Junior Data Engineer
Summary
Entry-level data engineer at Ripotek Technologies in Calgary supporting client data projects: building ELT pipelines with Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or Fabric, writing SQL and Python/Scala for transformations, and documenting data flows. Hybrid role (2 days/week in office) with mentorship and a path toward Microsoft certifications, aimed at recent grads or those with 0-2 years of experience.
Role Overview
As a Junior Data Engineer, you'll support client projects by building data pipelines, writing SQL queries, and assisting with data platform implementations. This is an entry-level role ideal for recent graduates of our training programs or candidates with 0-2 years of experience. You'll receive hands‑on mentorship and grow your skills on real enterprise projects.
Key Responsibilities
Data Engineering (60%)
- Build and maintain ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or Fabric
- Write SQL queries for data transformations and validation
- Develop Python or Scala scripts for data processing
- Implement data quality checks and error handling
- Assist with data modeling (dimension and fact tables)
- Document data flows, pipelines, and transformations
- Perform unit testing on data pipelines
- Monitor pipeline executions and troubleshoot failures
Client Support (20%)
- Participate in client meetings and standups
- Gather requirements from business users
- Create technical documentation (runbooks, data dictionaries)
- Provide status updates on assigned tasks
- Support user acceptance testing (UAT) activities
Learning & Development (20%)
- Shadow senior engineers on architecture and design discussions
- Complete assigned training modules and certifications
- Participate in code reviews and learn best practices
- Attend weekly learning sessions and knowledge shares
- Work toward Microsoft certifications (DP-203, DP-900, etc.)
- Ask questions and seek feedback on your work
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field OR Completion of Ripotek's Azure Data Engineer or Databricks Engineer training program OR Equivalent self-taught experience with demonstrable projects
- 0-2 years of professional experience in data engineering, analytics, or BI
- Internship or co‑op experience in data/tech is a plus
- Personal projects or GitHub portfolio demonstrating data skills
Technical Skills
- Sql - Proficiency in writing SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, window functions
- Python - Basic scripting (pandas, requests, file I/O)
- Azure Basics - Familiarity with Azure portal, resource groups, storage accounts
- Data Concepts - Understanding of ETL/ELT, data warehousing, data lakes
- Version Control - Basic Git (clone, commit, push, pull)
- Tools - Comfortable with VS Code, Azure Data Studio, or similar IDEs
Nice to Have
- Exposure to Azure Data Factory, Databricks, or Synapse
- Power BI for data visualization
- Spark or Scala basics
- Understanding of CI/CD concepts
- Experience with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
Soft Skills
- Eagerness to learn and grow
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to follow instructions and ask clarifying questions
- Good time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Team player and collaborative mindset
- Receptive to feedback and coaching
- Good written and verbal communication
Preferred Qualifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203) or actively pursuing
- Completion of Ripotek training program with strong performance
- Internship at a tech company or consulting firm
- Contributions to open‑source projects
- Personal blog or portfolio showcasing data projects
What We Offer
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive entry‑level salary: $65K-$80K
- Annual performance bonus (5-10% of salary)
- RRSP matching (3% of salary)
- Health, dental, and vision benefits
- Professional development budget ($2,500/year)
- Certification exam fees covered (DP-900, DP-203, etc.)
Work Environment
- Hybrid: 2 days/week in Calgary office for collaboration and mentorship
- Flexible hours (core hours 10am-3pm MT)
- MacBook Pro or Surface Laptop
- Home office setup allowance ($1,000)
- Modern downtown office
Growth & Development
- Structured onboarding and mentorship program (first 90 days)
- Pair programming with senior engineers
- Bi‑weekly 1-on-1s with your manager
- Clear career path: Junior - Intermediate - Senior Data Engineer
- Exposure to multiple clients and industries
- Encouraged to pursue Microsoft certifications
- Annual performance reviews with skill development plans
Culture
- Supportive, learning‑focused environment
- No expectation to know everything - asking questions is encouraged!
- Diverse team with varied backgrounds
- Work on meaningful projects for real clients
- Collaborative, low‑pressure culture
- Celebrates learning and growth
What Success Looks Like (First Year)
Months 1-3
Complete onboarding, shadow senior engineers, work on small pipeline tasks
Months 4-6
Independently build simple pipelines, participate in code reviews, earn DP-900 cert
Months 7-9
Lead small modules on projects, mentor newer juniors, start DP-203 prep
Months 10-12
Contribute to architecture discussions, earn DP-203 cert, take on more complex tasks
Interview Process
- Phone Screen (30 min) - HR and hiring manager
- Technical Assessment (take-home, 2-3 hours) - Build a simple data pipeline
- Technical Interview (60 min) - SQL queries, Python coding, Azure basics
- Behavioral Interview (30 min) - Learning agility, teamwork, problem-solving
- Team Meet (30 min) - Casual conversation with your potential teammates
Timeline: 2 weeks from application to offer