Data Operations Engineer

Description

This is a Hybrid position with requirements to live within reasonable driving distance (within 1 hour) of West Lafayette, Indiana.

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines and integration frameworks that enable reliable data exchange across campus systems, cloud platforms, third-party applications, and APIs.
• Manage medium to large data initiatives, coordinating activities across teams and ensuring solutions support departmental objectives.
• Implement and enhance established standards for data integration, automated validation, and data quality.
• Maintain and improve monitoring practices that improve pipeline reliability and deliver dependable, scalable data solutions.
• Analyze complex data challenges, identify root causes, and implement solutions that improve overall data ecosystem performance.
• Improve enterprise data workflows through performance tuning and automation.
• Promote reliable operations through continuous improvement and operational best practices.
• Partner with business and technical stakeholders to align data solutions with strategic objectives and ensure data is accessible, trusted, and actionable.
• Support data governance by implementing standards and promoting consistent data management practices.
• Provide technical leadership for enterprise data engineering and operations initiatives.
• Guide and mentor team members by providing coaching, reviewing work, and supporting skill development across the function.
• Develop and maintain documentation for data architecture, integration workflows, metadata, and operational procedures.
• Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies, and architectural approaches to enhance data capabilities and operational effectiveness.
• Exercise independent judgment in selecting methods and approaches for new assignments, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep understanding of data warehousing (Snowflake Platform) and large-scale data processing.
• Strong understanding of enterprise data architecture principles.
• Strong programming and scripting skills (e.g., Python, Shell).
• Ability to evaluate complex systems and recommend effective, scalable architectural solutions.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise data governance and data quality practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage medium to large cross-functional projects and coordinate successful delivery across teams.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into technical solutions and actionable plans.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization.
• Build collaborative relationships across functional teams to coordinate data operations efforts and support successful project delivery.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• 3-5 years experience working with enterprise data integration, ETL/ELT development, data pipelines, and data platforms required.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience with Snowflake platform required.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and strong experience with complex data structures, relational and dimensional modeling.
• Advanced experience designing and implementing scalable ETL/ELT pipelines and data integration frameworks.
• Experience with metadata management and data privacy principles.
• Demonstrated expertise with Salesforce CRM and Python preferred.
• Experience with Informatica or Skyvia preferred
• Experience working in academic, non-profit, or advancement operations environment is highly desirable.

Job Level: Professional 4 IT

*Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

Benefits Summary for eligible employees:

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
• 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
• Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.

Purdue Research Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. PRF views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

PRF will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.