Data and AI Systems Engineer (Systems Engineer I)

This position works within our Innovation Division. In this foundational role, you will become a key contributor and driving force behind the county's unified data and enterprise artificial intelligence ecosystem, bridging the gap between backend data infrastructure and frontend analytics to drive county-wide data-informed decision-making, boost transparency, and enhance operational efficiency. This is an opportunity to participate in high-impact data engineering initiatives, develop future-ready database integrations, and help build next-generation artificial intelligence upgrades that directly support critical county operations, public safety, and public service delivery.

We are looking for an energetic, future-focused innovator who is excited to learn, grow, and help shape the roadmap of our expanding data and enterprise AI portfolio. If you are passionate about collaborating with agency analysts, supporting inter-agency workgroups, and implementing operational policies for responsible, ethical AI usage, this position offers the platform to truly make your mark and launch your career. Join us to support next-generation data solutions and help lead Fairfax County's data and artificial intelligence program into a more resilient, connected, and innovative future.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop rapid innovation prototypes, automation scripts, and automated workflows to solve practical business problems.
• Design and maintain optimized ETL/ELT pipelines within Snowflake using frameworks like Apache Airflow or Azure Data Factory.
• Monitor, tune, and manage central database engines across on-premises SQL Server, Azure cloud platforms, and Snowflake.
• Deploy enterprise business intelligence tools and interactive dashboards using Power BI or Tableau with advanced SQL and DAX.
• Configure and deploy centralized AI systems and machine learning platforms leveraging Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI Builder, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
• Enforce data governance, security, and ethical controls to ensure AI systems and data workflows are secure, transparent, and compliant.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams, regional partners, and vendors to share technical capabilities, best practices, and system documentation.
• Perform other duties as required to support Innovation Division related efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data manipulation, analysis, and pipeline scripting.
• Hands-on experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, or Azure.
• Deep understanding of relational databases, data modeling, and core ETL/ELT pipeline design.
• Experience with the Microsoft 365 suite, specifically leveraging Copilot, Copilot Studio, or advanced AI agentic and workflow automation tools.
• Experience designing, validating, and optimizing data architectures to ensure alignment with business requirements.
• Competency building intuitive dashboards and operational data visualizations using Power BI or Tableau.
• Interest or experience working within the public sector or handling large-scale, highly structured data environments.
• Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative on complex issues independently, providing sound technical recommendations in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong technical communication skills with a proven ability to collaborate effectively across data, AI, and multi-disciplinary teams or agencies.