---
title: 'Data Engineer - SME at Dark Wolf Solutions'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/data-engineer-sme-dark-wolf-solutions-chantilly-herndon-6em609mgjw06'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Data Engineer - SME at Dark Wolf Solutions

- **Company:** Dark Wolf Solutions
- **Location:** Chantilly/herndon, VA
- **Posted:** 2026-08-18
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/darkwolfsolutions/jobs/7886224003

## Job description

Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. We’re proud to boast a world-class engineering team that thrives on rolling up their sleeves to solve your mission’s biggest challenges.

Dark Wolf is seeking a Data Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) to architect, lead, and execute enterprise-wide data platform initiatives. As the principal technical authority, you will set the enterprise data architecture strategy, design high-assurance data topologies for classified enclaves, govern data mesh architectures, and advise government stakeholders on mission-critical data strategies.

## Key Responsibilities

- Architect and lead the end-to-end implementation of enterprise-scale, high-assurance data platforms and data mesh topologies.
- Serve as the principal technical authority on distributed data systems, lakehouse architectures, and real-time analytical capabilities.
- Mandate enterprise-wide data security standards, data-at-rest/in-transit encryption protocols, and zero-trust data governance.
- Set the strategic roadmap for multi-cloud, hybrid, and air-gapped data deployment methodologies.
- Interface directly with agency leadership and customer executive stakeholders to align data capabilities with mission objectives.

Qualifications:

- Clearance: Must be a US Citizen holding an active TS/SCI security clearance with an active Full-Scope Polygraph.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Experience: 15+ years of data engineering experience.

SME Technical Competencies:

- Data Processing Frameworks: Enterprise architecture, framework evaluation, and platform strategy across processing systems.
- Database Systems: Architecting petabyte-scale lakehouse infrastructure, distributed storage optimization, and cross-region replication.
- Data Modeling: Strategic enterprise data domain modeling, enterprise ontology design, and schema evolution governance.
- Programming & Scripting: Multi-language mastery (Python, Scala, C++, Go) for low-level platform extension and memory-level engine optimization.
- Containerization: Enterprise multi-cluster Kubernetes strategy, zero-trust container architecture, and data infrastructure scheduling.
- Agile Frameworks: Strategic Agile transformation, scaled program delivery (SAFe), and technical governance.
- Multi-Cloud Architecture: Hybrid, multi-cloud, and air-gapped enterprise data strategy and infrastructure execution.
- Security Scanning Tooling: Enterprise DevSecOps authority, security compliance posture, and risk mitigation strategies.

Desired Qualifications:

- Advanced Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Kubernetes Certified Administrator (CKA).
- Deep understanding of high-assurance systems, zero-trust data governance, and national security data integration challenges.

Position Clearance Requirement:

US Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance with Full-Scope Polygraph

Location:  Chantilly/Herndon, VA.

Target Salary Range: $185,000.00 – $240,000.00+ (Commensurate with specialized expertise and technical skillset).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity, confirm US Citizenship, and complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.

## About Dark Wolf Solutions

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Dark Wolf Solutions provides cyber-centric engineering, software delivery, cloud, data & AI, and mission enablement services to defense, intelligence, and Fortune 500 customers.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Backed by Razor's Edge Ventures)
- **Headquarters**: Herndon, Virginia, United States
- **Founded**: 2013
- **Founders**: Not publicly listed

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Cybersecurity, IT Services, Defense & Intelligence, Cloud Engineering, Data & AI
- **Target customers**: B2B, primarily U.S. Federal Government (Defense, Intelligence Community) and Fortune 500 companies
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "Operates at the nexus of mission and technology to meet our Nation’s most demanding objectives." [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Products & Services
- **Cybersecurity Engineering & Risk Management**: Defensive and offensive cyber operations, penetration testing, incident response, and risk management.
- **Software Delivery & Cloud**: DevSecOps agile software development, cloud & hybrid solutions, edge computing, and digital platform engineering.
- **Data & AI**: AI/ML solutions, big data management, data science, and analytics.
- **Mission Enablement**: Mission systems, secure communications, multi-INT, autonomous systems, and operational test & evaluation.
- **BrickStor Secure Storage (via RackTop Systems)**: Secure cyber storage and data protection products for defense agencies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: In February 2026, the company was awarded a potential **$67.2 million contract** by the U.S. Air Force for cyberspace innovation support. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Razor's Edge Ventures is a known investor. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew **28.2% year-over-year** (293 employees), with a monthly growth rate of 3.1%. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions) The company reorganized in early 2026 into four core practices (Cybersecurity, Software Delivery & Cloud, Data & AI, Mission Enablement) and expanded its product portfolio with RackTop Systems. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep Federal Domain Expertise**: Combines cutting-edge technology with specialized knowledge of defense and intelligence mission requirements.
- **Proven Track Record**: Has won at major cyber competitions, including DEFCON (2017, 2022) and BSides DC (2016, 2018). [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Established Contract Vehicles**: Supports agencies through pre-existing contract vehicles, simplifying engagement and accelerating delivery. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Strong Talent Pipeline**: Recruits heavily from the U.S. Air Force, Army, and major defense contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions)

