DE-26-320 - Data Engineer I (Entry-Level)

Data Engineer 1 (Entry-Level)

Location: Columbia, Maryland (not Remote)

Work Requirement: On-site in Columbia, Maryland, 3 days (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Immediate Hire)

Clearance: Public Trust Eligible (Due to federal contract requirements and Public Trust clearance eligibility, candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. wihout sponsorship.

Next Phase Solutions and Services is seeking a Data Engineer I to join our team in support of an established CMS MARx (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug System) program.

This is an immediate, full-time opportunity for an entry-level candidate (0–2 years of experience) who is looking to grow their career in data engineering within a stable federal healthcare environment.

You will work directly alongside a senior data engineer/mentor, gaining hands-on experience with real production systems, data pipelines, and cloud-based data platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of databases, including relational and data warehouse environments
• Support development and optimization of PostgreSQL and Amazon Redshift solutions
• Contribute to data ingestion, transformation, and storage strategies
• Help define how data is stored, integrated, and consumed across systems and applications
• Participate in data modeling efforts, including relational and multidimensional structures
• Assist with data acquisition, archiving, and recovery strategies
• Work within an Agile/DevOps team to support continuous delivery
• Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure data quality, integrity, and performance

Why This Role is Unique

•  Immediate placement on an active CMS program 
•  Direct mentorship from senior engineering staff
•  Exposure to enterprise healthcare data systems (CMS MARx)
•  Opportunity to build experience in PostgreSQL, Redshift, and modern data environments
•  Work within a Lean-Agile / DevOps delivery model

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in data engineering, database development, or a related field
• Foundational knowledge of:
• PostgreSQL
• Amazon Redshift (or similar data warehouse platforms)
• Understanding of:
• Relational databases and basic data modeling concepts
• Data warehousing fundamentals
• Software development lifecycle (SDLC)
• Familiarity with Agile, Lean, or DevOps methodologies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to learn quickly in a mentored, team-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to CMS, Medicare, or federal healthcare systems
• Experience with:
• SQL and query optimization
• ETL/ELT processes or tools
• AWS or other cloud platforms
• Internship, academic project, or bootcamp experience in data engineering or analytics

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (preferred) OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience in data engineering, databases, or analytics

Work Authorization

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance (required for CMS work)

General:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload based on the needs of the client
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and frequent changes in priorities
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent technical writing skills and proven experience in systems with complex requirements
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills with the ability to team with others to meet project objectives
• Understanding of the system development lifecycle as implemented with Agile; SAFe knowledge a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to navigate in an office setting unassisted
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
• Strong speaking skills, including the ability to articulate thoughts in a clear manner and excellent word enunciation skills, are required

Additional Information about this opening:

• Employees of Next Phase shall, as an enduring obligation throughout their term of employment, adhere to all information security requirements as documented in company policies and procedures
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, with three days in the office per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and two days working remotely
• We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities for advancement and exposure to exciting projects and initiatives
• This position is suited for candidates within commuting distance to Columbia, MD, and not eligible for a fully remote schedule
• We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and professional growth and development opportunities. If you meet the above requirements and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please submit your application for consideration.
• The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only, not a compensation or salary guarantee. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other laws.

Salary Range:

• $75,000 - $95,000

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This range reflects a broad spectrum of potential candidates, with salary offers based on skills, experience, and expertise in the field.

ABOUT NEXT PHASE SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES, INC.

Innovation. It’s What Defines Us.

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. provides insights and solutions for healthcare, engineering, and science research. Next Phase commits to creating an environment where our employees achieve their full potential, increase productivity, and expand their professional and personal horizons. We look for bright, innovative people who achieve results, understand the importance of being productive and supportive team members, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Next Phase leadership is looking for new leaders, scientific and technical subject matter experts, and technically savvy people interested in putting forth the effort and commitment needed to grow our company.

Will you join us to share in the success?

Benefits

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS

• Choose from three medical healthcare plans.
• Dental and Vision Insurance plans.
• Enjoy a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA), and a company-sponsored Wellness Program.

PERSONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS

• Next Phase offers life insurance, accidental death, and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance, all of which are paid for by the company.

PAID LEAVE

• Employees receive competitive paid time off, including 11 holidays and maternity leave for recovering mothers.

RETIREMENT

• Next Phase contributes 5% to a 401K plan without requiring employee contributions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Employees can be reimbursed for professional development expenses such as classes, books, technical certification/testing fees, professional dues/subscriptions, and professional licenses required for their position.

PET INSURANCE

• You have two options to ensure the happiness and health of your pets.

COMPETITIVE BONUS PROGRAM

• At Next Phase, we believe in sharing our success with the employees who make it happen!

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. offers all qualified candidates and employees equal employment opportunities. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic safeguarded by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment at Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. is to hire and promote the most qualified individuals for our positions.

"EOE, including disability/vets"

NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you are a person with a disability who requires assistance with the electronic submission process, please email us at HRDirector@npss-inc.com.