Staff Data Engineer, Federal

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human

Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence.

This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk.

The Technology, Data, and Intelligence Team 

Okta is the leading independent identity provider. The Technology, Data, and Intelligence (TDI) organization is the engine that powers Okta's global workforce, providing the technology and systems that enable our employees to do their best work.

The Staff Data Engineer Opportunity

Okta’s Data Engineering team is on a mission to accelerate Okta’s scale and growth by building platforms that are utilized across the organization. As a Staff Data Engineer on the Federal platform team, you will be a key technical leader responsible for architecting, building, and maintaining our most critical and scalable data solutions within a high-security environment. This role involves leading complex projects and collaborating closely with other engineers and analysts to ensure data availability, integrity, and security across the enterprise. You will have a proven ability to tie engineering initiatives to business impact.

What you'll be doing 

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of highly scalable data platforms using AWS, Snowflake, dbt (Core and Cloud), and Airflow.
• Own and manage the team's infrastructure as code (IaC) strategy using Terraform, ensuring consistent, secure, and reproducible environments.
• Architect, develop, and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines for data platform applications using GitHub and GitLab.
• Containerize applications and services using Docker to ensure portability and scalability across all environments.
• Mentor other engineers and drive technical strategy for troubleshooting and resolving complex issues related to data infrastructure, security, and workflows.
• Define and enforce data security and compliance standards, leading initiatives for vulnerability scanning (e.g., Nessus, Qualys) and patch management.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering to guide the team’s technical direction.

What you'll bring to the role

• Experience: 8+ years in a data engineering role, with proven experience in a senior or lead capacity. Experience with Federal government compliance and security requirements is highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise: Expert-level experience with SQL, ETL/ELT tools (Airflow, dbt), and MPP databases (Snowflake, Redshift). Extensive hands-on experience with AWS services (S3, Lambda, EMR, ECR, EKS).
• Modern Architectures: Deep experience designing and working with lakehouse architectures (Databricks) and modern file formats (Iceberg, Delta).
• Infrastructure & Automation: Mastery of Terraform for IaC and a strong track record of implementing best practices for CI/CD (GitHub/GitLab) and containerization (Docker).
• Security Acumen: In-depth knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools (Splunk, Nessus, Qualys, Falco) and best practices for securing data platforms.

What success looks like

• A well-architected and highly scalable data platform that meets the stringent requirements of federal environments.
• A fully automated, secure, and reproducible infrastructure managed entirely through your IaC strategy.
• Robust, efficient CI/CD pipelines that accelerate secure software delivery for the entire team.
• Demonstrable technical growth and improved output from engineers you have mentored.
• A measurable improvement in the platform's security posture and compliance adherence.

Additional requirements:

• This position requires the ability to access federal environments and/or have access to protected federal data.  As a condition of employment for this position, the successful candidate must be able to submit documentation establishing U.S. Person status (e.g. a U.S. Citizen, National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee. 22 CFR 120.15) upon hire.

The Okta Experience

• Supporting Your Well-Being 
• Driving Social Impact 
• Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community

We are intentional about connection. Our global community, spanning over 20 offices worldwide, is united by a drive to innovate. Your journey begins with an immersive, in-person onboarding experience designed to accelerate your impact and connect you to our mission and team from day one.

Okta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a protected veteran. We also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and convictions records, consistent with applicable laws.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete any part of the job application, interview process, or onboarding please use this Form to request an accommodation.

Notice for New York City Applicants & Employees: Okta may use Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT), as defined by New York City Local Law 144, that use artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other automated processes to assist in our recruitment and hiring process. In accordance with NYC Local Law 144, if you are an applicant or employee residing in New York City, please click here to view our full NYC AEDT Notice.

Okta is committed to complying with applicable data privacy and security laws and regulations. For more information, please see our Personnel and Job Candidate Privacy Notice at https://www.okta.com/legal/personnel-policy/.