Data Engineer (SR)

Job Summary

The Senior Data Engineer designs, builds, and optimizes enterprise data solutions that enable data-driven decision-making and operational excellence across TMRS. This role is responsible for the architecture and implementation of data pipelines, data repositories, and reporting platforms; applies data engineering and data governance standards; and leads the integration and operationalization of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Working within the IS Department, this role partners closely with business stakeholders and Executive Leadership to deliver secure, scalable, reliable, and high-quality data solutions that support organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain reports, dashboards, and business intelligence solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
• Architect, build, and optimize scalable data pipelines and cloud-based data solutions using modern SaaS and PaaS platforms.
• Design and maintain data models, including dimensional and semantic models, that make enterprise data usable and consistent across reporting and analytics.
• Develop and tune complex queries and transformations using SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL, and Python to support ETL and ELT processes.
• Create and maintain reliable data repositories, ensuring accurate data lineage, documented definitions, and data integrity across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Integrate data from systems of record using established data modeling standards
• Establish automated data quality monitoring, reconciliation, and pipeline observability; define and report on data quality measures.
• Lead enterprise AI and machine learning initiatives, including model integration and operationalization.
• Establish and maintain end-to-end model lifecycle management processes, including version control, validation and approval, deployment standards, continuous performance monitoring for drift and accuracy, and scheduled periodic reviews with documented outcomes.
• Enforce data governance standards, including data quality, data classification, retention, and access controls in alignment with organizational policies and Texas records retention requirements.
• Ensure proper data usage controls for AI, including approved data sources, data privacy, and secure handling of sensitive member information.
• Produce control evidence supporting internal audit, external examinations such as SOC, and NIST-aligned security control reviews.
• Translate business needs and stakeholder requests into technical requirements, and lead technical projects from intake through design, development, and implementation.
• Lead peer review of code, models, and reports.
• Mentor mid-level and junior data staff and build analytics capability among business users.
• Collaborate using Agile methodologies and tools such as JIRA, Confluence, and Git to support iterative development and delivery.
• Investigate new technologies and assess their viability and usefulness in current and future projects.
• Improve process, performance, and security of data solutions and integrations.
• Contribute new viewpoints and strategies to stimulate growth.
• Ability to use and integrate approved AI solutions.
• After hours support as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Follow all applicable policies and procedures including all security policies.

Education & Experience

Hands-on experience with

• Advanced SQL (Oracle PL/SQL and T-SQL) and Python for data engineering, transformation, and analysis
• Cloud data platforms and services (Azure and AWS), including storage, compute, and managed data services
• ETL and ELT pipeline design, orchestration, and scheduling
• Data warehouse, lakehouse, and dimensional modeling
• Business intelligence and reporting platforms (Power BI or equivalent)
• Data governance practice: classification, lineage, retention, and access control
• Machine learning model integration and lifecycle management (MLOps)
• Agile delivery tooling: JIRA, Confluence, and Git-based source control

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, information systems, engineering, actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or related field and a minimum of 7 years of experience delivering data solutions, analytics, and reporting within cloud-based environments.
• Proven experience leading technical projects from intake through design, development, and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business needs and stakeholder requests into complex technical requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Python for data engineering, transformation, and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred

• Previous implementation of data and analytics solutions using Microsoft Power BI and Azure Synapse Analytics
• Experience implementing large language models and managing model versioning, including prompt and version control, evaluation tracking, continuous monitoring, and deployment lifecycle management
• Experience sourcing data from Oracle and SQL Server based systems of record
• Data cataloging, master data management, or metadata management tooling
• Streaming or near-real-time data integration
• Public sector, pension administration, or financial services environment subject to SOC or NIST-based control requirements
• Experience supporting actuarial, investment, or financial reporting data needs

Certificates & Licenses

• Microsoft Azure Data certifications are preferred.
• Microsoft Azure AI certifications are preferred.

Qualities We Are Looking For

• Confident and mature leadership skills
• The highest level of character and integrity
• Executive presence and strength of character
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship skills
• Intellectual curiosity and determination. You are smart, intellectually curious, and grasp complex subjects quickly.
• Team orientation. You bring integrity and a strong work ethic to your work. You treat people with respect and kindness, work well with different personalities and perspectives, and contribute positively to the team.
• Effective communicator. You listen carefully, ask questions effectively, and articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly, respectfully, and concisely.
• Self-driven with strong attention to detail; able to perform structured problem-solving in a collaborative team environment.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force. Ability to perform the essential job functions safely and successfully consistent with federal, state, and local standards.

TMRS Overview

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) is a trusted partner to more than 940 cities across Texas, providing retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to over 260,000 public servants and their families. We are proud to be recognized as an example of fiduciary excellence through our management of more than $44 billion in Trust Fund assets.

At TMRS, every role supports our mission: providing secure lifetime income to our members. Our work gives back to communities across Texas, and we take pride in doing it with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting base salary (based on experience and qualifications)
• Participation in TMRS pension plan, with a 2:1 organization match
• Optional participation in a 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to employees
• Hybrid work opportunities; 12 paid holidays; generous leave
• Modern, centrally located Austin office
• Onsite presence required a minimum of three days per week; remote work opportunities exist, but this is not a remote position

TMRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.