Data Engineer

Overview

The University of Idaho's Office of Information Technology is launching a multi-year data modernization project and seeks a Data Engineer to design and develop data ingestion pipelines, create reliable data products, and help shape the architecture of its lakehouse platform. This role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders across university data domains, contributing to foundational platform decisions, and enabling data-driven analytics and AI applications at a large public research university.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain pipelines that ingest data from enterprise sources.
• Transform unprocessed data into well-organized and clean data products following medallion architecture guidelines.
• Administer and monitor the Databricks lakehouse platform, including Unity Catalog management.
• Partner with data analysts, consumers, and product managers to define and deliver data products.
• Produce documentation for data pipelines, data models, and operational procedures.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum two years' experience in data engineering, software development, or similar technical roles.
• Proficient in using Python or SQL to manipulate, transform, or analyze data.
• Experience with building and supporting production ETL/ELT workflows and data pipelines.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience totaling six years.

Preferred Skills

• Three or more years of relevant work experience in data engineering or related areas.
• Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate or Professional certification.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based data lakehouse platforms, preferably Databricks.
• Familiarity with PySpark or other distributed data processing frameworks.
• Knowledge of data modeling techniques such as medallion architecture, dimensional modeling, or data vault.
• Experience with ERP systems especially Banner/Ellucian in student, HR, or finance domains.
• Expertise in cloud environments and platforms.
• Use of source control and collaborative code review workflows using Git.
• Implementation of data quality frameworks and tools (like dbt or similar testing tools).
• Integration with BI tools such as Power BI to support analytics consumers.
• Understanding of higher education IT environments and handling sensitive institutional data.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and delivering work within sprint cycles.

Additional Information

• Work Location: Moscow, Idaho campus with possible hybrid/remote work options.
• Employment Type: Full Time, Academic Year appointment.
• Salary: Starting at $85,000 annually, dependent on experience.
• Visa sponsorship: Not available.
• Application Closing: Open until filled; priority applications reviewed by August 3, 2026.
• Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Idaho is committed to equal employment opportunities, including for veterans and individuals with disabilities.