The Data Engineer designs and automates data infrastructure to support scalable storage, efficient movement, and reliable access to data for analytics and operational use. This position works alongside Analysts, Product Owners, and Developers to refine the data platform and technical solutions that will put the data at the company's fingertips. The Data Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing data capture, transformation, and modeling within the data warehouses to ensure efficient and reliable access to structured data.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:- Build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines to move data into and out of data warehouses efficiently.
- Design, structure, and organize Snowflake databases and schemas to support easy access and analytical workloads.
- Extract, parse, clean, and validate data from a variety of source systems (databases, APIs, flat files, etc.).
- Implement robust, scalable and maintainable automated data ingestion ELT pipelines.
- Ensure the ingested data is of high quality and maintains physical and logical integrity.
- Participate in design and technical discussions.
- Contribute to the implementation and management of data models.
- Work closely with Data Analysts and other Data Engineers.
- Take ownership of critical data pipelines, including responding promptly when unexpected data gaps or failures occur, even outside normal working hours if needed.
Annual compensation range for this role is $100,000-$115,000 depending on experience.This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.
Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
EXPERIENCE:
1. Experience with data integration tools, such as Python, Rivery, dbt, PowerBI Dataflows.
2. Experience with Snowflake.
3. Experience in the finance sector preferred.
COMPETENCIES - SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:- Proficiency in SQL and Snowflake-specific features (e.g., streams, tasks, file formats, and performance tuning).
- Understanding of data modeling principles (e.g., star/snowflake schemas, slowly changing dimensions, normalization).
- Experience designing and maintaining reliable, scalable ELT pipelines using both tools and custom code.
- Strong Python programming skills for automating data movement, transformation, and API-based ingestion.
- Familiarity with PowerBI data architecture and experience managing dataflows and refresh logic.
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize data workflows across systems (e.g., query tuning, job monitoring, and logging).
- Clear communication and documentation skills to support collaboration with analysts, engineers, and stakeholders.
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.
