Data Engineer

Position Function: The Data Engineer & Architect plays a critical role in designing, building, and maintaining the district's data infrastructure. As the key technical expert bridging the gap between the district's data analysts and leadership, this position ensures that all data pipelines, transformations, and integrations are optimized for reliability, security, and compliance with FERPA/HIPAA. The Data Engineer & Architect will leverage Microsoft-based solutions (e.g., Azure Data Factory, SQL Server, Power BI ecosystem) to drive scalable, automated data workflows that support Wichita Public Schools' strategic vision and shared beliefs.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain ETL/ELT workflows using Microsoft tools (e.g., Azure Data Factory, SSIS) to ingest and transform data from diverse sources (Oracle, on-premises systems, cloud services).
• Implement data validation, cleansing, and transformation processes to ensure high levels of data quality, accuracy, and consistency.
• Monitor and troubleshoot data pipelines, proactively addressing bottlenecks or failures to maintain seamless, reliable operations.
• Architect and optimize data structures, including relational (star, snowflake) and dimensional models, within Microsoft SQL Server, Azure Synapse, or similar platforms.
• Develop and maintain logical and physical data models that align with district needs for analytics, compliance, and reporting.
• Collaborate with Data Analysts and the Director of Assessment & Research to ensure data structures effectively support key metrics, dashboards, and advanced analytics projects.
• Data Governance & Compliance
• Collaborate with the Information Services and Technology personnel to implement best practices for data governance, security, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure all data engineering processes adhere to FERPA, HIPAA, and district data privacy guidelines.
• Assist with defining and enforcing data standards, naming conventions, and documentation to enhance consistency and transparency.
• Data Ops & Automation
• Implement Data Ops practices (continuous integration, version control, automated testing) to streamline data development and reduce errors.
• Manage environments and releases for data pipelines, including dev, test, and production, coordinating with IT and other stakeholders.
• Introduce best practices around Dev Ops in Azure, leveraging scripts, templates, and modern deployment strategies.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
• Work closely with Data Analysts, providing properly structured datasets and ensuring minimal friction in analytics and reporting.
• Partner with district IT teams and other departments to align architectural decisions with broader technology initiatives.
• Communicate technical concepts and project updates to non-technical audiences, ensuring clarity and alignment of expectations.

Additional Duties: Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Information Officer or other district leadership in support of Wichita Public Schools' strategic goals and mission.

Equipment: This position may require the use of standard office technology such as computers, copiers, and scanners, as well as Microsoft Azure-based tools (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL Database). Must always comply with Wichita Public Schools' guidelines for equipment use and data security.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required to consult with school-based teams, attend training, or assist with on-site data needs.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Work in standard office environments
• Ability to focus on computer-based tasks for extended periods
• Occasional requirements for lifting or moving technology equipment (generally under 30 pounds)
• Must be prepared to respond rapidly to system or data-related issues outside of standard work hours
• Additional demands upon request of supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Technical Expertise:
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft data engineering technologies (Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, SQL Server, Power BI, SSIS)
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Power Shell) for automation and data manipulation
• Understanding of Data Ops, CI/CD, and version control (Git)
• Data Modeling:
• Strong background in relational and dimensional modeling, including the design of star/snowflake schemas
• Experience optimizing data storage and retrieval in cloud-based or hybrid environments
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Data Analysts, Data Governance leads, and IT staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex ideas in accessible language
• Analytical & Problem-Solving
  
  Skills:
• Capable of diagnosing and resolving issues quickly in a large-scale, diverse data environment
• Familiarity with advanced analytics techniques or interest in supporting statistical modeling is a plus
• Compliance & Security:
• Knowledge of FERPA/HIPAA and best practices for data privacy and security
• Able to integrate security and governance requirements into data…