Institutional Data Engineer

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks an experienced Institutional Data Engineer to join our Analytics and Data Governance team. You will design, develop, maintain, and optimize the enterprise data infrastructure and data pipelines to support institutional analytics.

Work across distributed teams to improve data quality, enable reporting, and modernize analytics capabilities. This role requires strong SQL, ETL/ELT, data warehousing, and collaboration in a higher education

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; works well across distributed teams.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data engineering technologies and processes (e.g., SQL, relational databases, ETL/ELT technologies, data warehousing).
• Brings strategic vision and operational excellence to IT service delivery.
• Thrives in a collaborative culture where curiosity and innovation are valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide scalable and reliable access to institutional data.
• Improve data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Modernize the institution's analytics capabilities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field

Tools

IBM DataStorage

Informatica

SSIS

Cognos

Tableau

PowerBI

Job description

Institutional Data Engineer

Department: IT Enterprise Applications. Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary

Shape the Future of Data Analytics at One of America's Most Beautiful Campuses. Join the University of South Carolina in Columbia, the vibrant capital city of one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. As we revolutionize our digital landscape, we are seeking an experienced Institutional Data Engineer to join our Analytics and Data Governance team within the Division of Information Technology. Help us transform South Carolina's flagship campus into a nationally recognized hub for innovation and data-driven excellence. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while working with evolving technologies and solving challenging problems in a collaborative environment. The Institutional Data Engineer serves as a technical expert responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing the University's enterprise data infrastructure, integration processes, and analytical data environments. This role integrates data from multiple enterprise systems, develops and maintains data pipelines, supports data quality and governance initiatives, and enables reliable institutional analytics and reporting for the University of South Carolina and its extended campuses.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scalable and reliable access to institutional data.
• Improve data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Modernize the institution's analytics capabilities.

What We're Looking For

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills; works well across distributed teams.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data engineering technologies and processes (e.g., SQL, relational databases, ETL/ELT technologies, data warehousing)
• Brings strategic vision and operational excellence to IT service delivery.
• Thrives in a collaborative culture where curiosity and innovation are valued.

Why Join Us?

• Join a collaborative team that supports innovation and service-oriented technology solutions.
• Solve data challenges that have meaningful institutional and system-wide impacts.
• Help shape the university's analytics capabilities, data-informed culture, and institutional decision-making.

Perks of the University of South Carolina

• Join a major public research university with opportunities to work on complex, meaningful technology and data initiatives.
• Collaborate with talented professionals across the university system.
• Enjoy a professional environment that emphasizes innovation, continuous learning, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Work in a role that offers opportunities to contribute to the strategic and operational success of the university.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of higher education data structures, business processes, and institutional research methodologies.
• Ability to follow directions and communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors. Ability to collaborate across distributed, cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in ETL tools (e.g., IBM DataStorage, Informatica, SSIS) and BI tools (e.g., Cognos, Tableau, PowerBI), including recommended configuration and security practices in hardware and cloud-based server environments.
• Strong proficiency in SQL for data querying, transformation, and optimization.
• Experience with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.
• Familiarity with data warehouse concepts and dimensional modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment.
• Experience working with enterprise data systems (e.g., HR, Finance, Student Information, Learning Management) and large-scale institutional datasets.

Job Close Date 10/31/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by October 31, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.