Knowledge Graph Data Engineer - QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey

McKinsey & Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company in the United States is seeking a data engineer to build graph‑centric data pipelines and a semantic data layer powering GenAI applications. You will design entity models and map diverse sources to graph schemas, delivering scalable knowledge services.

The role emphasizes production‑grade Python, CI/CD with GitHub Actions, and operating AWS and Docker infrastructure, enabling fast, reliable delivery and broad impact across regions.

Qualifications

• Degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in data engineering.
• Cloud-based data engineering using AWS services; enterprise platform experience preferred.
• Expertise with Python development and relational databases.
• Experience with knowledge graphs.
• High coding standards: testing, modularity, error handling, tests.
• Hands-on experience with Docker.
• Strong execution orientation and ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Kedro framework experience is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Build graph-centric data pipelines and a semantic data layer powering GenAI applications.
• Design and evolve entity/relationship models and taxonomies.
• Implement ingestion, normalization, and enrichment mapping sources to graph schemas.
• Perform entity resolution and semantic tagging; validate structures.
• Publish data to graph stores; write production-grade Python code and tests.
• Create/modify GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines and operate AWS/Docker infrastructure.

Skills

Data engineering

Python development

Knowledge graphs

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Data modeling

Testing automation

CI/CD

GitHub collaboration

Education

Degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

Docker

GitHub Actions CI/CD

AWS services

Job description

Locations

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• New York City

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem‑solver who is energized by challenges? You've come to the right place.

YOUR IMPACT

You will build graph-centric data pipelines and a semantic data layer that powers GenAI applications.

You'll build a platform that will be deployed across regions, sectors and functions. Focusing on a distinctive combination of AI capabilities, domain expertise, and human judgement. Your work will be at the forefront of developing exciting technology for our firm.

You'll design and evolve entity/relationship models, taxonomies, and identifiers; implement ingestion, normalization, and enrichment that maps heterogeneous sources to graph schemas; perform entity resolution and semantic tagging; validate structures; and publish data to graph stores.

You'll write production‑grade Python code with comprehensive tests, create and modify GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines, and operate AWS‑and Docker‑based infrastructure to deliver reliable, scalable knowledge graph data services.

YOUR GROWTH

Driving lasting impact and building long‑term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture – doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues‑at all levels‑will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you'll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won't find anywhere else.

When you join us, you will have:

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast‑paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• World‑class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well‑being for you and your family.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of relevant experience which may include a combination of professional work experience and relevant education
• Data engineering experience, with a strong focus on cloud‑based data engineering using AWS services; Previous enterprise platform experience preferred
• Expertise with Python development with strong experience with relational databases
• Experience with knowledge graphs
• Practicing high coding standards with clean code, modularity, error handling, testing automation and more
• Very driven, super strong on execution and output orientation, likes to get job done attitude and ability to figure things out independently. Able to work in a complex and very fast paced environment
• Hands‑on experience with Docker
• Solid and demonstrable background in data pipeline performance and diagnostics
• Interest in Generative AI and other ML topics. Kedro framework experience as a plus
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyze and resolve complex data engineering challenges
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional team environment

Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues.

Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives everything we do, guiding us to always act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. To help you understand what you can expect, the salary range for new joiners in this role in United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $137,500 - $141,700 USD gross per year. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest [salary/hourly wages] for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.

FOR NON-U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.