Data Engineer - Newsela

About the Role

Newsela is seeking a skilled Data Engineer with deep domain knowledge in the K-12 education ecosystem. In this role, you will build and maintain integrations, automate data workflows, and ensure data accuracy and availability across educational platforms.

You will play a key role in supporting school operations by solving complex data challenges faced by schools—ensuring accurate attendance syncs, reliable enrollment tracking, and automated pipeline execution so educators have trusted data when they need it.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain custom integrations and ETL processes between K-12 data and internal/external systems.
• Design, implement, and optimize data pipelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data needs and deliver robust, scalable solutions.
• Maintain technical documentation for systems, data models, and processes.
• Monitor and troubleshoot data flow issues and respond to API changes.
• Participate in cross-functional projects related to school operations, enrollment, attendance, and performance data.
• Perform quality assurance (QA) on downstream data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with customer requirements.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in a software engineering, data engineering, or SIS specialist role.
• Hands-on experience with Student Information Systems (PowerSchool, Infinite Campus, Skyward, or similar), including APIs, data exports/imports, and plugin development.
• Strong skills in SQL, Python, and ETL/ELT tools.
• Experience engineering data solutions specifically within K-12 education.
• Experience working with RESTful APIs, SFTP, and other data exchange methods.
• Experience working with modern data warehouses.
• Experience with data quality assurance practices and tools, including dataset validation and reconciliation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to translate customer data requirements into technical specifications and QA checks.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical benefits with employer contributions to premiums and HSA accounts, gym reimbursement, pet insurance, and free access to Calm and Rocket Lawyer.
• Work From Home: Monthly tech stipend to support your remote workspace.
• Family Support: Inclusive benefits covering parental leave, fertility support, and adoption assistance.
• Financial Wellbeing: 401(k) plan with company matching and incentive stock options.
• Time Off: Flexible PTO, paid sick time, company holidays, and annual winter break (Dec 24 – Jan 1).
• Professional Growth: Annual learning and development allowance for external training, classes, workshops, and conferences.