Data Engineer, Data Project Lead

ICF

Data Engineer / Data Project Lead responsible for leading design and development of data pipelines for Head Start initiatives. Overseeing data staff and ensuring compliance with federal policies.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $81,499 - $138,549 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data management and engineering, with a strong focus on project leadership, data integration, and compliance with federal standards. Proficient in developing data products and ensuring data quality and governance in support of operational needs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data EngineeringData ManagementProject LeadershipData IntegrationFederal Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Pipeline DesignETL ProcessesDatabase DesignData Quality AssuranceData GovernanceData AnalysisAutomation ProcessesTechnical DocumentationData VisualizationWorkflow Optimization

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationProblem-SolvingTraining Development

Tools & Technologies

HSESAMSGrantSolutionsTTA HubSmartsheetCloud-Based InfrastructureData Management ToolsData Analytics ToolsAutomated OutputsData Tracking Solutions

Certifications & Qualifications

US Government Issued Security ClearanceValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Data ManagementData EngineeringEarly Childhood EducationHead Start ProgramsFederal Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudETL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead planning, execution, and delivery of data management and data engineering projects supporting OHS program oversight and operations.
Apply iterative and flexible project management approaches to prioritize work based on value, user needs, and level of effort.
Coordinate closely with the Project Manager to align data project priorities with contract deliverables and performance metrics.
Supervise and provide technical direction to data-focused staff, including Data Analysts, Data Visualization Specialists, Data Management Specialists, and Data Entry Support Specialists.
Design, build, and maintain data pipelines, integrations, and automation processes using federally compliant tools and platforms.
Support integration of data from federal systems such as HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions, and the TTA Hub into operational and analytical tools.
Maintain and enhance workflow and task tracking solutions, including Smartsheet-based tools (e.g., SmartFlow).
Support the use of the OHS Data Layer and cloud-based infrastructure to enable scalable, secure data processing and analysis.
Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and alignment across systems, mitigating competing sources of truth.
Implement and support data quality assurance, validation processes, and governance practices appropriate for federal environments.
Ensure documentation of data structures, pipelines, and processes to support knowledge transfer and continuity.
Lead development of data products, dashboards, reports, and automated outputs that support grants management, monitoring, and leadership decision-making.
Support generation of standardized documents and correspondence through automated data integration where appropriate.
Enable data-informed decision-making through improved access to timely, relevant, and well-structured data.
Analyze data workflows and business processes to identify opportunities for efficiency, automation, and improvement.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, data dictionaries, process documentation, and handoff materials.
Support the development of training materials and guidance to promote consistent use of data tools and solutions.
Respond to data-related inquiries and support ad hoc and recurring data requests from OHS staff and leadership.
Participate in briefings, meetings, and planning sessions related to data management initiatives.
Support coordination across technical and programmatic teams to ensure solutions align with operational needs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
10+ years of progressively responsible post-baccalaureate professional experience in data engineering, data management, or related technical roles.
3+ years of supervisory or technical team leadership experience.
3+ years of experience designing and managing complex, high-profile, multi-faceted data projects.
3+ years of experience with data integration, ETL processes, database design, and data pipelines.
1+ years of experience in early childhood education and/or Head Start programs.
1+ years of experience with federal systems such as HSES, AMS, GrantSolutions, and the TTA Hub into operational and analytical tools.
US government issued security clearance required (will be initiated upon hire).
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass an MVR check.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.