Senior Data Engineer (Governance Focus)

<p>Description</p><p><b>Senior Data Engineer (Governance Focus)</b></p><p></p><p><b>The Role</b></p><p>We are looking for a Senior Data Engineer with a strong foundation in modern data engineering and DevOps, and a clear focus on data and AI governance. This role goes beyond traditional pipeline development and plays a critical part in establishing governance-by-design across our data and analytics platform.<br><br>In addition to building and operating reliable data pipelines, this role will design and build AI agents and automation workflows that operate on governed data assets. These agents will be used to automate platform operations, data quality checks, metadata enrichment, and governance workflows, with an emphasis on traceability, security, and responsible use.<br><br>While our current platform is centered on Azure and Microsoft Fabric, we welcome candidates with strong data engineering experience on AWS, Databricks, or other modern data platforms, provided their skills are transferable and they demonstrate strong data engineering fundamentals.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>How This Role Is Different</b></p><p>This role is for a senior data engineer who wants to move beyond building pipelines alone and take ownership of how data and AI are governed, automated, and scaled. You will still build data pipelines, but you will also define governance patterns, build AI agents that automate platform workflows, and embed controls directly into CI/CD processes.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Key Responsibilities</b></p><p><b>Data Engineering Foundations</b></p><p>Design, build, and operate batch and streaming data pipelines on modern cloud data platforms.</p><p>Develop robust ETL/ELT processes using SQL, Python, and PySpark with strong error handling, monitoring, and cost awareness.</p><p>Implement layered / medallion data architectures and analytics-ready data models to support BI and AI workloads.</p><p>Partner with analysts and data scientists to deliver trusted, production-grade data assets.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Data & AI Governance (Primary Focus)</b></p><p>Lead the implementation and evolution of data governance practices using Microsoft Purview or comparable governance platforms.</p><p>Define and operationalize governance standards for data products, AI/ML features, and agent-based workflows.</p><p>Ensure governance is embedded into platform workflows rather than handled as an after-the-fact process.</p><p>Act as a de facto owner for data and AI governance patterns as standards continue to evolve.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>AI Agents & Automation</b></p><p>Design and build AI agents and intelligent automation workflows that support data platform and governance operations.</p><p>Develop agents to assist with metadata enrichment, data quality checks, anomaly detection, and governance workflows.</p><p>Ensure AI agents operate only on approved, governed data sources with appropriate logging and auditability.</p><p>Contribute to evolving AI governance patterns, including agent lifecycle management and input/output traceability.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>DevOps & Platform Enablement</b></p><p>Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines for data and AI assets.</p><p>Promote infrastructure-as-code practices (Terraform, Bicep, or equivalent) for repeatable, governed environments.</p><p>Define environment promotion paths (dev, test, prod) with embedded governance and policy checks.</p><p></p><p><b>What Success Looks Like in This Role</b></p><p>Data and AI assets are discoverable, trusted, and auditable.</p><p>Governance is built into the platform rather than enforced manually.</p><p>AI agents safely automate platform and governance workflows.</p><p>Teams scale analytics and AI capabilities without increasing risk or operational overhead.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><span>Required Qualifications</span></b></p><ul><li><p><span>Bachelor’s degree AND 5+ years of experience in data engineering or data platform engineering in a production environment. </span></p></li><li><p><span>SQL and hands-on experience with Python and PySpark.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience in data engineering on at least one major cloud or data platform (Azure, AWS, Databricks, or equivalent), with skills that are transferable across platforms.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience with Git-based development and CI/CD practices.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience with data governance concepts such as cataloging, lineage, data quality, and access control.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience with engineering judgment and balancing speed, safety, and governance.</span></p></li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Preferred Qualifications</b></p><ul><li><p><span>Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview or comparable data governance platforms.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience building AI agents, LLM-based automation, or intelligent assistants for operational or platform workflows.</span></p></li><li><p><span>Experience embedding governance controls into DevOps workflows (policy-as-code mindset).</span></p></li><li><p><span>Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric or Databricks-centric architectures, and the ability to learn new platforms quickly.</span></p></li></ul><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><u><b>Working at ICF</b></u></p>ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.<p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><div><p><span><span>We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer</span><span>.</span><span><span> </span></span><span>Together, our employees are empowered to share their<span> </span></span><span>expertise</span><span><span> </span>and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our </span></span><a href="https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity" target="_blank"><u><span>EEO</span></u></a><span><span><span> </span>policy.</span></span></p><p></p><p><span>We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><span>Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with<span> </span></span><span>sincerely held</span><span><span> </span>religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request<span> </span></span><span>an accommodation,</span><span><span> </span>please email </span></span><a href="mailto:Candidateaccommodation@icf.com" target="_blank"><u><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Candidateaccommodation@icf.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></a><span><span> and we will be happy to<span> </span></span><span>assist</span><span>. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent<span> </span></span><span>required</span><span><span> </span>to provide needed reasonable accommodations. </span></span><span> </span></p></div><div><p></p></div><div><p><span><span>Read more about </span></span><a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf" target="_blank"><u><span>workplace discrimination righ</span><span>t</span><span>s</span></u></a><span><span><span> </span>or our benefit offerings which are included in the </span></span><a href="https://www.icf.com/legal/equal-employment-opportunity" target="_blank"><u><span>Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage</span><span><span> </span></span><span>Act.</span></u></a><span> </span></p></div><p></p><p style="text-align:inherit"> </p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><div><b><u>Candidate AI Usage Policy</u></b></div><div><div><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or<span> </span></span><span>assist</span><span><span> </span>with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not<span> </span></span><span>permitted</span><span>. This policy is in place to<span> </span></span><span>maintain</span><span><span> </span>the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. </span></span><span> </span></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p></div><div><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation</span><span><span> that involves the use of AI. </span>If<span> </span></span><span>such an</span><span><span> </span>accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at </span></span><a target="_blank" href="mailto:candidateaccommodation@icf.com"><u><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span class="WIO0">candidateaccommodation@icf.com</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></u></a><span><span>. We<span> </span></span><span>are dedicated to providing</span><span><span> </span>the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.</span></span> <span><span> </span></span></p></div></div><p style="text-align:inherit"><br> </p><p style="text-align:left"><b>Pay Range</b><span> - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final </span><span>pay</span><span> for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. </span></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><span>The pay range for this position </span><span>based on full-time employment </span><span>is</span>:</p>$98,614.00 - $167,644.00<p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p>Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...