The Data Engineer plays a pivotal role in the modernization of the Veteran and Family Member Programs (VFMP) by designing, developing, and maintaining scalable data pipelines and integration frameworks that support automation, analytics, and interoperability across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This position ensures seamless data flow between internal VA systems, external data sources, and VFMP’s modernization platform—enabling real-time decision-making, automated workflows, and improved experiences for Veterans, beneficiaries, and providers.

The Data Engineer leverages modern cloud-based data architectures, advanced analytics tools, and DevSecOps principles to enhance data accessibility, quality, and performance in support of VFMP’s mission to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality healthcare benefits worldwide.

• Design, build, and maintain robust data pipelines and ETL/ELT processes to ingest, cleanse, transform, and integrate data from multiple internal and external sources.
• Develop and implement data models and architectures that support real-time decision-making, automation, and advanced analytics.
• Collaborate with software developers, business analysts, and data scientists to deliver scalable data solutions supporting eligibility, claims, appeals, and provider workflows.
• Ensure adherence to data governance, security, and privacy regulations, including HIPAA, FISMA, and VA data management policies.
• Optimize data infrastructure for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Support integration of AI/ML pipelines for predictive analytics, automated eligibility determinations, and provider data mapping.
• Participate in system planning, analysis, modeling, testing, and integration throughout the full SDLC.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for data processes, standards, and integrations.
• Collaborate with VA and partner stakeholders to ensure compliance with data interoperability standards (HL7, FHIR, X12) and alignment with modernization goals.

• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, data engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and implementing large-scale data solutions in healthcare, federal, or enterprise environments.
• Experience in planning, analysis, modeling, testing, and integration across the full SDLC lifecycle.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python, with experience using ETL tools such as Apache Spark, Airflow, or Azure Data Factory.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and data warehouse technologies.
• Experience ensuring data governance, quality assurance, and security compliance.
• Public Trust eligibility (or higher) and ability to obtain/maintain required government clearances.

• Experience supporting federal healthcare or data modernization programs.
• Master’s degree in data engineering, data science, or information systems.
• Experience with VA data systems (e.g., VES, CP&E, VBMS) or federal interoperability frameworks.
• Familiarity with DevOps/CI-CD tools and version control (e.g., Git, Azure DevOps).
• Demonstrated success optimizing data pipelines and workflows in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.