Junior Data Engineer

Job summary

Build, maintain, test, and troubleshoot ELT data pipelines; write SQL and Python or Scala for data transformations, validation, and processing. Support client requirements gathering and documentation, participate in user acceptance testing, and develop skills through mentorship, training, and code reviews.

Job details

Role Overview As a Junior Data Engineer, you'll support client projects by building data pipelines, writing SQL queries, and assisting with data platform implementations. This is an entry-level role ideal for recent graduates of our training programs or candidates with 0-2 years of experience. You'll receive hands-on mentorship and grow your skills on real enterprise projects. Key Responsibilities Data Engineering (60%) Build and maintain ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or Fabric Write SQL queries for data transformations and validation Develop Python or Scala scripts for data processing Implement data quality checks and error handling Assist with data modeling (dimension and fact tables) Document data flows, pipelines, and transformations Perform unit testing on data pipelines Monitor pipeline executions and troubleshoot failures Client Support (20%) Participate in client meetings and standups Gather requirements from business users Create technical documentation (runbooks, data dictionaries) Provide status updates on assigned tasks Support user acceptance testing (UAT) activities Learning & Development (20%) Shadow senior engineers on architecture and design discussions Complete assigned training modules and certifications Participate in code reviews and learn best practices Attend weekly learning sessions and knowledge shares Work toward Microsoft certifications (DP-203, DP-900, etc.) Ask questions and seek feedback on your work Required Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field OR Completion of Ripotek's Azure Data Engineer or Databricks Engineer training program OR Equivalent self-taught experience with demonstrable projects 0-2 years of professional experience in data engineering, analytics, or BI Internship or co-op experience in data/tech is a plus Personal projects or GitHub portfolio demonstrating data skills Technical Skills Sql Proficiency in writing SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, window functions Python Basic scripting (pandas, requests, file I/O) Azure Basics Familiarity with Azure portal, resource groups, storage accounts Data Concepts Understanding of ETL/ELT, data warehousing, data lakes Version Control Basic Git (clone, commit, push, pull) Tools Comfortable with VS Code, Azure Data Studio, or similar IDEs Nice to Have Exposure to Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or Synapse Power BI for data visualization Spark or Scala basics Understanding of CI/CD concepts Experience with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) Soft Skills Eagerness to learn and grow Strong attention to detail Ability to follow instructions and ask clarifying questions Good time management and ability to meet deadlines Team player and collaborative mindset Receptive to feedback and coaching Good written and verbal communication Preferred Qualifications ✓Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) ✓Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) or actively pursuing ✓Completion of Ripotek training program with strong performance ✓Internship at a tech company or consulting firm ✓Contributions to open-source projects ✓Personal blog or portfolio showcasing data projects What We Offer Compensation & Benefits Competitive entry-level salary: $65K-$80K Annual performance bonus (5-10% of salary) RRSP matching (3% of salary) Health, dental, and vision benefits Professional development budget ($2,500/year) Certification exam fees covered (DP-900, DP-203, etc.) Work Environment Hybrid: 2 days/week in Calgary office for collaboration and mentorship Flexible hours (core hours 10am-3pm MT) MacBook Pro or Surface Laptop Home office setup allowance ($1,000) Modern downtown office Growth & Development Structured onboarding and mentorship program (first 90 days) Pair programming with senior engineers Bi-weekly 1-on-1s with your manager Clear career path: Junior → Intermediate → Senior Data Engineer Exposure to multiple clients and industries Encouraged to pursue Microsoft certifications Annual performance reviews with skill development plans Culture Supportive, learning-focused environment No expectation to know everything - asking questions is encouraged! Diverse team with varied backgrounds Work on meaningful projects for real clients Collaborative, low-pressure culture Celebrates learning and growth What Success Looks Like (First Year) Months 1-3 Complete onboarding, shadow senior engineers, work on small pipeline tasks Months 4-6 Independently build simple pipelines, participate in code reviews, earn DP-900 cert Months 7-9 Lead small modules on projects, mentor newer juniors, start DP-203 prep Months 10-12 Contribute to architecture discussions, earn DP-203 cert, take on more complex tasks Interview Process 1 Phone Screen (30 min) HR and hiring manager 2 Technical Assessment (take-home, 2-3 hours) Build a simple data pipeline 3 Technical Interview (60 min) SQL queries, Python coding, Azure basics 4 Behavioral Interview (30 min) Learning agility, teamwork, problem-solving 5 Team Meet (30 min) Casual conversation with your potential teammates Timeline:2 weeks from application to offer Start Your Data Engineering Career Join our team and learn from experienced engineers on real enterprise projects.

What you’ll do

Build, maintain, test, and troubleshoot ELT data pipelines; write SQL and Python or Scala for data transformations, validation, and processing. Support client requirements gathering and documentation, participate in user acceptance testing, and develop skills through mentorship, training, and code reviews.

Requirements

Candidates need a relevant bachelor's degree, completion of the employer's Azure Data Engineer or Databricks Engineer training program, or equivalent self-taught experience with demonstrable projects. The role targets candidates with 0–2 years of relevant experience and requires foundational SQL, Python, Azure, data concepts, and Git skills; internships and relevant certifications are preferred.

Benefits

• Annual Performance Bonus
• RRSP Matching
• Health Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Professional Development Budget
• Certification Exam Fee Coverage
• Home Office Setup Allowance

Listed skills

• SQL · Preferred
• Python · Preferred
• Microsoft Azure · Preferred
• Git · Preferred
• Power BI · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• SQL
• Python
• Azure Data Factory
• Databricks
• Microsoft Fabric
• Data Pipelines
• ELT
• Data Modeling
• Data Quality
• Azure
• Git
• Data Warehousing
• Data Lakes
• Spark
• Scala
• Power BI

Job areas

• Data & Analytics
• Technology
• Software
• Consulting