Senior Data Engineer

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, fluid career paths, and encourage internal mobility. We recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we create a welcoming and inclusive environment and our associates dedicate thousands of hours volunteering for causes that matter most. Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT. The Senior Data Engineer will design, build, and maintain Empower's data infrastructure and data ingestion framework. This role collaborates with cross‑functional value stream teams, business teams, architects, and testers to design and implement scalable data solutions on AWS that support data‑driven reporting across the organization and for external vendors. The Senior Data Engineer will use strong knowledge of Python, ETL methodologies, SQL, and big data solutions to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable data capabilities. What you will do: Design, develop, and maintain scalable data and file ingestion frameworks. Collaborate with cross‑functional value stream teams, analysts, and business stakeholders to understand and refine data requirements and translate them into technical solutions. Optimize data ingestion frameworks for performance and reliability. Implement data governance and security best practices. Troubleshoot data integrity and performance issues. Participate in code reviews and enforce coding standards. Mentor more junior engineers and provide technical guidance on complex projects. Contribute to architectural decisions and design discussions. Advise on and work on strategic initiatives to mitigate and alleviate core data application issues, including opportunities for process automation. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering and apply them to improve the data framework. Collaborate with colleagues on best practices and data application issues. Complete other duties as assigned. What you will bring: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, such as Information Systems, Mathematics, or Software Engineering, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 4‑6 years of data engineering experience with a proven track record of designing and implementing scalable ingestion frameworks. Proficiency in ETL development and design using Python, PySpark, and big data technologies such as Hadoop or Spark. Strong SQL knowledge and RDBMS experience with a recognized database such as Postgres, Redshift, or MySQL. Hands‑on experience with the AWS platform using DynamoDB, EMR Serverless, Lambdas, or related services. Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, and data warehousing concepts. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders. Experience working with Agile methodology and scrum processes. Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and lead more junior engineers. What will set you apart: 3+ years of IT experience in financial services or another highly regulated industry. Use of JIRA in Agile development. Knowledge of DevOps and CI/CD best practices. Experience with new technologies such as QuickSight or Co‑Pilot. Ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with customers and colleagues, remain calm in stressful situations, independently troubleshoot program errors regardless of technology, and write user‑friendly explanations of highly technical functionality. Customer focus, including delivering internal and external customer service excellence, listening skills, patience, empathy, authenticity, proactivity, and perseverance with external and internal customers. Ability to uphold commitment to delivering optimal solutions in a timely manner while balancing customer needs with the best interests of the organization. Ability to maintain a positive approach despite challenges, constraints, and customer emotions. Ability to build collaborative and cooperative relationships and effectively manage conflict. Ability to find common ground and build trust with co‑workers, managers, partners, and customers through inclusiveness and appreciation for diverse backgrounds, cultures, thoughts, and experiences. Ability to operate with integrity and communicate respectfully in language, writing, and actions. Ability to show interest in and support the success of others, provide encouragement, and celebrate wins. Ability to address conflict openly and respectfully through proper channels. This job operates in a professional office environment. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract. What we offer you: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year Business‑casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year Paid volunteer time – 16 hours per calendar year Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short‑ and long‑term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all. Base Salary Range $105,700.00 – $149,275.00 We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high‑speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable, or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection. #J-18808-Ljbffr