Senior Data Engineer - Joint
Summary
Designs and maintains cloud-native data platforms and pipelines for intelligence operations, using Kafka, PostgreSQL, Kubernetes, and event-driven architectures.
What the role is
You are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data solutions to marshal Joint Intelligence Command (JIC)'s operational data, enabling robust and scalable platforms that support intelligence operations and software engineering teams.
What you will be working on
- Architect and maintain comprehensive data ecosystems across operational and analytical domains, advising on optimal technologies and design patterns to implement
- Design and manage cloud‑native data platforms deployed in on‑premises environments
- Develop and automate resilient data pipelines, integration interfaces, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) leveraging event‑driven architectures
- Mentor junior engineers and guide the section through technical best practices, code reviews, and architectural design evaluations
Challenge(s): Navigating ambiguity to determine the right design patterns to apply, as architectural choices regarding specific structural patterns and techniques are not pre‑defined. Rapidly building foundational domain knowledge of intelligence operations to design platforms that effectively support software engineers and operational tool development.
What we are looking for
- Education in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- At least 6 years of experience in data or platform engineering, with a proven track record of bringing clarity to ambiguous environments by independently selecting and applying appropriate architectural techniques and data design patterns
- Demonstrated expertise in building robust on‑premises data platforms, particularly with Apache Kafka and PostgreSQL, alongside practical experience with stream processing engines, open table formats, and scalable operational and analytical data architectures
- Extensive hands‑on experience with containerisation and orchestration in Kubernetes environments, seamlessly integrated with a strong grasp of GitOps workflows and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) deployment practices
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Highly motivated and independent working style
- User‑centric mindset with strong analytical and meticulous attention to detail
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
About MINDEF
The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non‑uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.