Kentro

Compensation

Full Description

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Kentro is dedicated to innovation and collaboration, and they are seeking an experienced AI Data Integration Specialist to support their VA-ESOM contract across the United States. The role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing data pipelines to enable AI/ML capabilities within federal IT operations, ensuring data quality and compliance while transforming operational data into AI-ready assets. Responsibilities • Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing data sources to determine fitness for AI/ML applications • Perform gap analysis identifying data quality issues, completeness problems, and integration challenges • Evaluate data source reliability, consistency, and availability for operational AI use cases • Document data lineage, dependencies, and transformation logic for governance and auditability • Assess technical debt and recommend remediation strategies for data infrastructure improvements • Implement metadata tagging standards ensuring discoverability and traceability across data assets • Apply data classification schemes aligned with federal security requirements and VA policies • Establish and enforce minimal data standards for AI/ML readiness across operational systems • Collaborate with Chief AI Office (CAIO) and data governance teams on compliance requirements • Design data cataloging approaches that support self-service discovery for analytics and AI teams • Support ML model development by preparing training datasets with appropriate feature engineering • Build and maintain data infrastructure supporting ML experimentation, training, and deployment • Implement data versioning and lineage tracking for ML reproducibility and auditability • Calculate and communicate ROI for data integration initiatives, demonstrating value through operational metrics • Identify opportunities where improved data integration can accelerate AI adoption or enhance model performance • Partner with SREs, Data Scientists, and Analytics teams to understand data requirements and constraints • Translate technical data challenges into understandable terms for government stakeholders • Provide technical guidance on data feasibility for proposed AI initiatives • Document data integration patterns, best practices, and lessons learned for knowledge sharing • Support executive briefings by providing data-driven insights on AI readiness and capability gaps Skills • Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related technical field. 10 years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree requirement • 10+ years professional experience in data engineering, data integration, or ML operations roles • Hands-on experience designing and implementing data pipelines for analytics or AI/ML applications • Demonstrated experience working with enterprise data integration challenges in complex technical environments • Federal government experience, particularly within VA or Department of Defense • Strong ML/AI experience with understanding of data requirements for model training, validation, and inference • Proficiency in data ingestion and preparation techniques including ETL/ELT pipeline development • Experience with data pipeline orchestration tools and frameworks (Azure, Data Factory, or similar) • Understanding of metadata tagging standards and data cataloging approaches • Knowledge of data classification schemes and minimal data standards for AI/ML readiness • Expertise in data source evaluation methodologies including quality assessment and gap analysis • Strong understanding of data flows, system integrations, and API-based data exchange patterns • Experience with cloud data platforms (Azure preferred) and hybrid cloud/on-premise integration patterns • Familiarity with ITSM platforms (ServiceNow preferred) and operational data structures • Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python preferred) for data transformation • Expert-level gap analysis capabilities with ability to identify root causes and recommend solutions • Strong analytical mindset for assessing data quality, completeness, and fitness for purpose • Critical thinking to evaluate trade-offs between data quality, cost, and timeline constraints • Systems thinking to understand data dependencies and downstream impacts of integration decisions • Ability to calculate and articulate ROI for data initiatives using operational metrics and business value • Ability to explain technical data concepts to non-technical stakeholders • Strong documentation skills for technical specifications, data flows, and integration patterns • Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams (SRE, Data Science, Analytics) • Experience supporting executive communications with data-driven insights • Curious: Continuously explores data landscapes to understand what exists, what's missing, and what's possible • High Contextual Understanding: Grasps the operational meaning and business significance behind data, not just technical structure • Confident with Gap Analysis: Comfortable identifying problems, articulating impacts, and proposing solutions • Detail-Oriented: Maintains precision in data quality assessment and integration design • Pragmatic: Balances ideal solutions with operational constraints and realistic timelines • Mission-Focused: Connects data work to Veteran impact and VA mission outcomes • Deep experience with ServiceNow data models, APIs, and integration patterns • Prior work with Chief AI Office (CAIO) or federal data governance processes • Experience with Azure AI services and Azure data platform tools (Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks) • Knowledge of federal data standards and compliance frameworks • Experience with data quality tools and automated data profiling • Background in reliability engineering, SRE practices, or IT operations data • Certifications in data engineering, cloud platforms, or ML operations • Experience working in distributed, remote teams Benefits • Paid time off • Healthcare benefits • Supplemental benefits • 401k including an employer match • Discount perks • Rewards • Education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development • Funds for activities - virtual and in-person - e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations Company Overview • IT Concepts has transformed into Kentro - your center for innovation, excellence, and growth. It was founded in undefined, and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, US, with a workforce of 501-1000 employees. Its website is http://www.kentro.us.