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, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

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.***

About the Role

We are seeking a results-driven Senior Data Engineer to lead the evolution of our curated analytics architecture. In this fully remote role, you’ll design scalable data pipelines using AWS-native tools, implement robust data governance, and drive innovation through AI-enhanced engineering practices. Ideal candidates are hands-on technologists with deep cloud experience, a passion for mentoring, and a proven track record in Agile, cross-functional teams.

What you will do:

• Data Pipeline Development: Build and maintain scalable, high-performance ETL/ELT and file ingestion frameworks using AWS services (e.g., Redshift, Lambdas, Step Functions, EventBridge, Serverless), ensuring high availability, reliability, and fault tolerance
• Architecture & Engineering Best Practices: Lead delivery of a curated analytics architecture and contribute to strategic architectural decisions; Define reusable patterns and engineering standards to enhance pipeline performance, scalability, and governance automation
• Agile Delivery: Champion Agile delivery through Jira Kanban boards; Drive delivery of production-ready features with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and peer reviews to minimize data leakage and maintain quality
• Data Governance: Implement and advocate for governance practices including data dictionary, lineage, and metadata generation; observe a strong security-first mindset to access and handling of personally identifiable information (PII)
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical leadership on complex and cross-functional projects, provide hands-on guidance to junior engineers, lead code reviews, and foster best practices in a collaborative team environment
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Apply emerging data engineering technologies to enhance internal frameworks and drive continuous innovation; Leverage AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT to accelerate development, improve code quality, and foster continuous optimization of engineering workflows
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with analytics, marketing, technology, and business stakeholders to translate analytical and operational needs into high-impact data products

What you will bring:

• 4–6 years of hands-on data engineering experience building scalable, cloud-based ingestion frameworks and data solutions
• Practical experience with Agile methodologies and Jira with an understanding of KPIs such as velocity and defect leakage
• Familiarity with CI/CD and DevOps tools such as GitLab, GitHub Copilot, and automation workflows
• Proven expertise in AWS services: Redshift, DynamoDB, Lambda, EMR, Step Functions, EventBridge
• Proficiency in Python, PySpark, and advanced SQL for ETL pipeline development

• Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL pipelines, modern data architecture patterns (e.g., layered approach, Medallion), and best practices in ingestion, transformation, and quality validation
• Strong understanding of modern data architectures (e.g., layered/Medallion), data modeling, and ETL best practices (ingestion, transformation, quality validation)

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently, mentor junior developers, and contribute to overall engineering excellence

What will set you apart:

• 3+ years of IT experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries
• Familiarity with Snowflake, metadata management tools, and data observability platforms
• Exposure to real-time streaming, ML pipelines, or advanced analytics infrastructure
• Prior experience and success with AI assistance tools such GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude
• Prior experience leveraging AI-enhanced engineering tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or related field
• Proven ability to lead independently and proactively deliver value
• Demonstrated success mentoring peers and advancing team-level engineering practices
• Customer Focus: Committed to delivering timely, high-quality solutions that align customer priorities with strategic business objectives. Builds trusted partnerships through active listening, responsiveness, and proactive engagement. Anticipates challenges, responds with composure, and navigates complexity with a solutions-oriented mindset. Consistently turns obstacles into opportunities, creating measurable value for both customers and the organization.
• Team Collaboration: Builds inclusive relationships, manages conflict constructively, communicates respectfully, and champions collective success across teams

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• 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/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

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer •  Drug-free workplace

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.***

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