Data Engineer I

Data Engineer IJOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRITAt Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.LOCATION: 14460 Varsity Brands Way Farmers Branch, Tx - Varsity Brands HQWORK TYPE: OnsiteHOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:Varsity Brands is building a modern enterprise data platform that powers analytics, reporting, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making across the organization. The platform brings together data from enterprise applications, digital products, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer systems into trusted, scalable, and governed data products and platform capabilities that enable analytics, operational intelligence, and AI.The Data Engineer I (DE I) is an entry-level engineering position responsible for contributing to the development of the enterprise data platform. This role applies foundational data engineering knowledge and exercises independent judgment in executing assigned work, including selecting appropriate approaches within established engineering standards to develop, test, and maintain data pipelines, transformations, and data products.This role is designed to develop the next generation of data engineers who will help build the trusted data foundation supporting Varsity Brands' analytics, operational intelligence, and AI strategy.Impact of the RoleContributes to delivery of trusted data pipelines and data products supporting analytics, reporting, and AI initiativesBuilds foundational engineering capabilities supporting a scalable, cloud-based enterprise data platformImproves data accessibility, consistency, and quality across enterprise systemsSupports the organization's transition from fragmented data sources to governed, reusable enterprise data assetsWHAT YOU WILL DO:Develop, test, and maintain data pipelines, transformations, and data integration processes using established engineering standardsAssist in building and maintaining data products that support analytics, reporting, and AI use casesWrite, optimize, and troubleshoot SQL queries and data transformationsParticipate in code reviews and incorporate feedback to improve quality, maintainability, and performanceTroubleshoot lower-complexity data pipeline and data quality issues, exercising sound judgment to identify appropriate solutions and escalating when necessaryCollaborate with Data Engineering, Analytics Engineering, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Architecture, Application Engineering, and business stakeholders to deliver reliable data solutionsFollow established engineering practices for testing, version control, CI/CD, security, and documentationContribute to data quality, observability, and monitoring activities to improve platform reliabilityDocument data pipelines, transformation logic, metadata, and engineering processes to support knowledge sharing and operational continuityDevelop working knowledge of enterprise data architecture, cloud data platforms, orchestration frameworks, and engineering patterns to support future growth into independent ownershipKey Performance IndicatorsSuccess in this role will be measured through:Quality and reliability of delivered data pipelines and transformationsTimely completion of assigned engineering workAccuracy and quality of data supporting downstream consumersAbility to troubleshoot and resolve issues with increasing independenceConsistent adoption of engineering standards, documentation, and development practicesDemonstrated growth in technical capability and understanding of the enterprise data platformQUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge, Skills, AbilitiesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:Technical KnowledgeFoundational understanding of data engineering principles and modern data platformsBasic Understanding of relational databases, data modeling, and data integration conceptsFamiliarity with cloud-based data platforms and modern data engineering environmentsBasic understanding of data governance, data quality, and metadata conceptsTechnical SkillsAbility to develop and test SQL queries and data transformationsFoundational programming skills using Python or a comparable languageFamiliarity with modern data engineering tools and technologies, including:Modern cloud data platforms (Snowflake preferred)SQLPython for data engineering and automationGit-based version controlETL/ELT conceptsBasic understanding of CI/CD and automated testing conceptsCognitive & Problem-Solving AbilitiesApplies logical reasoning to solve defined technical problemsExercises independent judgment in selecting approaches within established engineering guidelinesIdentifies data quality and pipeline issues and escalates appropriately when neededDemonstrates attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, reliable dataCollaboration & CommunicationCommunicates effectively within cross-functional team environmentsCollaborates with engineers, analysts, architects, and business stakeholdersActively participates in team discussions and engineering ceremoniesIncorporates coaching and feedback to improve technical capabilityLearning AgilityDemonstrates curiosity and willingness to learn emerging data technologies and engineering practicesAdapts to evolving cloud platforms, tools, and business prioritiesBuilds understanding of enterprise data architecture and modern data engineering patternsContinuous ImprovementIdentifies opportunities to automate, simplify, and improve engineering processesSeeks opportunities to reduce technical debt and improve operational excellenceEducation, Certification and ExperienceIdeal candidates will bring the following experience and capabilities:RequiredBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience0 – 2 years of relevant experience, including internships, academic projects, or early career experience in data engineering, software engineering, analytics engineering, or related technical disciplinesFoundational knowledge of SQL and relational databasesPreferredExposure to cloud data platforms such as SnowflakeExposure to Python, dbt, or comparable data transformation toolsFamiliarity with Git, CI/CD, and Agile software development practicesExperience working with modern data visualization or analytics platforms through coursework, internships, or projectsPhysical Demands and/or Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.OUR VALUESService - We lead with heart. We champion community.Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.OUR BENEFITSWe are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:Comprehensive Health Care BenefitsHSA Employer Contribution/ FSA OpportunitiesWellbeing Program