Senior Data Engineer

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are 

We are hiring a Senior Data Engineer, reporting into our Manager, Data Engineering to support Understood’s mission and to further our impact. You’re a seasoned engineer who knows how to design and build reliable, scalable data pipelines — and you’re motivated by using those skills to make a meaningful difference.

You bring deep experience with SQL (especially in Snowflake), data modeling, and modern data engineering practices. You’re fluent in Python, familiar with cloud platforms like GCP or AWS, and experienced with tools like for data source integration and website event tracking.

You take ownership from design through delivery, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively across teams. You think strategically about how data can power smarter decisions. Most of all, you're curious, proactive, and passionate about learning — and about using data to create positive, lasting impact.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and development of scalable, reliable data pipelines and workflows, with Snowflake as the central data platform.
• Architect end-to-end ELT and ETL processes that integrate data from diverse sources, including internal systems, APIs, and cloud based data integration tools.
• Define and promote best practices for data quality, governance, security, and performance optimization.
• Develop and maintain robust data models that support analytics, reporting, and data science use cases.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with analytics, product, engineering, and business stakeholders to deliver high-impact data solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers, contribute to team standards, and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Write clean, maintainable code and support modern practices in documentation, testing, and monitoring.
• Stay informed on industry trends and recommend improvements to enhance system scalability and maintainability.

Must-haves 

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering, with a track record of building and maintaining scalable, production-grade data pipelines and architectures.
• Deep expertise with Snowflake, including data modeling, performance tuning, and query optimization.
• Strong SQL and Python skills for data transformation, automation, and tooling.
• Familiarity with modern ELT/ETL approaches, cloud platforms (AWS or GCP), and data engineering best practices.
• Proven ability to translate business needs into robust technical solutions, working both independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• A proactive, curious mindset and a passion for using data to solve meaningful problems.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Fivetran 
• Experience setting up or contributing to CI/CD pipelines for data workflows.
• Experience with AI technology, handling chatbot data or previous experience with Langsmith data
• Experience with Snowplow for website event tracking.

The base salary range for this role is minimum $140,000–$160,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with STEM OPT extensions.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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