Data Engineer

The Data Engineer will play a critical role in developing the data infrastructure that supports design, planning, construction analytics, and business operations across the firm. This role focuses on building robust data pipelines, integrating architecture and design software systems, and enabling data-driven decision-making for project teams, leadership, and clients.

Attributes to support the NELSON Culture:  Guiding Principles

• Go All In: Own the Outcome. We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic. We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose. We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart. We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone. We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

 Data Architecture & Pipeline Development:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable Extract, Transform, Load/Extract, Load, Transform (ETL/ELT) pipelines for structured and unstructured AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) and business operational data (BIM models, CAD files, project schedules/delivery data, finance/resourcing/reforecasting data, IoT/sensor data).
• Build and optimize data architectures supporting analytics, visualization, and AI/machine learning initiatives.
• Design, build and maintain data pipelines and integrations between multiple systems/platforms leveraging tools such as Workato, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, SQL Server Integration Services and Microsoft Power Automate
• Experience leveraging API integrations as well as direct server to server integrations
• Ensure data is collected, stored, and accessible in reliable, scalable ways
• Optimize data workflows for performance, security, and cost
• Partner with IT, Enterprise and Practices to enable smooth data operations

Semantic Layer, Database & Infrastructure Management:

• Develop and maintain cloud-based data lakes, warehouses, and relational databases (MSSQL, Azure SQL, AWS, GCP)
• Author, maintain and manage complex database stored procedures and job schedules.
• Partner with business intelligence teams to develop, maintain and streamline enterprise semantic layers leveraging Tableau, PowerBI and Databricks
• Ensure data integrity, governance, versioning, and strong documentation standards.
• Improve data accessibility for business leaders, designers and project managers.
• Strong knowledge of Deltek Vantage Point, HubSpot and UltiPro a plus

Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

• Work with business intelligence teams to support dashboards, forecasting tools, and project performance analytics.
• Support automation initiatives that reduce manual work in the design and project delivery process.

Analytics & Innovation:

• Transform design and project data into standardized structures for forecasting, resource planning, carbon accounting, and operational analytics.
• Enable integration and acceleration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) into business workflows.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and help shape the firm’s digital strategy.

Data Quality, Security & Governance:

• Implement data validation, audit processes, and error‑handling frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security standards, and IT policies.
• Create documentation, metadata, data dictionaries, and best‑practice guidelines.

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in data management or related field from an accredited University.
• 10+ years’ experience; or equivalent in appropriate education and experience in design profession and/or real estate consulting

National Salary range: $75,000-$145,000 (compensation factors are based upon years of relevant experience, qualifications/licensure, education, and location). Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing

Benefits of NELSON:  (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization

NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.

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