Data Engineer

W.S. Darley & Co is seeking a Data Engineer to design, build, and maintain trusted data systems that support automation, analytics, and AI use. The role combines data engineering execution with data quality focus and collaboration with end users across the business.

Role Overview

The Data Engineer will create SQL- and Python-based pipelines that ingest and transform data from business systems and approved external sources. This position also supports warehouse structures and dimensional modeling, implements reliability practices for data products, and partners with reporting teams to deliver curated datasets and semantic models.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain SQL- and Python-based data pipelines to ingest, validate, and transform data from business systems, APIs, files, and approved external sources.
• Support warehouse structures and dimensional models, including reusable tables, documented relationships, and consistent business definitions.
• Collaborate with infrastructure colleagues on secure connectivity, access, environments, scheduling, monitoring, and recovery requirements.
• Implement data quality checks, reconciliation, error handling, version control, and documentation to keep data products reliable and maintainable.
• Work with reporting colleagues to deliver curated datasets and semantic models for dashboards and self-service analytics.
• Translate business questions into data requirements and prioritize solutions that are useful and achievable with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external specialists on architecture and implementation patterns, then maintain and extend solutions internally.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and technical training and relevant experience may be considered.
• 2-5 years of experience in data engineering, data integration, business intelligence, analytics engineering, or a related field.
• Experience building and maintaining production data pipelines.
• Experience integrating data from ERP, CRM, manufacturing, financial, operational, and third-party systems.
• Experience working with business stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable data solutions.
• Strong SQL skills, including query optimization, data transformation, and database design.
• Proficiency in Python for data processing, automation, and ETL/ELT development.
• Experience with data warehousing concepts, dimensional modeling, and semantic data structures.
• Knowledge of data quality management, including validation, cleansing, reconciliation, and monitoring techniques.
• Experience with APIs, flat files, and structured or semi-structured data sets.
• Understanding of data governance, security, and access management principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify trends, anomalies, and data quality issues.
• Ability to prioritize competing requests and deliver practical solutions.
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to document technical solutions and establish repeatable processes.
• Demonstrated customer service mindset when supporting internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence decisions through data expertise.
• Commitment to continuous learning in emerging data and AI technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting reporting, analytics, or AI initiatives.

Technologies

SQL, Python, ETL/ELT, ERP, CRM, APIs, flat files

Work Location and Schedule

• Location: Itasca, IL (onsite)
• Work model: Full-time; expected to work from the Itasca, IL office 4-5 days per week
• Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as otherwise required to meet business needs
• Additional time: Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support sales events, customer needs, and critical incidents

Travel

Regular travel is not required. The role may involve occasional travel to customer sites, OEMs, Darley sites, management meetings, or training events.

Compensation

• Salary: USD 75,000 to 95,000 annual base salary

Benefits

• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health & Wellness Reimbursement
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability insurance
• HSA with Darley contribution
• FSA
• 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing