Data Engineer Intern

American Equity; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Recognition opportunities

Job summary

American Equity, headquartered in West Des Moines, IA, offers a Launchpad Internship Program for Data Engineer interns to gain hands-on experience transforming data and building pipelines using SQL and modern tools. The program is 10–12 weeks, in-person in downtown Des Moines, with mentorship and real project impact.

Ideal candidates are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in MIS/CS/IT, have exposure to Python and databases, and are eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in MIS, CS, CE, or IT.
• Enrollment in an accredited program during internship.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Basic knowledge of SQL and databases.

Responsibilities

• Shadow team members to learn the duties of the Data Engineer intern role.
• Gains foundational knowledge of tooling, mapping design, coding, and debugging.
• Help document data pipeline processes across Development, UAT, and Production environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project deliverables.
• Participate in code reviews and apply best practices.
• Complete tasks with guidance from mentors.

Skills

Python

SQL

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in MIS

Bachelor’s degree in CS

Bachelor’s degree in IT

Tools

Snowflake

Postgres

SQL Server

Git

AWS

Job description

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty‑five years with satellite offices New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Data Engineer Intern gains hands‑on experience with data transformation, data warehouse concepts, and pipeline development tools while contributing to real project deliverables. The intern uses SQL, technical tools, and emerging data technologies to help build maintainable solutions that meet business and technical requirements. This role offers exposure to how data moves through an organization, from raw source information through transformation and into trusted business‑ready outputs.

LAUNCHPAD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The American Equity Launchpad Internship Program is designed to identify, develop, and empower the next generation of talent. Through meaningful project work, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, interns gain real‑world experience while building the skills and connections needed to launch their careers.

The Launchpad Internship Program is a 10–12 week, in‑person experience based in our downtown Des Moines office. Interns gain hands‑on experience, collaborate with professionals across the organization, and contribute to work that drives meaningful business outcomes.

Program Highlights

• Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real business impact.
• Receive dedicated mentorship from leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Participate in an Intern Hack‑a‑thon focused on solving real business challenges and presenting innovative solutions to company leaders.
• Develop professional skills through learning sessions, leadership presentations, and networking opportunities.
• Engage in community service projects, Des Moines Intern Connections events, and social activities with fellow interns.
• Receive competitive compensation, including a housing stipend and recognition opportunities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Shadows team members to learn the essential duties and functions of the Data Engineer role.
• Gains foundational knowledge of tooling, mapping design, coding, and debugging through mentorship and hands‑on assignments.
• Builds a working understanding of how data moves from raw source information through transformation and into target systems.
• Assists in documenting data pipeline processes, including steps needed to migrate pipeline and database objects between Development, UAT, and Production environments.
• Builds strong working relationships and partners with cross‑functional teams.
• Learns and uses project management and collaboration tools to support daily work and project deliverables.
• Participates in code reviews and team discussions to develop awareness of technical best practices.
• Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
• Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross‑functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Education And/Or Experience

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field of study.

Certificates, Licenses, Professional Designations

• N/A

Required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Python or object‑oriented programming class exposure.
• Current or upcoming coursework with database concepts.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Data analysis aptitude.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully in a team environment.
• Willingness to learn new tools and technologies.

Preferred

• SQL exposure through coursework, personal projects, or work experience.
• Exposure to Snowflake, Postgres, or SQL Server databases.
• Python experience beyond introductory coursework.
• Git or source control familiarity.
• AWS cloud platform exposure.
• Basic understanding of data modeling concepts, including relational or dimensional models.
• Familiarity with ETL/ELT concepts.
• Awareness of data quality and governance concepts.

Disclaimer

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step‑by‑step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At American Equity, our core values—Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring—are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day. To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.

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