[Hiring] Data Engineer @DataKind

Role Description

DataKind is looking for a values-driven, client-facing data engineer who is ready to make a major impact on student graduation rates by building and maintaining data pipelines in close partnership with higher education institutions. If you're a technically strong problem-solver who genuinely enjoys working with people, can hold down the technical side of a client engagement independently, and are committed to advancing equity through data — we want to bring you on board!

This is a remote position that can be based anywhere in the U.S. and requires the majority of working hours each day to fall between 8am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time. This position requires travel across the United States, expected at about 20% of working days, mostly on-site at higher education institutions to provide direct technical support.

This role reports to the Data Science Manager and sits within the Data Science team.

The salary range is $106,000 - $120,000. Actual salary within these ranges will be based on the candidate’s experience and internal salary equity scan of active employee(s) with similar role and experience.

What You’ll Do

• Partner Data Enablement (40%)
  • Lead the technical onboarding of partner institutions onto UDTS, designing and building the integrations (APIs, pipelines, etc.) needed to connect their existing data systems for seamless ingestion.
  • Collaborate on-site with institutional data teams to configure and customize UDTS front-end dashboards.
  • Support institutions in securely sharing data and implementing governance protocols.
  • Communicate technical requirements, timelines, and processes with external partners in accessible, solutions-oriented ways.
• Data Architecture and Engineering (40%)
  • Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines and architectures to support education-focused data products.
  • Develop robust APIs and integrations to facilitate seamless data exchange across multiple institutional systems and data providers.
  • Optimize data ingestion, transformation, and validation processes for reliability, transparency, and performance.
  • Ensure all data systems comply with DataKind’s governance, privacy, and security standards.
  • Produce clear, reusable code and comprehensive documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate and contribute across DataKind (20%)
  • Collaborate with team members within the technology team to set engineering standards and guide data infrastructure strategy.
  • Partner with data engineers and scientists to operationalize models and analytics pipelines into production-ready systems.
  • Collaborate with Customer Success, Research, Product, and Implementation teams to ensure technical design aligns with user and partner needs.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal tooling, workflow automation, and best practices.

Qualifications

• Deep alignment with DataKind's mission and commitment to educational equity and data-driven social impact.
• Degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• At least 4 years of professional experience in data engineering, including experience leading client-facing solution architecture or infrastructure design.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and one or more cloud platforms (preferably GCP).
• Demonstrated experience with Databricks, or comparable data intelligence platforms.
• Deep understanding of ETL/ELT pipelines, data warehousing, and data orchestration tools.
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security frameworks in regulated or educational environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with data scientists, software engineers, data engineers, data analysts, and product managers.
• Solid understanding of Software Engineering principles and the data science project life-cycle.
• Excellent communication skills — including the ability to translate complex technical topics for non-technical audiences.
• Comfort operating as the primary technical resource in a client setting.
• Genuine enjoyment working with people, self-motivated, results-driven, and persistent in the face of challenges.

Preferred

• Experience with education data systems (e.g., SIS, LMS, or student outcome data).
• Building, maintaining, and customizing dashboards for varied end users.
• Comfort with JavaScript.
• Experience integrating data from SaaS providers and APIs at scale.
• Strong technical writing and documentation for both internal and partner use.
• Familiarity with civic tech, social impact, or nonprofit data ecosystems.

Benefits

• Flexibility and time off: Enjoy genuine flexibility that goes beyond adjustable hours, including shared time off, organization-wide recharge days, bi-weekly meeting-free days, and flexible PTO.
• Comprehensive Wellness Support: 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees, wellness reimbursement program, and 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• A Culture of Growth: Professional development funding, mentorship, and advancement opportunities, along with a 401(k) plan with 5% employer matching.
• Meaningful Connection: Opportunities to come together in person for conferences, strategic planning, and annual staff retreats.
• Living our Values: Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Company Description

At DataKind, we believe in the transformative power of data science and AI to create a more promising future. Since our founding in 2012, we've been at the forefront of designing scalable, data-driven tools that address some of the world's toughest challenges—ranging from frontline health, humanitarian action, climate and environment, economic opportunity, education, and more.

DataKind is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. DataKind does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected category.

Applicants must have a U.S.-based permanent address and be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis indefinitely without employer visa sponsorship.