DE-26-327 - Data Engineer I - (DevOps Focus)

Data Engineer 1 (DevOps-Focused Role)

NOTE: While titled as a Data Engineer I role, this position is DevOps-focused, supporting CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and operational environments.

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. without sponsorship.

Next Phase Solutions and Services is seeking a Data Engineer 1 (DevOps-Focused) to support client-based development, operations, and infrastructure activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to build hands-on experience with DevOps practices, AWS cloud services, and modern delivery pipelines in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment.

Responsibilities

CI/CD Pipeline Support

• Monitor and support code pipelines to ensure smooth execution
• Troubleshoot failed builds and collaborate with team members to resolve issues
• Assist in maintaining and updating pipeline configurations

Cloud & Infrastructure (AWS)

• Support cloud operations, including monitoring resource health and utilization
• Assist with provisioning and managing compute, storage, and networking resources
• Perform routine environment management tasks

Infrastructure as Code

• Work with Infrastructure-as-Code tools (e.g., AWS CloudFormation) under guidance
• Support implementation of small infrastructure changes

Monitoring & Operations

• Use tools such as CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog
• Respond to alerts and escalate issues as needed
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and root cause analysis

Containerization

• Support Docker-based application packaging and testing
• Work with Dockerfiles and container concepts

Version Control

• Manage Git branches and support developers with merge conflicts
• Follow and help enforce branching strategies

Documentation

• Maintain runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and system documentation

Security & Compliance Support

• Apply patches and system updates under guidance
• Support team efforts to maintain compliance with internal policies and client requirements
• Assist in maintaining secure configurations across cloud and system environments

Collaboration

• Participate in standups, sprint ceremonies, and team discussions
• Work with developers, testers, and operations teams during deployments

Why This Role is Unique

• Immediate placement on an active CMS program 

• Exposure to enterprise healthcare data systems (CMS MARx) program
• Opportunity to grow into a DevOps career path
• Work in a collaborative, mentorship-driven environment
• Exposure to real-world cloud and infrastructure systems
• Work within a Lean-Agile / DevOps delivery model

Requirements

Qualifications

Demonstrated hands-on experience (academic, internship, or project-based) with:

• CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Gitlab CI)
• AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, or similar)

• Familiarity with Linux and command-line tools
• Exposure to Docker or containerization concepts
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with scripting (Python, Bash, or PowerShell)
• Exposure to Infrastructure-as-Code concepts
• Coursework, labs, or certifications in DevOps, Cloud, or Infrastructure

Experience/Education Requirements

• 0 - 3 years of hands-on exposure (through academic work, internships, or projects) to DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, AWS services, and Linux environments.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (preferred)

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.