US Based Salary Range: $85,800 - $120,000 DOE
NGP VAN is the winningest technology platform in the history of democratic and progressive causes, working tirelessly to innovate and advance the technology our clients rely on to bolster our democracy. We help power the trailblazers, campaigners, and advocates fighting up and down the ticket for equality, racial justice, reproductive freedom, democracy, climate reform, and more— including the national Democratic committees and progressive organizations, thousands of Democratic campaigns, hundreds of labor unions, advocacy organizations, progressive and non-partisan PACs, and other organizations.
The EA – Data Engineer supports the design, implementation, and maintenance of Bonterra’s EveryAction and NGP VAN database infrastructure for enterprise analytics systems. This role ensures reliable, scalable, and secure storage and access to structured and unstructured data used in analytics and reporting. They contribute to schema optimization, performance tuning, backup strategies, and integration with modern data platforms. This role spends more than 40% of its time supporting products designed for union and labor organizations and is therefore classified as a union position.
Essential Functions
Develop, maintain, and optimize databases supporting enterprise analytics workloads across cloud and on-premise environments
Implement data storage solutions that align with data modeling and AI integration needs, including relational and non-relational structures
Monitor database performance, execute tuning procedures, and resolve bottlenecks or failures proactively
Design and maintain database schemas, indexes, and partitioning strategies to support query efficiency and AI-driven analytics
Support data access, backup, and recovery strategies in accordance with organizational standards and compliance requirements
Ensure data integrity and security by applying role-based access controls, encryption standards, and audit logging
Collaborate with analytics engineers and platform teams to streamline data ingestion and integration into analytics environments
Participate in capacity planning and forecast database infrastructure needs based on product roadmaps
Document database configurations, operational procedures, and change management logs
Conduct root cause analysis and propose structural changes to improve system reliability
Support release management for changes impacting database environments across staging and production
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
LEADERSHIP & NAVIGATION EXPECTATIONS
This position does not have people management responsibilities.
Works independently within assigned projects and escalates blockers appropriately
Supports team goals through consistent, high-quality contributions
KEY BEHAVIORS – THE “HOW”
Follows structured documentation practices for all database operations
Communicates technical decisions and risks clearly to peers and stakeholders
Incorporates feedback and iterates database designs for improved performance
OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS – THE “IMPACT”
Improves database reliability, scalability, and performance across analytics systems
Supports data availability and uptime through resilient architecture and monitoring
Enables downstream AI systems to operate on optimized and secure data stores
Required Minimum Qualifications
Proficiency in SQL and one database platform (e.g., BigQuery, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle)
Experience implementing and managing relational database structures
Experience building out ETL or ELT systems
Familiarity with scripting for automation (e.g., Bash, Python) and database monitoring tools
Understanding of backup, restore, and high-availability practices
Ability to troubleshoot complex issues and implement corrective actions
Strong documentation and configuration management habits
Preferred Qualifications
1–3 years of experience managing databases in analytics or software engineering environments
Exposure to cloud-based databases and tools (e.g., AWS RDS, Azure SQL, Google Cloud SQL, Google BigQuery, Snowflake)
Experience integrating databases with analytics platforms or AI models
Familiarity with data warehousing tools (e.g., BigQuery, Snowflake, Redshift)
Previous experience supporting union or public sector data systems
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent work experience
Compensation
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and in addition to benefits this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses/incentives, and equity.
Please note that the compensation range and benefits specified in this job posting is applicable to candidates based in the United States. For international applicants, actual salary offers and benefit plans may vary based on the local market compensation standards and will be determined in accordance with regional considerations, including but not limited to applicable laws, cost of living, and industry norms.
At Bonterra, we’re building AI-powered tools to solve real human challenges—and we want teammates who share that enthusiasm. We value people who will champion AI and bring diverse perspectives from different industries, backgrounds, and cultures. Together, we create AI that breaks down barriers, empowers communities, and delivers better outcomes.
This position is a part of a bargaining union represented by CWA Local 1101, 1400, 2336, or 13000.
At this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require current or future sponsorship for employment authorization.
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At NGP VAN, we foster an inclusive, equitable culture where every team member belongs and contributes to meaningful impact. Read more about our values and culture here.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being and growth - explore full details here.
Compensation and benefits for this role apply to full-time employees in the United States and may vary based on local standards, laws and norms. Pay is determined by location, skills, experience, and education, and is one part of NGP VAN's total rewards package, which may also include bonuses, incentives, equity, and a comprehensive benefits program.
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At NGP VAN, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please submit a request.