Junior Data Engineer

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.