Senior ETL Developer

Job Description:

Fairfield University is seeking a Senior ETL Developer to contribute to the modernization of our cloud-based data infrastructure. In this role, you will design and manage data pipelines and integrations that support advanced analytics and decision-making across the institution. This is an opportunity to work with modern cloud technologies and play a key part in the university’s efforts to enhance its data strategy and operational efficiency.

Basic Function

The Senior ETL Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes that support Fairfield University’s cloud-based data warehouse and analytics platforms. This role involves managing data ingestion, data transformation, and integration to ensure high-quality, efficient, and scalable data movement across university systems. The Senior ETL Developer will work closely with business stakeholders, data architects, and IT teams to support institutional data initiatives and strategic objectives.

Knowledge and Skills Needed

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.

• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of formal education.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering, ETL development, and data integration.

• 2+ years of experience in an ETL Architect or Lead role, designing scalable data pipelines.

• Strong experience with cloud-based data warehousing and integration.

• Proficiency in SQL, relational databases, and data modeling.

• Hands-on experience in ETL tools such as Informatica (preferred), Talend, or AWS Glue.

• Experience working with DevOps practices, version control, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Strong understanding of data security, governance, and compliance.

Specific Knowledge:

• ETL Development & Data Integration – Design and implement ETL workflows for structured and unstructured data.

• Cloud Platforms – Knowledge of AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud environments.

• Data Modeling & Performance Optimization – Optimize database design and query performance.

• Scripting & Automation – Experience with Python, Shell scripting, and automation tools.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics – Understanding of reporting tools and dashboard integration.

• Networking & Connectivity – Familiarity with heterogeneous source systems, APIs, and database connectivity.

Reports To

Data Architect

Essential Functions

ETL Framework Development & Management

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance ETL pipelines.

• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity across different university systems.

Data Warehouse Optimization

• Monitor and optimize ETL performance, load balancing, and execution times.

• Work with data architects to enhance the existing cloud data warehouse framework.

Data Security & Governance

• Implement data security best practices in alignment with compliance policies.

• Ensure proper access control and data masking techniques.

Collaboration with Business & IT Teams

• Work closely with institutional researchers, finance, admissions, and other departments to define and implement data ingestion rules.

• Assist stakeholders in defining data transformations and modeling requirements.

Technology Evaluation & Best Practices

• Stay current with emerging trends in data engineering, cloud computing, and machine learning.

• Evaluate and recommend new tools, techniques, and methodologies for data integration.

Troubleshooting & Support

• Monitor ETL jobs, troubleshoot failures, and optimize data pipeline performance.

• Provide support for production data processes and resolve data inconsistencies.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

• Maintain detailed technical documentation for ETL processes and data workflows.

• Provide training and guidance to junior developers and data analysts.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in data migration and digital transformation initiatives.

• Collaborate on business intelligence reporting and analytics solutions.

• Develop and maintain data lineage and metadata management practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Conditions & Expectations: