Data Application Engineer

 About the Foundation

The Kresge Foundation is one of the top 20 private philanthropic foundations in the United States and the only one focused exclusively on expanding opportunities for people with low income in American cities. With an endowment of approximately $4 billion and a staff of over 100 employees, the foundation deploys grants and social investments across arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development. The foundation’s state-of-the-art headquarters maintains an array of energy-efficient, water-conserving and health-promoting systems. The foundation also operates an office in Detroit’s Midtown district.

About the position

The Application Engineer is responsible for designing, documenting, implementing, maintaining, and supporting all processes, procedures and practices related to Kresge’s data collection, structures and storage. This role is responsible for recommending, evaluating, implementing, and maintaining tools or applications for data storage, data security and data analysis. This role is also responsible for application integration for various applications that include, but are not limited to, Fluxx, SharePoint, Okta, Salesforce, MS SQL, and Great Plains. This role works closely with the Application Administrator, vendors and other staff to understand how applications are used and recommend data integration, collection points, and build tools to collect and analyze data.

Primary responsibilities

• Design, build, implement and maintain channels for users to access data across various systems/applications and/or to move data across various systems/applications.
• Integrate data from various sources and create easy access for the creation of dashboards and data visualizations to effectively communicate insights to relevant teams.
• Build and operationalize complex data solutions, correct problems, apply transformations, and recommend data cleansing/quality solutions focused on accuracy and reliability.
• Develop and maintain data models that facilitate data retrieval for analysis and to uncover opportunities to better utilize data in decision making or to look retrospectively to learn from past actions.
• Incorporate core data management competencies including data governance, security and quality.
• Perform data and system analysis, assessment and resolution for defects and incidents of complexity and correct as appropriate.
• Develop and lead application integration testing and validation procedures, and compile relevant documentation.
• Train, and/or provide comprehensive training documentation to users on ways to access data, build dashboards and create reports.
• Design, implement, and maintain various data and workflow processes and procedures.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for data storage, access, and flows.
• Troubleshoot and escalate ad hoc issues with affiliate partners as necessary.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering and application integration, recommending and implementing improvements to enhance processes.
• Participate in scheduled team and foundation events to strengthen collaboration and enhance the overall work experience.

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Computer Software Engineering, Computer Engineering Technologies, or related field required.
• Developer certifications in Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Development or AWS preferred.
• Three years demonstrated experience as a Systems Engineer, Database Engineer, or similar role.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of data architecture, structuring data, and data warehousing.
• Proven experience with schema design and data modeling.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Two years’ experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Three years’ experience in application development and support and/or technical support role or power-user experience on SaaS applications.
• Knowledge of development methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in data security practices and data quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient in one or more development languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, PowerShell, SQL, T-SQL, C# or C++
• Understanding of APIs, databases, and database systems.
• Understanding of computer application principles and procedures.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Functional process management understanding.
• Ability to analyze and address needs of users.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to understand end-user perspectives (technical and non-technical)
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Demonstrates dedication to the Foundation's vision and values in daily interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• A demonstrated analytical mindset to identify and solve complex technological challenges.

This position is full-time. The starting salary for this position begins at $104,098.00 per year. Individual offers will be based on the candidate's years of experience and our practice of upholding salary equity within the foundation.

The application deadline for this position is Midnight EST on April 17, 2024.

This position is located in Troy, Michigan and currently has a hybrid schedule.  Tuesday and Wednesday are the standard in-office days, however, there may be times when you will have to adjust the days based on work needs. 

This position requires occasional travel for foundation activities, events and professional development activities.

Some of the benefits include:

• Health, dental, vision and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Half day Fridays
• 401k and 401k matching
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life, accident and disability insurance

Kresge is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The Kresge Foundation participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information on E-Verify and to know your rights please click here.