Empower
Sr. Data Engineer
Job Summary
Empower is seeking a data engineer to build and optimize scalable data pipelines and frameworks, supporting data-driven decision-making across teams. The role requires expertise in SQL, Python, Spark, and cloud-based data tools, with a focus on maintaining data quality and governance. The candidate will collaborate with stakeholders from engineering, analytics, and product teams to meet diverse data needs. The company offers comprehensive health coverage, equity, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
EMPOWER OVERVIEW
Empower is shaking up an outdated financial system by providing real opportunity for our customers: the opportunity to get the cash they need, to access fair credit, and to change their financial story. Today, we’re helping millions of people find financial security through machine learning models that evaluate creditworthiness using a more inclusive lens and mobile-first products: Cash Advance, Thrive line of credit, and Petal credit cards. Tomorrow? Creating even more financial paths for our customers (and their wallets) to succeed.
This year, Empower ranked #65 on Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list — our third year in a row cracking the top 100 — and was named by Forbes as one of the 25 Next Billion-Dollar Startups for 2024. Empower was also featured by Forbes on America’s Best Startup Employers list in 2023, and our Thrive line of credit product was named by Fast Company as one of 2022’s Next Big Things in Tech.
Empower is backed by Sequoia Capital, Blisce, and Icon Ventures. Ready to grow your impact and accelerate your career? Take a look at our open roles — we can’t wait to meet you.
Job Description
Making data-driven decisions is key to Empower’s culture. To support that, we need to scale our data systems while maintaining correct and complete data. We provide tooling and guidance to teams across engineering, product, and business and help them explore our data quickly and safely to get the data insights they need, which ultimately helps Empower serve our customers more effectively. Data Engineers heavily leverage SQL and Python to build data workflows. We use tools like dbt, Databricks, Azure Event Hub and Terraform to orchestrate data pipelines and define workflows. We work with engineers, product managers, business intelligence, credit analysts, and many other teams to build Empower’s data strategy and a data-first mindset.
How You'll Make an Impact
Write secure, clear, well-structured, and performant code using Python, Spark and SQL
Build, scale, and optimize secure, self-service frameworks for batch and streaming data.
Automate and streamline data infrastructure updates and CI/CD deployment processes.
Develop tools and frameworks that enhance data governance and improve data quality standards.
Partner with stakeholders, such as Analytics, Credit/Risk, Data Science, Product Engineering, and other business partners to meet their data needs.
Why You're a Great Fit
4+ years of dedicated data engineering experience, solving complex data pipelines issues at scale.
Experience troubleshooting and investigating data issues.
Experience building data models and data pipelines on top of large datasets (terabytes of data)
Experience with SQL as a flexible and extensible tool, and are comfortable with modern SQL data orchestration tools like dbt, Mode, and Airflow.
Experience working with different performant warehouses and data lakes; Redshift, Azure Synapse, Snowflake, Databricks.
Experience building and maintaining both batch and real-time pipelines using technologies like Spark and Kafka/Azure Event Hub.
Experience with Terraform or similar Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools, and a cloud provider stack (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
Understanding of key metrics of a data ecosystem and experience building infrastructure or data solutions to partner teams
Don't meet every qualification? If you're excited about this challenge and driven to innovate, we still want to hear from you!
What You'll Get at Empower
Meaningful Ownership: Competitive salary and generous equity in a profitable, fast growing company.
Complete Support: 100% coverage for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a generous WFH reimbursement.
High-Impact Teams: The chance to thrive in a small, focused team where your contributions directly shape outcomes for our business and customers.
Remote First: A virtual first environment built on trust and outcomes.
Team Connection: Twice-yearly company onsites where we come together to connect, learn, and build for the future (our last few have been in San Diego, Vail, and Flagstaff)!
Growth Path: Ongoing opportunities for development in a dynamic, supportive, and creative environment.
The Empower Way
The Empower Way is one where bold ambition meets an owner mindset, where open dialogue and spirited debate are encouraged, and where everyone works together to put our customers first. We believe diverse voices lead to the best ideas, and we foster an environment where every individual is valued, heard, and supported as part of one unified team working to change lives and build a more inclusive future.
If that sounds like you, join us and be part of a team that's helping millions of people reshape their financial futures.
Empower
Instant delivery to your bank account and easy, automated repayment. No interest, no late fees, no credit checks. Cover unexpected bills or every day essentials with Empower Cash Advance.
See more jobsSafe Remote Job Search Tips
Verify Employer Thoroughly
Research the company's identity thoroughly before applying. Check for a professional website with contacts, active social media, and LinkedIn profiles. Verify details across platforms and look for reviews on Glassdoor or Trustpilot to confirm legitimacy.
Never Pay to Get a Job
Legitimate employers never require payment for applications, training, background checks, or equipment. Always reject upfront payment requests or demands for bank details, even if they claim it's for purchasing necessary work gear on your behalf.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
Protect sensitive data like SSN, bank details, or ID copies. Share this only after accepting a formal, written job offer. Ensure it's submitted via a secure company system or portal, never through insecure channels like standard email attachments.
Scrutinize Communication & Interviews
Watch for communication red flags: poor grammar, generic emails (@gmail), vague details, or undue pressure. Be highly suspicious of interviews held only via text or chat apps; legitimate companies typically use video or phone calls.
Beware of Unrealistic Offers
If an offer's salary or benefits seem unrealistically high for the work involved, be cautious. Research standard pay for similar roles. Offers that appear 'too good to be true' are often scams designed to lure you into providing information or payment.
Insist on a Formal Contract
Always secure and review a formal, written job offer or employment contract before starting work or sharing final personal details. Ensure it clearly defines your role, compensation, key terms, and conditions to avoid misunderstandings or scams.