
Junior Data Engineer
Job description
The Junior Data Engineer supports the design, development, and maintenance of scalable data pipelines and analytical data models within Goodwill KY’s Data Intelligence team. This role focuses on enabling business intelligence, reporting, and machine learning by transforming raw data into structured, trustworthy datasets.
Key responsibilities include building ETL processes, contributing to data warehousing frameworks, and collaborating with business stakeholders to understand data needs. The role also involves documenting data flows, supporting Power BI initiatives, and assisting with machine learning pipeline development.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, communicative, and eager to grow both technically and professionally. This position offers a clear growth path to Data Engineer I, with mentorship and advancement tied to technical ownership, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic impact.
Essential Job Functions:
ETL DEVELOPMENT & DATA INTEGRATION
A. Design, build and maintain ETL pipelines using SQL, Python and cloud-based tools.
B. Maintain clean, modular, and well-documented code in a version-controlled environment
C. Support the transition from legacy systems into unified, scalable data infrastructure.
DATA MODELING & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ENABLEMENT
D. Contribute to the development and documentation of star schemas and dimensional models for business intelligence.
E. Build and maintain reusable, curated datasets to serve stakeholders across HR, Career Services and Retail
F. Ensure data models are efficient, well-documented, and aligned with stakeholder goals.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
G. Attend discovery meetings to understand stakeholder workflows and data needs
H. Collaborate with business teams to clarify requirements and validate data outputs
I. Communicate technical issues and insights in clear, non-technical language when needed
MACHINE LEARNING & DATA SCIENCE SUPPORT
J. Assist in preparing data for machine learning models, including feature engineering and structured datasets
K. Participate in exploratory data analysis to surface insights around workforce development, recidivism and community impact
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT & GROWTH
L. Document business rules, data definitions and transformation logic in collaboration with team leaders and business partners
M. Help maintain a shared data dictionary and internal technical documentation standards
N. Continually grow through learning opportunities and mentorship
O. Perform other duties as assigned
Positions Supervised: No supervisory responsibilities
Requirements:
A. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering or related field
B. Internship or hands-on experience with Python, SQL, and R
C. Familiarity with relational databases and modern data practices
D. Strong written and verbal communication skill
E. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.
F. Travel to other locations beyond the assigned work location as required or similar as appropriate.
Specialized Knowledge Requirements:
A. Experience with data modeling concepts (star schemas, fact/dimension tables)
B. Familiarity with Microsoft tools such as SQL Server, Power BI, Fabric
C. Exposure to process mapping and ERD design
D. Basic understanding of machine learning concepts
E. Experience with Git or other version control systems
Physical and Work Condition Requirements:
A. This job may have physical requirements that are considered sedentary work. Sedentary work involves sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, squatting, kneeling, stooping; good finger dexterity and feeling; frequent repetitive motions; talking, hearing, and visual acuity and occasional lifting up to 15 pounds.
B. Travel to other locations beyond the assigned work location is occasionally required.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
About the company
Job Location
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Our Story
Goodwill Kentucky is a 101-year-old nonprofit organization that operates in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The organization is committed to using resources from its nearly 70 retail stores to fund workforce resources that help lift individuals out of poverty. In 2024, Goodwill Kentucky helped place 3,092 Kentuckians into jobs with its 1,400-plus employer partners and inside its retail stores. Goodwill Kentucky uses approximately 90 cents from every dollar generated in its retail stores to operate workforce programs, so when you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.