Senior Data Engineer

Scaffold, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Scaffold, Inc. is seeking a Data Engineer to design and build scalable data architecture and pipelines in an early-stage, high-ownership environment.

You will lead data infrastructure initiatives and ensure accuracy, performance, and reliability across our platform. You will leverage Python and SQL to develop ETL workflows, model complex construction data, and collaborate with product and engineering teams to deliver integrated data solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of data engineering or backend engineering experience.
• Strong Python expertise; proficient in SQL, data modeling, and modern data pipeline tools.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows is a plus.
• Startup mindset: comfortable in fast-paced, high-ownership environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain reliable data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Standardize, clean, and model large sets of messy real-world construction data.
• Develop tools to ensure data quality, accuracy, and performance at scale.
• Partner closely with product, engineering, and customers to design integration flows.
• Apply Python (required) and SQL for advanced data engineering and ETL workflows.
• Leverage AI/ML methods to improve automation of data classification and mapping.
• Help define best practices for data governance and reliability.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data modeling

AI/ML workflows

Communication

Tools

Airflow

dbt

Kafka

Snowflake

Job description

We are looking for a Data Engineer to design and build a world-class data architecture and pipeline. You’ll be the technical lead for ensuring our platform handles scale, accuracy, and performance. This role is highly impactful and ideal for someone who thrives in early-stage environments and wants to shape the data foundation of a fast-growing product.

What You’ll Do:

• Architect, build, and maintain reliable data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Standardize, clean, and model large sets of messy real-world construction data.
• Develop tools to ensure data quality, accuracy, and performance at scale.
• Partner closely with product, engineering, and customers to design integration flows.
• Apply Python (required) and SQL for advanced data engineering and ETL workflows.
• Leverage AI/ML methods to improve automation of data classification and mapping.
• Help define best practices for data governance and reliability.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: 5+ years in data engineering or backend engineering roles.
• Technical Skills: Strong Python expertise required. Proficiency in SQL, data modeling, and modern data pipeline tools (e.g., Airflow, dbt, Kafka, Snowflake, etc.). Familiarity with AI/ML workflows a plus.
• Startup Mindset: Comfort working in fast-paced, high-ownership environments.
• Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate technical details into clear solutions.

Why Join Scaffold?

• Impact: Play a critical role in defining and building the future of Scaffold and the residential construction industry.
• Growth Opportunity: Be an early leader in a venture-backed company.
• Culture: Work alongside high-caliber teammates in a no-ego, high-energy environment.
• Compensation: Competitive salary and meaningful equity in the company.