Data Engineer

Location: Port Angeles, WA; Bellingham, WA; Seattle, WA

Department: Data & Business Intelligence

POSITION PURPOSE

This role will support the BI and Reporting Manager as well as collaborate with analysts, Customer Analytics Manager, and operational teams. This role will drive the advancement and optimization of our data ecosystem, focusing on data movement, integration, and architecture to enhance decision-making and strategic initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Innovate and enhance our data architecture while managing our existing platform in a highly regulated banking environment.
• Design, construct, and maintain scalable data pipelines and infrastructure that support our business intelligence, analytics, and data science objectives.
• Drive the implementation of ETL processes using advanced tools and scripting languages to ensure efficient data movement and integration.
• Develop and optimize data models using star and snowflake schemas to facilitate effective data storage, retrieval, and analytics.
• Monitor and improve data health metrics, governance, and quality management practices to ensure the integrity of our data assets.
• Responsible for performance optimization, scalability planning, and implementing advanced data solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including analysts, Customer Analytics Manager and operational staff, to understand data needs and implement effective solutions.
• Lead technical discussions with stakeholders and shape data strategy across departments. Serve as the technical liaison between data teams and business units, translating business needs into technical solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex data issues, tackling ambiguous technical challenges, employing strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
• Engage with version control and contribute to test automation and CI/CD practices to deliver robust data solutions.
• Maintain proficiency in cloud-based tools, particularly Azure Data Factory and Snowpipe, and Databricks  —to orchestrate, transform, and optimize data processes across the enterprise.
• Works independently, makes architectural decisions, and sets standards and best practices for the team.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field required.
• 8+ years of experience in data engineering or closely related roles.
• 3-5 years experience in the fintech or banking industry is required.
• Proven track record in managing data migration projects and building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools such as IBM Cognos, Power BI, Tableau, and familiarity with Azure Data Lake, Azure Databricks, SQL Server, Snowflake, and Salesforce is advantageous.
• Proven ability to design scalable data architectures with a strong focus on Databricks (Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) and dimensional modeling for analytics performance.
• 5+ years of SQL experience and expertise in schema design and dimensional data modeling.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Scala, or Java, with experience writing production-level code for data pipelines and real-time applications.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, accountability, and collaboration within a team environment.

Physical Requirements: 

The work requires the ability to operate office machines and equipment, such as personal computers, printers, copying machines and telephones. The work requires the ability to communicate clearly with customers, coworkers, and others in person and on telephones. Work activities involve combinations of sitting/standing for extended periods.

Pay Range

• The typical hiring range for this position is $87,151.75 – $100,006.63
• The full pay range for this position is $87,151.75-$148,157.98
• Salary range may be higher, depending on candidate geographic location.

• The incentive plan for this position is the Staff Support Incentive plan. It is paid out quarterly with a 5% target payout.
• Employees will be eligible for our benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (401k with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan), gym membership reimbursement, discounts on our banking products, and more!  Additional information on our benefits package can be viewed at https://www.ourfirstfed.com/careers 

As a community Bank, we know the power in bringing people together from all walks of life. Our communities are beautiful and strong because of their diversity, and it’s important to us that all of our locations reflect the unique diversity of the places we live and work. We are passionate about hiring the very best talent and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

First Fed invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for our career opportunities.  If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our online job search or application tools, please contact [email protected]. Note: This contact information is reserved solely for job seekers requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the application process.  Messages left for other purposes may not receive a response.

We are required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

About the Company

ONSITE JOB IN WASHINGTON STATE - ONLY ACCEPTING APPLICANTS WITHIN WASHINGTON STATE NEAR THE PORT ANGELES, SEATTLE AND BELLINGHAM AREAS

Who We Are

First Fed is a local community bank on an exciting growth trajectory with 18 locations including 12 full-service branches in Western Washington. First Fed was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace and a Top Corporate Philanthropist. By popular vote, First Fed received awards for Best Bank in The Best of the Northwest, Best Banker in Readers’ Choice by Cascadia Daily News, and Peninsula Daily News named us Best Bank on the Olympic Peninsula. We also received a Best-In-State bank award from Forbes.  

For over 100 years First Fed has served our customers and communities throughout the PNW. We’ve donated over $9 million to non-profit organizations in the past 8 years through our foundations, sponsorships, direct donations, and matched employee donations. Our amazing team has volunteered over 25,000 hours in the past 5 years – many by using our benefit of 3 paid volunteer days per year!  

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds – our diversity makes us stronger. Join our award-winning team!  

Our Values

Optimism:  We are positive and decisive. We believe the future will be better than the past. Our attitude demonstrates persistence which leads to success.

Initiative:  We are self-starters and find innovative solutions. We are courageous, entrepreneurial, and passionate. We take action for good.

Respect:  We include individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. We are committed to honoring and serving others.

Growth:  We learn and adapt so we can continually improve. We believe in personal growth through grit and determination.

Ownership:  We are invested in our endeavors. We are accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.