Job Title: Entry Level Data Engineering Analyst
Job Description
The Data Engineering Analyst will support the ongoing operation, maintenance, and performance monitoring of an FAA Surface Awareness Initiative system deployed across multiple airport environments. In this junior, entry-level role, you will help ensure system reliability, support networked hardware, and drive continuous improvement through data analysis, documentation, and root cause investigation. You will collaborate closely with internal team members, gradually taking on broader ownership of system health, network management, and operational tooling, while gaining exposure to how airports and the FAA operate.
Responsibilities
Support day-to-day operations of the Surface Awareness Initiative system across multiple airport deployments.
Assist with documenting system outages, ensuring all issues are thoroughly captured, tracked, and reported.
Participate in incident investigations and contribute to root cause analysis and post-incident assessments.
Maintain accurate records of system performance, outages, and corrective actions.
Support connectivity infrastructure that leverages Peplink routers, modems, and network switches.
Assist with basic configuration, troubleshooting, and issue resolution for deployed networking hardware.
Collaborate on firmware updates, configuration management, and ongoing system optimization.
Work with WAN connectivity solutions such as LTE, Starlink, and other distributed network technologies.
Review and analyze system log files, aircraft traffic data, and other operational datasets.
Identify trends, anomalies, and recurring issues that impact system performance.
Contribute to early detection strategies that proactively identify system degradation.
Support and eventually lead efforts to improve monitoring, data analysis, and operational workflows.
Help identify opportunities to build tools or processes that improve outage detection, analysis, and reporting.
Participate in technology refresh efforts, including hardware and system upgrades.
Document technical data, analysis results, and operational findings in a clear and organized manner.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline.
Experience analyzing technical data and troubleshooting system or connectivity issues.
Experience or strong interest in networking, systems operations, or technical support environments.
Experience documenting technical data and creating clear reports.
Ability to obtain an FAA Public Trust.
Ability to work with networking equipment such as switches, routers, and related hardware.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret system logs and operational data.
Attention to detail in tracking issues, documenting outages, and maintaining performance records.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity with networking concepts, including routing, switching, WAN/LAN, and cellular connectivity.
Exposure to distributed systems, IoT environments, or field-deployed hardware.
Experience working with log analysis tools, system monitoring tools, or incident tracking systems.
Hands-on experience with network hardware or telecommunications systems.
Experience with Peplink networking equipment is a plus but not required.
Interest in learning how airports and FAA systems operate.
Strong documentation and reporting skills for technical information.
Motivation to grow into broader ownership of system health, network management, and operational tooling.
Work Environment
This role follows a hybrid work model, with on-site presence required three days per week. You will collaborate closely with internal technical teams and work with networked hardware, distributed systems, and WAN connectivity solutions such as LTE and Starlink. The position offers exposure to operational airport and FAA-related environments, providing a strong learning platform for an entry-level STEM candidate. The work focuses on system monitoring, data analysis, documentation, and support of network infrastructure in a professional, collaborative setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Herndon, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $43.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Herndon,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
