Senior Data Engineer - Information Systems

Mesa USD 4 • Mesa, AZ

2d • $90,295

About The Position

The Senior Data Engineer position develops, enhances, and supports the district's data infrastructure and Python- and SQL-based pipeline ecosystem for our K-12 system. Working closely with cross-functional teams and providing day-to-day guidance to Data Engineers, the Senior Data Engineer builds and troubleshoots pipelines, partners on data architecture decisions, and contributes to modeling, machine learning, and analytics initiatives. This role balances strong hands-on development with increased technical coordination, technical decision-making, and project ownership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, STEM, or other related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of data engineering, data analysis, software development, or related technical experience.
• Proficient knowledge of data analytics, data wrangling, data blending/integration, and pipeline development.
• Proficient knowledge of data visualization and/or reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, IBM Cognos, or similar tools).
• Ability to write, optimize, and utilize Python and SQL to extract, ingest, transform, validate, and manipulate data.
• Understanding of database and cloud architectures, with experience in cloud-based data storage and warehousing.
• Experience building, troubleshooting, and maintaining Python- and SQL-based ETL/ELT processes and production data pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct ad hoc data analysis and reporting.
• Experience translating business requirements into technical solutions and production-ready datasets.
• Proficient in data processing technologies, including Python-based frameworks, source control, and agile development processes.
• Strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively for all levels and types of audiences (technical and non-technical)
• Capacity to work cooperatively with teachers, administrators and other employee groups in an educational setting.
• Strong leadership skills with a self-starter attitude and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, STEM, or other related field.
• K-12 public education experience.
• Experience supporting or mentoring engineers or technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and troubleshoot Python- and SQL-based data pipelines, integration processes, and supporting infrastructure for analytics, machine learning, and operational reporting.
• Provide technical guidance on assigned data engineering work, supporting the organization's adoption of modern data models and cloud technologies.
• Develop proof-of-concept prototypes and implementation models using Python, SQL, and related tools to support project goals and district strategy.
• Leverage strong Python and SQL skills, using one or both languages depending on project needs, to design, optimize, automate, and maintain data engineering pipelines supporting modeling and analytics needs.
• Define and maintain reusable data development patterns, engineering standards, version control practices, and data frameworks for assigned projects.
• Apply strong knowledge of database technology to support legacy DBMSs and improve overall data platform solutions, including Python- and SQL-based integration patterns.
• Utilize Python- and SQL-based ETL/ELT processes to create, expand, and improve the current data model and production data assets.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned personnel including providing professional development.
• Implement data quality controls, validation routines, and monitoring processes to ensure statistical efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
• Prepare, transform, and stage data using Python, SQL, and related tools for analytics, machine learning, and production use, and support model development or deployment planning for approved initiatives.
• Work closely with stakeholders, including educators, IT professionals, compliance teams, and risk management, to identify, support, and implement data-driven projects.
• Translate business, analytical, and operational requirements into technical design and delivery plans.
• Communicate technical concepts, delivery status, and solution impacts effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, code review, and task support to Data Engineers.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, monitoring, Python ETL/ELT jobs, data cleaning, and operational support work completed by Data Engineers.
• Represent the team in project and architectural discussions related to data aggregation, data flows, deployment strategies, and governance.
• Foster a continuous learning and test-and-learn mindset across team members.
• Embrace agile methodologies in the development process, supporting delivery from ideation through implementation.
• Coordinate work across assigned projects and pursue process improvements aligned with department priorities.
• Collaborate with Information Systems team members to build consistent, accurate, and available data solutions in specialized software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel, and similar tools).
• Independently define problem statements and extract user requirements for data analysis and business intelligence solutions within assigned scope.
• Develop and present analyses and reports using data visualization and storytelling best practices.
• Produce documentation to ensure data consistency, quality, and transparency across the district.
• Participate in data quality issue analysis and resolution recommendations and support remediation planning.
• Combine data files from multiple sources efficiently and effectively to create clean datasets for analysis.
• Write custom SQL queries, develop Python scripts as needed, and support optimization of both.
• Maintain department procedures and policies in alignment with district, state, and federal statutes and regulations.
• Prepare various reports for professional, technical, and non-technical audiences to provide and/or convey information.
• Collaborate with the Data Architect and other team members in the department to ensure accurate visualizations, data elements, and consistent practices are adhered to.
• Provide training on the proper and effective use of data tools.
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.

Benefits

• Vacation
• sick leave
• holidays
• retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
• health, and life insurance
• Performance Pay: Available annually
• New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum
• New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees