Role Snapshot
The Data Engineer supports the NSF-funded SPEED national autonomous-science user facility by developing and maintaining data infrastructure that connects scientific instruments, laboratory automation, robotics, AI, and research data systems. This role enables reproducible experiments and remote access for academic, government, and industry research users.
Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain data infrastructure for the autonomous-science user facility, integrating scientific instruments, laboratory automation, robotics, and AI systems. Provide technical support for data management and ensure seamless operation of research data systems.
Skills & Tools: Required skills include data infrastructure development, data pipeline management, and experience with scientific data systems. Strong knowledge of robotics integration, AI systems, and research data management is essential.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or related field is required. Prior experience with data infrastructure, scientific computing, or laboratory automation is preferred.
Compensation: $70K–$80K/yr
Job Description
Data Engineer
|
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194889EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Data Engineer
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience and education (anticipated hiring range $70,000 - $80,000)
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (additional work outside of standard hours may be required due to business needs)
Job Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Department
Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs
About the Department
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering’s primary research mission involves managing high-impact, multi-disciplinary research initiatives, specialized laboratory facilities, and large-scale sponsor portfolios. To support faculty innovation and maintain seamless operations across complex grant portfolios, the department utilizes embedded administrative professionals who provide direct, localized support to large faculty research groups, multi-investigator centers, and specialized laboratory infrastructure. Operate the Self-driving Platforms for Expedited Experimental co-Design (SPEED) as an NSF-funded national autonomous-science user facility. Provide remote access to integrated self-driving laboratories. Connect robotics, scientific instruments, AI, and data infrastructure. Enable reproducible experiments in chemistry and materials science. Serve academic, government, and industry research users.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
-
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Data Engineer supports the NSF-funded Programmable Cloud Lab Center’s research mission by developing and maintaining data infrastructure for the SPEED national autonomous-science user facility. The position connects scientific instruments, laboratory automation, robotics, AI, and research data systems to support reliable, organized, and accessible experimental data. As the Data Engineer, you will contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment serving academic, government, and industry users while supporting reproducible experimentation and data-driven scientific discovery.
Core Job Responsibilities:
- Build and operate scientific data ingestion, transformation, and processing pipelines
- Design schemas for samples, experiments, metadata, provenance, and instrument outputs
- Maintain databases, object/time-series storage, indexing, and data-access services
- Implement automated data-quality, validation, unit, completeness, and provenance checks
- Integrate data systems with laboratory automation, software, AI, and user workflows
- Manage access controls, monitoring, backup/recovery, documentation, and user support
If you are a data engineering professional interested in applying your expertise to scientific research, this position offers an opportunity to support innovative autonomous laboratories and contribute to data-driven discovery in chemistry and materials science. We welcome you to apply and join our team.
Other Responsibilities
- Develop data dictionaries, API specifications, and schema documentation.
- Support FAIR data practices and persistent identifiers.
- Assist users with data access, export, and troubleshooting.
- Evaluate new databases, storage technologies, and interoperability standards.
- Participate in technical reviews, platform commissioning, and sponsor demonstrations.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, IT, or related field..
Other Required Qualifications
- Python and SQL for data engineering and automation.
- ETL/ELT pipelines, APIs, data modeling, and schema design.
- Relational/document databases and structured scientific metadata.
- Git, Linux, testing, monitoring, and technical documentation.
- Data quality, provenance, identifiers, access control, and backup/recovery.
- Ability to collaborate with scientists, automation, software, AI, and IT teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Scientific data engineering or laboratory informatics, including ETL/ELT pipelines and structured data models.
- Proficiency with relational, document-oriented, object, and/or time-series databases, such as MongoDB or PostgreSQL.
- Familiarity with FAIR data practices, metadata standards, ontologies, and/or provenance systems.
- Cloud or container infrastructure and scalable data services.
- AI/ML data pipelines or integration of data systems with autonomous laboratories.
- Scientific data from spectroscopy, chromatography, imaging, or process-based applications.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required
No
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
09/17/2026
Anticipated Close Date
9/30/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Position Details
Position Number
00112331
Position Type
EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID
230101 - Interdisciplinary Programs - SVP
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.