AI Data Engineer: Build Scalable Data Pipelines for AI

McKinsey & Company; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 122,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is seeking a data-engineering-focused analyst to build foundational data infrastructure powering AI applications. You will design scalable data pipelines, manage secure environments, and prepare data for AI-driven systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams across the firm.

You'll translate hypotheses into engineered features, work with leading data platforms and cloud services, and participate in R&D initiatives for next-generation AI capabilities.

Qualifications

• Upcoming graduation between December 2026-August 2027 with an engineering degree.
• Experience in a data-focused role (internships or academic projects acceptable).
• Ability to write clean, well-documented code in Python and SQL.
• Interest in data engineering for AI, ML, or BI across data formats and processing methods.
• Familiarity with data platforms (Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery, PSQL) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Exposure to DevOps, MLOps, CI/CD principles; strong time management.
• Willingness to learn quickly and adapt; travel up to 80% with regular in-office presence.
• Strong communication in English and local office language(s).

Responsibilities

• Build foundational data infrastructure powering AI applications and LLMs.
• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines and secure data environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare data for AI systems.
• Translate hypotheses into engineered features and support R&D in AI capabilities.
• Develop robust data foundations for scalable, production-ready AI systems.
• Work with McKinsey teams to deliver AI solutions that drive client value.

Skills

Data-focused experience

Python

SQL

Data platforms

Cloud platforms

DevOps / MLOps concepts

Git

Time management

Communication (English)

Coding agents experience

Willingness to travel

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelor's or Master's)

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

BigQuery

PSQL

Pandas

Spark

dbt

LangChain

Git

Job description

McKinsey & Company is seeking a data-engineering-focused analyst to build foundational data infrastructure powering AI applications. You will design scalable data pipelines, manage secure environments, and prepare data for AI-driven systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams across the firm.

You'll translate hypotheses into engineered features, work with leading data platforms and cloud services, and participate in R&D initiatives for next-generation AI capabilities.