Senior Data Engineer Information Systems

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

The Senior Data Engineer position develops enhances and supports the districts 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.

Key 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 organizations 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name served by strength and need and graduates ready for college career and community
• 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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Primarily works in an office with a computer and multiple monitors
• Works closely with IT staff data analysts administrators and educators to ensure data accuracy and support decision-making
• Required to meet reporting deadlines for funding compliance and district performance evaluations.
• Requires extended periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Primarily a desk job but may involve setting up data systems troubleshooting servers or working with IT hardware.
• Occasional travel within the district to different schools or offices for meetings or system support.
• Capability to lift and carry items up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees applicants or any other covered persons because of race color religion creed national origin or ancestry ethnicity sex (including gender pregnancy sexual orientation and gender identity) age physical or mental disability citizenship past current or prospective service in the uniformed services genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal state or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Required Experience:

Senior IC