Senior Data Science Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Senior Data Science Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in financial services, healthcare systems, insurance, and defense contracting across a market that draws candidates from entry-level data scientists through staff and principal engineers. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh lead hiring volume, with Harrisburg and the Route 202 technology corridor in Montgomery County also generating consistent openings. Employers like Comcast, Independence Blue Cross, and Highmark Health have deep, lasting data science practices in the state, with in-demand specialties including machine learning engineering, NLP, and MLOps infrastructure. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 10+ Senior Data Science Engineer jobs
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Computational Intelligence and Visualization Application Department in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State . In this role, you will architect and optimize data systems that empower our data scientists to efficiently research, train, and deploy both traditional and ML-based algorithms and applications.
The ideal candidate is a PostgreSQL expert who also brings hands-on experience with other modern data storage technologies—such as NoSQL, graph, and time-series databases —and can guide the organization in choosing the right tools and structures for each data use case.
Located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
- Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
- Serve as the internal subject matter expert on PostgreSQL —including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
- Evaluate and integrate alternative database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
- Lead efforts to optimize data pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
- Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems
- Implement monitoring, automation, and performance-tuning tools for all database environments
- Advise on data lifecycle management—balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements
Required skills/experience includes:
- 5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical roles
- Expert-level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication)
- Strong understanding of data modeling , normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query optimization
- Experience with non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB)
- Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and deployment
- Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
- Proficiency in SQL and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working closely with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers
Preferred skills/experience includes:
- Experience architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases.
- Knowledge of data lake, warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
- Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field
Work location can be fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston , VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu .
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer with deep expertise in database design, optimization, and data access strategies to support our growing data science and machine learning initiatives within the Computational Intelligence and Visualization Application Department in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State . In this role, you will architect and optimize data systems that empower our data scientists to efficiently research, train, and deploy both traditional and ML-based algorithms and applications.
The ideal candidate is a PostgreSQL expert who also brings hands-on experience with other modern data storage technologies—such as NoSQL, graph, and time-series databases —and can guide the organization in choosing the right tools and structures for each data use case.
Located in either State College, PA or Reston, VA
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Design and maintain scalable, high-performance database solutions to support data science workflows and ML experimentation
- Partner with data scientists to understand data access patterns and develop storage strategies that accelerate analysis and model training
- Serve as the internal subject matter expert on PostgreSQL —including schema design, indexing, partitioning, and query optimization
- Evaluate and integrate alternative database technologies (e.g., MongoDB, Neo4j, Redis, Cassandra) where they provide clear advantages
- Lead efforts to optimize data pipelines for both structured and unstructured data used in algorithm development
- Ensure data integrity, security, and governance across storage systems
- Implement monitoring, automation, and performance-tuning tools for all database environments
- Advise on data lifecycle management—balancing accessibility for R&D with efficiency and compliance requirements
Required skills/experience includes:
- 5+ years of experience in data engineering, database architecture, or related technical roles
- Expert-level proficiency in PostgreSQL (query tuning, schema design, indexing, partitioning, replication)
- Strong understanding of data modeling , normalization vs. denormalization tradeoffs, and query optimization
- Experience with non-relational databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra, Neo4j, Redis, or DynamoDB)
- Familiarity with machine learning workflows and how data is consumed for training, evaluation, and deployment
- Experience with cloud database services (AWS RDS/Aurora, GCP Cloud SQL, Azure Database)
- Proficiency in SQL and one or more scripting languages (Python preferred)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills—comfortable working closely with data scientists, ML engineers, and software developers
Preferred skills/experience includes:
- Experience architecting hybrid data ecosystems spanning relational, NoSQL, and analytical databases.
- Knowledge of data lake, warehouse, and feature store architectures (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, Feast)
- Familiarity with ETL/ELT frameworks and data orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field
Work location can be fully on-site located in State College, PA or Reston , VA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Data Science (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu .
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See All 10 Senior Data Science Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
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Find JobsSenior Data Science Engineer Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Data Science Engineer Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior data science engineer jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related quantitative field
- Five or more years of experience building and deploying machine learning models in production
- Proficiency in Python and SQL with hands-on experience using frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
- Experience designing MLOps pipelines and working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Strong communication skills for presenting model findings and insights to non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience with large-scale distributed data systems and tools such as Spark or Databricks
Senior Data Science Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior data science engineer in Pennsylvania?
Senior data science engineer roles in Pennsylvania do not require a state-issued license or registration, so the path runs through education and demonstrated experience. Most hiring managers expect at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior-level positions. Candidates strengthen their profile by building a portfolio of deployed ML projects, contributing to open-source work, and earning cloud certifications recognized by Pennsylvania's technology and healthcare employers.
How much do senior data science engineers make in Pennsylvania?
Senior data science engineers in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $106,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,340 for the lowest 10% to over $162,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior data science engineers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring senior data science engineers in Pennsylvania right now include Gettysburg College, PA Compensation Rating Bureau, and GSK, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of large health insurance carriers, regional banks, and defense primes means many of these openings sit within regulated industries where experience with sensitive or high-volume data is a competitive advantage.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most senior data science engineer jobs?
Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Pipersville are the Pennsylvania cities with the most senior data science engineer openings, reflecting the state's hiring geography. Philadelphia dominates because of its dense cluster of health systems, insurers, and financial institutions, while Pittsburgh draws heavily from Carnegie Mellon University's technology ecosystem and the regional presence of robotics and autonomous systems companies. Smaller suburban markets along the Route 202 corridor benefit from satellite offices of large technology employers.
Are there remote senior data science engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, and more than most fields. Data science engineering is inherently desk-based and cloud-dependent, making it one of the more remote-compatible roles in technology. About 50% of senior data science engineer openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of distributed work. Modeling, experimentation, and pipeline development are the tasks most commonly performed fully remotely, while stakeholder presentations and production incident response may require occasional on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a senior data science engineer in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior or associate data scientist role at a Pennsylvania employer that runs structured development programs. Highmark Health, Comcast, and Independence Blue Cross each recruit new graduates into rotational analytics or data engineering programs where early-career hires build production experience over one to two years. Moving laterally from a data analyst or software engineering role is also common, particularly if the candidate brings strong Python skills and at least one end-to-end ML project in their portfolio. A cloud certification from AWS or Google adds a measurable credential that Pennsylvania hiring teams recognize.
Where can I find and apply to senior data science engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to senior data science engineer jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings updated in real time. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target city, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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