## Strategic Focus
- **Expansion into Data & AI**: The company's recent reorganization emphasizes a new Data & AI practice, signaling a strategic push into machine learning and advanced analytics. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
- **Productization**: Adding products like BrickStor to its traditional services portfolio to create recurring revenue and deeper customer lock-in. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
- **Winning Large Contracts**: The $67M Air Force contract demonstrates a focus on securing large-scale, multi-year engagements.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: The company describes its culture as "Work hard, play hard" and refers to its team as "The Pack," emphasizing collaboration and fun. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Professional Development**: Offers a "Training Bounty Program" with cash bonuses for completing certifications and training on new technologies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Competitive Edge**: Employees get the opportunity to participate in elite cyber competitions (DEFCON, BSides), building skills and reputation. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Benefits**: Includes flexible PTO, 401(k) with employer match + performance-based grant, medical/dental/vision (including zero-cost options), HSA/FSA, short & long-term disability, pet insurance, and incentive compensation. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)
- **Work Mode**: Positions are available across multiple U.S. locations (Herndon, VA; Tampa, FL; Huntsville, AL; San Antonio, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; etc.) with some hybrid and remote options.
- **Engineering Culture**: Heavy emphasis on DevSecOps, cloud engineering, and cutting-edge tech (AI/ML). The company values continuous learning and tinkering with new technologies. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)

## Sources
1. [darkwolf.io](https://darkwolf.io/)
2. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/darkwolfsolutions)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/darkwolfsolutions)
4. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/dark-wolf-solutions)
5. [darkwolf.io/join-the-pack](https://darkwolf.io/join-the-pack/)

## Other roles at Dark Wolf Solutions

- [Information System Security Manager (ISSM)](https://feeny.ai/job/information-system-security-manager-issm-dark-wolf-solutions-ek3309ppmn49)
- [Cybersecurity Analyst (Cloud)](https://feeny.ai/job/cybersecurity-analyst-cloud-dark-wolf-solutions-herndon-9dmc9caqbzjq) — Herndon, VA
- [Senior Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-engineer-dark-wolf-solutions-chantilly-herndon-reyxwm3v1chz) — Chantilly/herndon, VA
- [DevSecOps Engineer - Expert](https://feeny.ai/job/devsecops-engineer-expert-dark-wolf-solutions-chantilly-herndon-w598djf78zyr) — Chantilly/herndon, VA
- [Senior Systems Test Engineer (Cloud)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-test-engineer-cloud-dark-wolf-solutions-ogden-tdebj0sp6sx6) — Ogden, UT
- [DevSecOps Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/devsecops-engineer-dark-wolf-solutions-tampa-y5s2gg23hgkc) — Tampa, FL
- [Information Systems Security Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/information-systems-security-manager-dark-wolf-solutions-chppp5m3017m)
- [Threat Detection Engineer (Cloud Security)](https://feeny.ai/job/threat-detection-engineer-cloud-security-dark-wolf-solutions-ogden-txeh8e9ez3tx) — Ogden, UT
- [Field Support Officer (Test and Evaluation)](https://feeny.ai/job/field-support-officer-test-and-evaluation-dark-wolf-solutions-tucson-w8vhrd6x67xc) — Tucson, AZ / Mountain View, CA / Colorado Springs, CO / Herndon, VA / Ogden, UT / San Antonio, TX
- [Test Planner and Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/test-planner-and-manager-dark-wolf-solutions-mountain-view-80kwe0y77cn8) — Mountain View, CA / Tucson, AZ / Colorado Springs, CO / San Antonio, TX / Ogden, UT