Junior Data Engineer

The Junior Data Engineer will design, build, and maintain data pipelines and automation solutions that turn raw operational data into accurate, real-time insights. This role supports teams by improving data quality, automating repetitive tasks, creating dashboards for decision-making, and driving continuous process improvements. The focus is on delivering measurable gains in accuracy, speed, and efficiency while upholding our Core Values: Safety, Agility, Common Sense, Client Focused, Accountability, Teamwork, Transparency, and Passion., * Data Pipeline Development & Automation: Build and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines to ingest, clean, and integrate data from Bluebeam, Sage/Procore, CorelDRAW, MS Office, PDF Xchange, project management tools, and production systems.

• Process Optimization: Analyze current workflows in pre-construction take-offs, shop drawing creation, milestone tracking, permitting, and installation. Identify bottlenecks and implement automation (scripts, workflows, APIs) to reduce manual effort and errors.
• Dashboard & Reporting: Develop and maintain real-time dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) for bid accuracy, production status, project health, resource utilization, and KPI tracking.
• Data Quality & Validation: Implement validation rules, quality checks, and monitoring to ensure data integrity in estimates, drawings, and client deliverables.
• ML/AI Support: Assist in building simple predictive models (e.g., bid win probability, material waste forecasting, schedule risk detection) to support data-driven decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Pre-Construction, Design, Account Management, Production, and Installation teams to gather requirements, deliver solutions, and provide training on new tools/dashboards.
• Documentation & Hand-Offs: Create clear technical documentation, training materials, and smooth hand-off processes for new automations and reports.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor pipeline performance, troubleshoot issues, and proactively suggest enhancements aligned with business needs and our Agility/Common Sense values.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all data solutions support regulatory compliance (ADA, permitting) and safety protocols in manufacturing and field operations.

Do you have experience in SQL?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, or related field OR High School Diploma/GED with 2-4 years of relevant experience in data engineering, automation, or process optimization.
• Strong proficiency in SQL, Python (or similar scripting), and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Experience building ETL pipelines, dashboards, and basic automation (e.g., Power Automate, Zapier, or custom scripts).
• Demonstrated ability to work with operational or manufacturing data.

Preferred / Significant Plus:

• Exposure to construction/signage/architectural industry data (Bluebeam, Procore, Sage, CAD files, etc.).
• Familiarity with data modeling, APIs, cloud tools (Azure/AWS/GCP), version control (Git), and ML fundamentals.
• Experience with dashboard tools (Power BI, Tableau) and process mapping.
• Knowledge of manufacturing/operations metrics (take-off accuracy, production throughput, waste reduction).

Technical Skills

• ETL/ELT tools and data integration.
• SQL + Python/R for data transformation.
• Dashboard and visualization platforms.
• Data quality and monitoring tools.
• Basic cloud or on-prem database experience.
• Ability to read/interpret basic blueprints or technical drawings is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a desk working on computers.
• Occasional local site visits to manufacturing floor or job sites (uneven surfaces, PPE required).
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Pulled from the full job description

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance, * Competitive salary based on experience.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance + supplemental plans.
• PTO and team-building events.
• Opportunity to make an immediate impact in a growing, creative, data-driven environment.

Hardman Signs is a national leader in architectural signage and graphics. We design, manufacture, install, and service high-impact signage solutions for commercial properties, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and more.

We are building a data-driven operations function to support pre-construction accuracy, production efficiency, real-time project monitoring, and seamless hand-offs across design, estimating, account management, and installation teams.