Data Engineer, Specialist

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard in Malvern, PA seeks a senior data engineer to design and maintain scalable data pipelines. You will write ETL processes, integrate diverse data sources, and ensure data quality and security.

You will collaborate with partners to translate business needs into robust data solutions, and you will contribute to production releases and documentation. This role requires 5+ years, fluency in SQL and Python/Scala, and experience with Spark, Hadoop, Kafka, and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, with at least 2 years in designing and maintaining data pipelines, ETL processes and database architectures.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong expertise in SQL, Python, or Scala for data processing, automation and transformation.
• Hands‑on experience with big data frameworks such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, or Kafka for real‑time and batch processing.
• Experience in cloud data platforms including AWS Redshift, Google Big Query, or Azure Synapse, with proficiency in cloud-native ETL and data pipeline tools.
• Strong understanding of data modeling principles, relational and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).

Responsibilities

• Writes ETL (Extract / Transform / Load) processes, designs database systems, and develops tools for real-time and offline analytic processing.
• Troubleshoots software and processes for data consistency and integrity. Integrates large scale data from a variety of sources for business partners to generate insight and make decisions.
• Translates business specifications into design specifications and code. Responsible for writing complex programs, ad hoc queries, and reports. Ensures that all code is well structured, includes sufficient documentation, and is easy to maintain and reuse.
• Partners with internal clients to gain an enhanced understanding of business functions and informational needs. Gains expertise in tools, technologies, and applications/databases in specific business areas and company-wide systems.
• Leads all phases of solution development. Explains technical considerations at related meetings, including those with internal clients and less experienced team members.
• Tests code thoroughly for accuracy of intended purpose. Reviews end product with the client to ensure adequate understanding. Provides data analysis guidance as required.
• Designs and conducts training sessions on tools and data sources used by the team and self provisioners. Provides job aids to team members and business users.
• Tests and implements new software releases through regression testing. Identifies issues and engages with vendors to resolve and elevate software into production.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

SQL

Python

Scala

ETL

Data pipelines

NoSQL databases

Cloud data platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Apache Spark

Hadoop

Kafka

AWS Redshift

Google BigQuery

Azure Synapse

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

Job description

Provides advanced data solutions by using software to process, store, and serve data to others. Tests data quality and optimizes data availability. Ensures that data pipelines are scalable, repeatable, and secure. Utilizes a deep dive analytical skillset on a variety of internal and external data.

Core Responsibilities

• Writes ETL (Extract / Transform / Load) processes, designs database systems, and develops tools for real-time and offline analytic processing.
• Troubleshoots software and processes for data consistency and integrity. Integrates large scale data from a variety of sources for business partners to generate insight and make decisions.
• Translates business specifications into design specifications and code. Responsible for writing complex programs, ad hoc queries, and reports. Ensures that all code is well structured, includes sufficient documentation, and is easy to maintain and reuse.
• Partners with internal clients to gain an enhanced understanding of business functions and informational needs. Gains expertise in tools, technologies, and applications/databases in specific business areas and company-wide systems.
• Leads all phases of solution development. Explains technical considerations at related meetings, including those with internal clients and less experienced team members.
• Tests code thoroughly for accuracy of intended purpose. Reviews end product with the client to ensure adequate understanding. Provides data analysis guidance as required.
• Designs and conducts training sessions on tools and data sources used by the team and self provisioners. Provides job aids to team members and business users.
• Tests and implements new software releases through regression testing. Identifies issues and engages with vendors to resolve and elevate software into production.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, with at least 2 years in designing and maintaining data pipelines, ETL processes and database architectures.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong expertise in SQL, Python, or Scala for data processing, automation and transformation.
• Hands‑on experience with big data frameworks such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, or Kafka for real‑time and batch processing.
• Experience in cloud data platforms including AWS Redshift, Google Big Query, or Azure Synapse, with proficiency in cloud-native ETL and data pipeline tools.
• Strong understanding of data modeling principles, relational and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in‑person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission‑driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long‑term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.