IT Data Engineer II

GCI Communication Corp; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI Communication Corp is seeking an IT Data Engineer II to build and maintain data pipelines and analytics infrastructure. You will transform and delivery data for analysis, leveraging Lakehouse-style architectures and cloud tools.

The role requires four+ years in data analytics or pipelines, strong SQL, and experience with Databricks and Azure-based solutions. Collaboration across teams is essential for scalable, reliable data delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of experience in data analytics, real-time analytics and pipelines.
• Experience with relational and non-relational databases and batch data sources.

Responsibilities

• Gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications for data platforms.
• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines for analytics workloads.
• Develop and test ETL/ELT processes and optimize for performance and cost.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address data infrastructure needs and issues.

Skills

Data pipeline design

SQL querying

Data analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Databricks

Delta Lake

Spark Declarative Pipelines

Lakeflow Connect

Azure cloud

Job description

GCI's IT Data Engineer II will build and maintain the supporting framework for enterprise activities such as acquiring, transforming, and delivering data into a format that can be easily analyzed. Develop, maintain, and test infrastructures for analytics across the company. Leverage existing data infrastructure to fulfil all data-related requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS

Engineering & Analytics

• Gather and translate business and functional requirements into clear, actionable technical specifications and deliverables.
• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipeline architecture for analytics and advanced data workloads.
• Design, build, and maintain efficient ETL/ELT pipelines using a variety of relevant tools and custom code.
• Assemble large, complex data sets that meet functional and non-functional business requirements.
• Build the infrastructure required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from a wide variety of data sources.
• Build analytics tools that utilize the data pipeline to provide actionable insights into customer acquisition, operational efficiency, and other key business performance metrics.
• Resolve complex technical data issues across pipelines and data platforms.
• Tune SQL queries and optimize data pipelines and infrastructure for performance and cost efficiency.
• Work cross-functionally with relevant stakeholders to assist with data-related technical issues and support data infrastructure needs.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Perform thorough quality assurance reviews of modules to validate functionality, code integrity, performance, and compliance with design and coding standards.
• Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements, such as automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, and re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability.
• Conduct root cause analysis to identify underlying issues and drive effective data-driven solutions, clearly documenting processes.
• Educate corporate users on data usage, literacy, and governance best practices to support informed decision-making and consistency.
• Promote a professional, proactive, and results-driven culture by fostering strong cross-functional collaboration, encouraging open communication, and driving shared accountability for outcomes.
• Strengthen job proficiency and expertise through continuous learning and role-specific training.

COMPETENCIES

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
  • Strong cross functional collaboration skills, with the ability to build trust, work effectively at all levels of the organization, and develop relationships that support key priorities.
  • Ability to facilitate meetings, guide discussions, effectively manage time, and ensure clear next steps and accountability.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills, with the ability to accurately articulate complex technical information to both internal and external audiences.
  • Ability to create clear and concise written documentation for a variety of audiences, including developers, business analysts, and business users.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects company and customer confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, evaluate, and test data infrastructure, make independent engineering decisions, and choose an appropriate course of action.
  • Understanding of data modeling and metadata management for analytics, including traditional and AI-based use cases within Lakehouse architecture.
  • Understanding of Data Governance principles, including data quality, security, and lifecycle management.
  • Strong problem solving and analytical abilities, capable of evaluating complex issues and identifying optimal solutions.
  • Creative and adaptive issue resolution skills, applying innovative approaches when addressing challenges.
  • Demonstrated ability to adjust strategies quickly and prioritize long-term organizational health over short-term optics.
  • Ability to analyze metrics and feedback to support strategic decision-making and identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively
  • Demonstrated experience using at least one programming language to develop and maintain solutions.
  • Knowledge of SQL and data query tools to perform data extraction, transformation, validation, and analysis.
  • Knowledge of software design principles, agile methodology, and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD).
  • Knowledge of installing and configuring solutions with the ability to design, develop, build, and implement effective IT solutions.
  • Knowledgeable of IT systems and architectures with the ability to proactively identify errors or deficiencies and develop solutions.

Additional Job Requirements

This is an intermediate level position within the discipline demonstrating broad knowledge and proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderately complex tasks and job duties, receiving general instruction on routine work and new assignments. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment. Supports higher level staff in implementing more complex projects. Provides training and guidance to lower-level staff.

Additional Competencies

• Comprehensive understandingof data engineering concepts and software development principles.
• Strong SQL skills for data manipulation, analysis, and query optimization.
• Broad working knowledge of big data processing on cloud platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience incorporate data analytics, real-time analytics and visualization tools, data collection and/or data pipelines, or related background.

Preferred

• Experience working with relational and non-relational databases and batch data sources, to support analytics and data pipeline development.
• Experience with Azure-based data solutions.
• Hands-on experience with Databricks technologies such as Delta Lake, Spark Declarative Pipelines, Spark Structured Streaming and Lakeflow Connect.
• Experience with modern data architectures, including Medallion Architecture.
• Relevant telecom industry or job-specific certifications.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel, such as between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to an immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.

Culture, Engagement, and Connection

At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer.

EEO

GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.

DISCLAIMER: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.