Data Engineer

Nelnet; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Employee stock purchase program

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Nelnet is seeking a Data Engineer to design and automate data infrastructure, enabling scalable storage, efficient movement, and reliable access for analytics and operations. You will partner with Analysts, Product Owners, and Developers to refine the data platform and data models.

The role emphasizes building robust ELT pipelines, ensuring data quality, and owning critical data workflows. A hybrid work option is available for associates near qualifying office locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with data integration tools such as Python, Rivery, dbt, PowerBI Dataflows.
• Experience with Snowflake.
• Finance sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines to move data into and out of data warehouses.
• Design Snowflake databases and schemas to support analytics workloads.
• Extract, parse, clean, and validate data from source systems (databases, APIs, flat files).
• Implement robust ELT pipelines; ensure data quality and integrity.
• Collaborate with Data Analysts and Data Engineers; respond to data gaps or failures.

Skills

SQL

Snowflake

Python

PowerBI

ETL/ELT

Data modeling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Rivery

dbt

Job description

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

The Data Engineer designs and automates data infrastructure to support scalable storage, efficient movement, and reliable access to data for analytics and operational use. This position works alongside Analysts, Product Owners, and Developers to refine the data platform and technical solutions that will put the data at the company’s fingertips. The Data Engineer is responsible for designing and optimizing data capture, transformation, and modeling within the data warehouses to ensure efficient and reliable access to structured data.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build, maintain, and optimize data pipelines to move data into and out of data warehouses efficiently.
• Design, structure, and organize Snowflake databases and schemas to support easy access and analytical workloads.
• Extract, parse, clean, and validate data from a variety of source systems (databases, APIs, flat files, etc.).
• Implement robust, scalable and maintainable automated data ingestion ELT pipelines.
• Ensure the ingested data is of high quality and maintains physical and logical integrity.
• Participate in design and technical discussions.
• Contribute to the implementation and management of data models.
• Work closely with Data Analysts and other Data Engineers.
• Take ownership of critical data pipelines, including responding promptly when unexpected data gaps or failures occur, even outside normal working hours if needed.

Annual compensation range for this role is $100,000-$115,000 depending on experience.

This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience with data integration tools, such as Python, Rivery, dbt, PowerBI Dataflows.
• Experience with Snowflake.
• Experience in the finance sector preferred.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in SQL and Snowflake-specific features (e.g., streams, tasks, file formats, and performance tuning).
• Understanding of data modeling principles (e.g., star/snowflake schemas, slowly changing dimensions, normalization).
• Experience designing and maintaining reliable, scalable ELT pipelines using both tools and custom code.
• Strong Python programming skills for automating data movement, transformation, and API-based ingestion.
• Familiarity with PowerBI data architecture and experience managing dataflows and refresh logic.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize data workflows across systems (e.g., query tuning, job monitoring, and logging).
• Clear communication and documentation skills to support collaboration with analysts, engineers, and stakeholders.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or [e-mail].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring