Senior Data Engineer

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State’s Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) is seeking a motivated Senior Data Engineer to join our Data Engineering Team. The Data Engineering Team collaborates with the Data Modeling, Institutional Reporting, Data Science and Analytics, and Operations Teams.  You’ll have the opportunity to use your talent and skill to empower informed decision-making through a robust data ecosystem for state and federal reporting, accreditation, and university-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities Include:

• Collaborate with a team of data engineers to support OPAIR's Institutional Research, Assessment, Data Governance, Planning, and Data Science teams, contributing to the continual evolution of Penn State’s data ecosystem.

• Assume a pivotal role as the backup for the Director of Data Engineering, ensuring seamless continuity and essential assistance in their absence.

• Assist in the development, deployment and maintenance of cloud-based solutions, with a focus on the Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure environments.

• Craft, sustain, and enhance legacy data warehouses/ETL solutions on Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle databases, ensuring their ongoing efficiency and optimization.

• Monitor and maintain existing portfolio of data acquisition jobs.

• Analyze and enhance existing software development methodologies, focusing on source code control, testing procedures, and release management to drive continuous improvement and effective implementation.

• Articulate progress updates and address any concerns transparently with both management and peers for streamlined communication.

• Collaborate with teams to identify risks, issues, requirements; and design solutions for project-level activities.

• Facilitate collaborative partnerships among university teams by actively exchanging information and lending support to enhance data-related initiatives.

• Proactively pursue continuous professional growth by remaining abreast of the latest advancements in data engineering, technology, and business intelligence practices. Share acquired insights and knowledge with the team to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Work location is flexible: fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or a hybrid model. Standard working hours are in the Eastern time zone.

Education and experience:

Minimally requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in an IT-related discipline and at least 6 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skillset:

• SQL Proficiency: Mastery in writing and optimizing SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions.

• ETL Tools: Experience with ETL tools like SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) and ODI (Oracle Data Integrator) for designing and managing ETL workflows.

• Data Modeling: Ability to design efficient data models and schema.

• Database Management: Strong understanding of Microsoft SQL Server databases, including performance tuning, indexing, and maintenance.

• Data Transformation: Expertise in transforming data formats, handling data cleansing, and applying necessary transformations for consistency.

• Troubleshooting and Debugging: Proficient in identifying and resolving ETL process and MS SQL / Oracle database issues, error handling, and debugging.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Familiarity with data warehousing principles and best practices for data integration and storage.

• Performance Optimization: Skills in optimizing ETL and database processes for efficiency, scalability, and performance.

• Documentation: Ability to create clear and comprehensive documentation for workflows, processes, and configurations.

• Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication skills to collaborate with team members, understand business requirements, and translate them into solutions and accompanying customer documentation.

• Security Practices: Knowledge of data security principles and practices to ensure data integrity and compliance.

• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to analyze complex data scenarios and design appropriate solutions.

• Adaptability and Learning: Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and a willingness to continuously learn and explore new tools and techniques in the applicable domains.

Preferred Experience:

Scripting Proficiency: Mastery in scripting languages like Python and PowerShell for automating tasks and manipulating data efficiently. Cloud Environment Experience:

• Microsoft Azure Stack: Familiarity with Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) with a focus on Permissions, Groups, and Applications that pertain to AAD applications and SQL Server integration and management.

• Oracle Cloud Stack: Familiarity with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure with a focus on private-link networking and infrastructure to support Oracle Cloud Analytics implementations and integrations with on-premise Oracle databases.

DevOps Acumen: Knowledgeable about DevOps practices and software to facilitate efficient development, deployment, and operations. Data Structure Agility: Understanding the significance of unstructured or semi-structured data in contemporary data analysis, leveraging its potential for insights. Diverse ETL Experience: Hands-on experience in ETL processes across multiple source systems, including Linux, UNIX, Oracle, SAP, and Windows platforms, ensuring versatile data extraction and integration capabilities.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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