2140 Data Engineer/Architect III

Job Description

Job Description

For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients’ critical business challenges by leveraging cutting edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.

Job Title: Data Engineer/Architect III

Location: Cincinnati, OH (Downtown)

Years of Experience: 3-15+

What You’ll Do

NiFi Platform Assessment & Optimization

• Review existing Cloudera NiFi flows and architectures for efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.
• Assess current use cases to ensure NiFi is being applied appropriately and effectively.
• Identify opportunities to simplify flow designs, reduce operational overhead, and improve performance.
• Provide recommendations on best practices, standards, and reusable patterns.

Data Integration & Pipeline Support

• Support and enhance ETL and ELT pipelines built on NiFi.
• Integrate data from diverse sources including databases, APIs, filesystems, streaming platforms, and cloud storage.
• Troubleshoot data flow failures, latency issues, and throughput constraints.
• Implement robust error handling, monitoring, and recovery mechanisms.

Python & Custom Development

• Use Python for transformations, scripting, automation, and custom processor logic (where applicable).
• Support integration between NiFi and external systems using custom scripts or utilities.

Governance, Security & Operations

• Apply best practices for secure data movement, authentication, authorization, and encryption.
• Assist with flow versioning, deployment processes, and operational runbooks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure platform changes align with operational and compliance requirements.

Advisory & Collaboration

• Act as a technical advisor to internal data and platform teams.
• Clearly document findings, recommendations, and implemented improvements.
• Provide knowledge transfer and guidance to ensure long‑term sustainability.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven, hands‑on experience with Cloudera NiFi in production environments.
• Strong knowledge of ETL/ELT concepts and modern data pipeline architectures .
• Proficiency in Python for data processing, scripting, and automation.
• Experience working with Linux‑based systems and distributed environments.
• Ability to analyze existing implementations and deliver actionable optimization recommendations.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within the Cloudera ecosystem (e.g., Kafka, HDFS, Hive, Iceberg).
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices for data pipelines.
• Experience with monitoring and tuning distributed data platforms.
• Exposure to cloud and hybrid data architectures.

Engagement Expectations

• Deliverables‑focused, hands‑on consulting role.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with internal stakeholders.
• Clear written and verbal communication of technical findings and recommendations.

What You’ll Get

SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

• Competitive base salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Optional life and disability insurance provided
• 401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
• Paid vacation time
• Paid Bench time
• Training allowance offering
• You’ll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!