Penn State is hiring a Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning

The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is hiring a Senior Data Engineer – Data Architecture for Data Science & Machine Learning for its Visualization and Decision Support Division. You will architect and optimize robust, scalable data systems that empower our data scientists to efficiently research, train, and deploy traditional and ML-based algorithms.

What You'll Do

• Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database solutions to support data science workflows and machine learning 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.

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Nice to Have

• 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.

Technical Stack

• Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra, DynamoDB
• Cloud Services: AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database
• Analytics & Tools: Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast, Airflow, dbt
• Languages: SQL, Python

Team & Environment

You will join the Visualization and Decision Support Division within Penn State ARL.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: $109,300.00 - $219,600.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children

Work Mode

This position is onsite in State College, PA or Reston, VA.

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.