Data Engineer - Information Systems

Mesa Public Schools is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Engineer. You will assume a strategic role in developing and maintaining the data infrastructure for our K-12 system. Working closely with cross-functional teams, including a Senior Research Analyst and Business Intelligence Lead, a Senior Data Engineer and other research and reporting team members, you will lead the creation and implementation of a cohesive and extensive enterprise-wide data model. Collaborating with a diverse team of data experts and educators, you will play a pivotal role in leveraging data insights to enhance educational outcomes., Technical Expertise and Cloud Adoption

• Provide technical knowledge for major data strategies, driving the organization's success in adopting modern data models and cloud technologies.
• Guide technical architecture for projects such as data replication, metadata management, DBaaS, data modeling and data security.
• Develop proof-of-concept prototypes and initial implementation models to support the vision and strategy of the district.
• Leverage your deep understanding of SQL and knowledge of development languages (e.g. Python, R) to guide the development and maintenance of data engineering pipelines, supporting modeling and analytics needs.
• Define and maintain reusable data development patterns, engineering standards, version control and data frameworks.

Database Technology and Platform Designs

• Apply expert knowledge of database technology to support legacy DBMSs and design overall data platform solutions.
• Utilize knowledge and understanding of ETL/ELT processes to create and/or expand the current data model
• Utilize a variety of technologies, including SQL, R, Python, and other relevant tools, to manage and analyze large amounts of education data.
• Implement data hygiene practices to ensure statistical efficiency, accuracy, and quality in educational data.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with global and district-level stakeholders, including educators, IT professionals, compliance teams, and risk management, to identify, support, and implement data-driven projects.
• Establish relationships with IT leaders, systems leaders, data engineers, and technical specialists to advance proposed architectural solutions.

Team Membership

• Represent the team in architectural discussions, focusing on data aggregation, data flows, deployment strategies and governance.
• Have a passion for innovation with a test and learn mindset, ensuring the team remains adaptable to evolving educational needs.

Agile Development and Delivery

• Embrace Agile methodologies in the development process, supporting the effective scaling of digital pilot initiatives from ideation to working pilots and deliverables.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Research and Evaluation team to build consistent, accurate and available data solutions in specialized software (i.e. PowerBI, Tableau, Excel, etc)
• Independently define problem statements and extract user requirements for data analysis and business intelligence solutions
• Develop and present analyses and reports using data visualization and storytelling best practices
• Produce documentation to ensure consistency, quality and transparency across the district
• Participate in data quality issue analysis and resolution recommendations
• Combine data files from multiple sources efficiently and effectively to create a clean data set for analysis
• Write custom SQL queries
• Foster a continuous learning, professional development and growth mindset amongst team members
• 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 senior engineer and other team members in the department to ensure accurate visualizations, data elements and consistent practices are adhered to.
• Produce documentation to ensure data consistency, quality and transparency across the district
• 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

1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum, * Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, STEM, or other related field, advanced degree preferred

• Minimum of 2 years of data analysis and/or engineering in a K-12 educational system or related field

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 and data blending/integration
• Proficient knowledge of data visualization and/or reporting tools (e.g. PowerBI, Tableau, IBM Cognos, etc)
• Proficiency in SQL and experience in cloud solutions (e.g. Azure, AWS, etc.)
• Ability to write and utilize SQL to extract, ingest and manipulate data.
• Understanding of database and cloud architecture, with experience in cloud-based data storage and warehousing
• Familiarity with Agile Development and Delivery, source control and the software development life cycle
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct ad-hoc data analysis and reporting.
• Proficient in data processing technologies and Agile development processes.
• Strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of computer applications in the use of research and analysis (Excel, R, etc.)
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively for all levels and types of audiences (technical and non-technical)
• 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

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance