residing in or willing to relocate to MD, DE, VA, PA, DC, & WV. Compensation: For senior-level roles (8+ years of experience) the annual salary range is $130,000–$150,000 and for Cloud Data Engineer II roles (5+ years of experience) it is $115,000–$125,000. US Citizenship or Permanent Residence is required to meet ITAR requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, construct, install, test, and maintain highly scalable cloud-based data management systems
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines and build out new API integrations to support increasing mission data volume and complexity
• Ensure systems meet mission requirements and industry software development best practices
• Demonstrate proficiency in designing, deploying, and supporting hybrid environments combining legacy and modern astronomical data
• Collaborate with application engineers, archive scientists, data architects, and storage/networking teams on projects and architectural design
• Ensure scientific data quality and consistency across various catalog sources

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Minimum of 8 years (senior level) or 5 years (Cloud Data Engineer II) of industrial experience in an AWS Cloud environment along with hands-on data engineering and data management expertise
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with cloud-based SQL databases (e.g., Amazon PostgreSQL RDS)
• Strong experience with ETL processes and data warehousing solutions
• Familiarity with big data tools and frameworks
• Knowledge of data modeling, data architecture, and governance
• Understanding of data and database security, including performance tuning at the SQL/database level
• Experience with cloud platforms (especially AWS) and using various cloud applications to automate data processes
• Strong programming skills in SQL and Python
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Massive Parallel Processing (MPP) technology-based database clusters
• Background in areas such as machine learning, advanced analytics, or database architecture
• Experience with continuous integration and continuous deployment, and modern Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices

Benefits & Perks

• Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
• 12 days sick leave, 24 days vacation, and 10 paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans, among other benefits