Data Engineer

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.

At PNNL, our Computing and Information Technology organization is redefining how we work and innovate by reimagining the digital workplace. We empower research and streamline operations—making both faster, smarter, and more efficient—so our professionals can tackle some of the world's toughest challenges in science, energy, and national security. Our experts in AI, cybersecurity, design, and engineering work side by side, using real-time insights and human-centered design to break down barriers. Ready to make your mark on tomorrow? Come work with us.

In support of PNNL's mission, Digital Platforms collaborates closely with our business and technology partners to build and maintain innovative software solutions and robust data and analytics capabilities. We aim to be a strategic partner in delivering cutting-edge enterprise solutions that drive innovation and improve the way our staff work across the PNNL digital workplace. Our forward-thinking, agile teams leverage cloud technologies, DevSecOps, and AI to modernize existing platforms and assist in the creation of novel solutions. By integrating commercial products, custom-developed and low-code solutions, we ensure our digital platforms are ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

The Data & Analytics group at PNNL is seeking an early‑career Data Engineer to support and enhance the Laboratory’s enterprise data platforms. This role is responsible for maintaining the reliability and performance of the legacy Data Warehouse while contributing to the multi‑year transition toward an Azure Databricks lakehouse architecture. The successful candidate will possess a solid foundation in SQL and a demonstrated interest in enterprise data operations. Working under the guidance of experienced mentors, the Data Engineer will engage in structured development activities, operational troubleshooting, documentation improvements, and incremental modernization tasks. This position offers a clear growth pathway and hands-on experience with both established and emerging data engineering technologies and practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day operations of our production Data Warehouse with guidance from senior engineers
• Maintain and enhance existing SQL-based logic (queries, views, and stored procedures) used to curate and publish trusted datasets.
• Assist with data modeling and documentation (e.g., basic dimensional modeling concepts, lineage, and dataset definitions).
• Support DW-to-lakehouse migration work (Azure Databricks) by helping with data mapping, validation, and reconciliation
• Collaborate with technical peers and stakeholders to clarify requirements and deliver reliable data outputs.
• Work in an agile environment: manage assigned work, participate in standups/sprint activities, and communicate progress and blockers.
• Grow your technical breadth —starting with DW support and expanding into Databricks, automation, and modern pipeline patterns as readiness and project needs align.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

• Working knowledge of SQL (writing queries with joins and aggregations; ability to troubleshoot unexpected results).
• Experience with relational databases and/or data warehouse concepts
• Basic understanding of data concepts such as datasets, transformations, and data quality.
• Ability to collaborate, communicate status and blockers, and follow documented processes
• Exposure to agile ways of working and using a work-tracking tool such as Jira (or similar).
• Exposure to dimensional modeling (facts/dimensions, star schemas) and downstream reporting use cases.
• Experience with stored procedures, scripting, job scheduling/orchestration, or production support practices.
• Familiarity with cloud data platforms and/or lakehouse concepts; exposure to Azure and/or Databricks is a plus.
• Python experience (for data processing, automation, testing, or validation).
• Experience supporting data migration activities (source-to-target mapping, reconciliation, validation).
• Interest in pursuing Databricks training and/or certification within a 2–3 year horizon.

Not Applicable

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).