Compensation range for this role: $115,000-$135,000 based on experience.
Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes 24 hours of in-office work each week, for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.
At this time, we are unable to consider external candidates that reside in these states: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.
NOTE: Internal Associates working in a remote capacity may be considered
for this position.
Data Pipeline Engineering
Design, build, and maintain data pipelines using BigQuery and Dataflow (or Cloud Composer/Apache Airflow) to ingest, transform, and serve client data for GenAI use cases.
Build and maintain ELT/ETL processes for batch ingestion of client source system data (SIS, ERP, casework systems) into Google Cloud analytics and RAG data stores — distinct from the live, real-time system access the GCP/Gemini Enterprise Engineer builds for agent tool use.
Monitor pipeline reliability, performance, and cost, optimizing BigQuery usage and Dataflow jobs as engagements scale.
Data Classification & AI Readiness
Classify and tag client data using Dataplex and Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to identify sensitive and regulated data, such as FERPA-protected student records, prior to AI use.
Define and enforce data access controls and governance policies appropriate for higher education and SLED data sensitivity.
Assess and document data readiness for AI use cases, flagging gaps in quality, completeness, or governance to the Forward Deployed Engineer.
Data Architecture & Integration
Design data models and schemas that support both current client use cases and reusable, repeatable data patterns across engagements.
Partner with client technical teams to understand source system constraints and negotiate data access and extraction approaches.
Maintain technical documentation of data flows, schemas, and classification decisions for internal reuse and audit purposes.
Delivery Execution & Quality
Execute against the delivery backlog owned by the Forward Deployed Engineer, providing technical estimates and flagging data-related delivery risks.
Partner with the GCP/Gemini Enterprise Engineer to ensure data pipelines feed agentic solutions with the structure and freshness required.
Conduct data quality reviews and testing to maintain reliability standards across the practice.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with the GCP/Gemini Enterprise Engineer on data structure and access needed for agentic solutions and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines.
Partner with the AgentOps Engineer on infrastructure, security, and environment management for data systems.
Provide technical input to the Forward Deployed Engineer and Engagement Manager on data-related scope, risk, and timeline.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
EXPERIENCE
Hands-on experience building data pipelines and ELT/ETL processes for analytics or GenAI use cases on a major cloud data platform (e.g., BigQuery, Snowflake, Redshift, Synapse) — required. Direct experience with BigQuery and Dataflow (or Cloud Composer/Apache Airflow) strongly preferred; candidates with strong GenAI/AI-adjacent data engineering experience on other platforms who can ramp quickly on Google Cloud will be considered.
Experience with data governance and classification tooling for identifying and managing sensitive or regulated data (e.g., Google Cloud Dataplex and Cloud DLP, or equivalent tools such as Collibra, Alation, AWS Macie); direct experience with Google's tools strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of cloud storage, messaging, and access-control concepts (e.g., Cloud Storage/S3, Pub/Sub/SNS/SQS, IAM) sufficient to ramp quickly on Google Cloud's specific implementations.
Google Cloud certification preferred (Professional Data Engineer), demonstrating hands-on technical fluency; foundational/business-oriented certifications do not satisfy this preference.
Strong SQL skills and experience with Python for pipeline development and data transformation.
Familiarity with data privacy and compliance considerations relevant to education or public sector data (e.g., FERPA, state privacy law).
Experience partnering with client or partner technical teams to extract and integrate data from legacy or third-party systems (SIS, ERP, casework systems).
Ability to work from a scoped backlog and translate technical requirements from the Forward Deployed Engineer into working data pipelines.
Desired Competencies
Demonstrates strong technical judgment in structuring data for both immediate client use and long-term reuse.
Identifies data quality, access, and compliance risks proactively before they affect delivery or client trust.
Communicates technical data considerations clearly to non-technical stakeholders and the Forward Deployed Engineer.
Builds for reuse, translating one-off client data work into repeatable technical assets.
Takes ownership of data reliability and quality from ingestion through AI consumption.
Collaborates effectively with GCP/Gemini Enterprise Engineering and AgentOps counterparts.
Maintains composure and problem-solving focus when data quality or access blockers threaten delivery timelines.
Seeks continuous learning given the fast-evolving nature of the Google Cloud data and AI platform.
COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES
Proficient in SQL development (complex queries, stored procedures, user defined functions) and performance tuning
Strong knowledge of the full software development lifecycle with exposure to agile or iterative approaches to delivery preferred.
Proficient in ETL design and development in at least one tool, such as SSIS
Basic knowledge of C#.net for SSIS scripting
Understanding of RDBMS principles
Knowledge of Agile
Data base design and modeling experience, preferred
JIRA/TFS experience, preferred
Netezza, Postgres SQL experience would be helpful
Analytical and problem solving skills
Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality
Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism, positive attitude, and demeanor
Accepts responsibility
Passionate about delivering working software
Ability to adapt and maintain stress tolerance in a rapidly changing environment
Ability to work on a distributed team in a virtual environmental and remain motivated and productive
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.
Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.
Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or TalentAcquisition@nelnet.net.
Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring
