Data Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Data Systems Engineer
• Company: A&K Railroad Materials Inc
• Location: Salt Lake City, UT, United States
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Data Engineering & Management
• Date Posted: 2025-06-27
• Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🚀 Role Summary

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This role is central to maintaining and improving A&K’s data infrastructure, supporting data-driven decision-making across all departments. The ideal candidate will be a technically skilled and solution-oriented Data Systems Engineer with a strong background in SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad set of technical skills and the ability to collaborate across departments to understand reporting needs and translate them into scalable data solutions.

• Manage A&K’s SQL Server database and data systems: Ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability of the company's data infrastructure.

• Implement and maintain reliable data backup strategies and system documentation: Protect critical data and maintain up-to-date records of the data systems' architecture and processes.

• Create and support data exports and integrations across multiple platforms: Facilitate seamless data exchange between different systems and departments to improve overall operational efficiency.

• Be available for critical SQL Server emergencies, including access issues or data loss: Provide timely support and resolution for any data-related crises that may arise.

• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools (Power BI, Excel) that serve various departments: Create intuitive and user-friendly visualizations that enable stakeholders to gain insights from the company's data.

• Work directly with Sales, Operations, Accounting, and other teams to understand reporting needs and translate them into scalable data solutions: Collaborate cross-functionally to gather business requirements and design effective data-driven solutions.

• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and increase operational efficiency: Leverage your technical expertise to streamline workflows and improve overall productivity.

• Provide clear analysis and insight that supports business decisions: Analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate findings to stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.

• Participate in ad-hoc projects and contribute to cross-functional team initiatives: Engage in various projects and collaborations to drive the company's success and growth.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is typically required for this role. However, relevant work experience and a strong portfolio can sometimes substitute for formal education.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience:

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should have at least 2-5 years of experience in data engineering, data analysis, or a related role to be considered for this position.

• 2-5 years of experience in data engineering, data analysis, or a related role

Required Skills:

• Strong skills in SQL development, optimization, and security: Proficiency in SQL is essential for managing and querying the company's databases.
• Proficient in building dashboards and reports using Power BI and Excel: Familiarity with these tools is crucial for creating effective data visualizations and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and gather business requirements: Experience collaborating with various departments to understand their data needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Excellent documentation habits and attention to detail: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the data systems' architecture, processes, and any relevant documentation.
• Strong communicator who can ask thoughtful questions to uncover real needs: Excellent communication skills are essential for gathering requirements, explaining technical concepts, and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solver: Ability to think critically and find innovative solutions to data-related challenges.
• Comfortable collaborating across departments and understanding different perspectives: Experience working with diverse teams and considering various viewpoints to drive consensus and effective decision-making.
• Personally accountable and highly reliable – you “own it” and follow through: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment to personal accountability, and a track record of delivering results.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a team-first mindset and professional presence: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting tools such as Python or PowerShell is a plus: Familiarity with these tools can help automate processes, improve data analysis, and enhance overall productivity.
• Experience analyzing operational, financial, or sales data is preferred: A background in data analysis can help candidates hit the ground running and make a more significant impact in this role.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a plus: Familiarity with this CRM system can help candidates better understand the company's sales and marketing processes and provide more targeted data support.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, candidates should be prepared to showcase their data analysis, visualization, and reporting skills through their portfolio. This may include examples of dashboards, reports, and data-driven insights they have created in previous roles.

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Examples of SQL queries, stored procedures, or functions demonstrating your proficiency in SQL development and optimization.
  • Dashboards and reports created using Power BI, Excel, or other data visualization tools, showcasing your ability to transform raw data into meaningful insights.
  • Case studies or projects that illustrate your experience working cross-functionally to gather business requirements and deliver data-driven solutions.
  • Documentation samples, such as data system architecture diagrams, process flowcharts, or user guides, demonstrating your attention to detail and excellent documentation habits.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards for SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions.
  • Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration best practices.
  • Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques for data systems and visualizations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range for this role is not explicitly stated, based on market research and regional adjustments, the estimated salary range for a Mid-level Data Systems Engineer in Salt Lake City, UT is between $75,000 and $100,000 per year.

• Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 per year (Estimated, based on market research and regional adjustments)

• Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K with match
  • Paid time off

• Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for critical SQL Server emergencies and project deadlines

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

• Industry: Railroad track and related materials supply

• Company Size: Medium-sized (100-249 employees)

• Founded: 1946

• Team Structure:

  • Data Systems Engineer (This role)
  • IT Director
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Various departmental stakeholders (Sales, Operations, Accounting, etc.)

• Development Methodology:

  • Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and sprint planning
  • Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices for data systems and visualizations
  • Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management for data infrastructure

• Company Website: akrailroadmaterials.com

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A&K is in the midst of a meaningful cultural transformation, focusing on clarity of expectations, personal accountability, team results, and a blue-collar, hands-on work ethic. The company values presence, consistency, and professionalism, and supports each other as they get things done together.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

• Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level Data Systems Engineer, responsible for managing and improving the company's data infrastructure, supporting data-driven decision-making, and collaborating cross-functionally to gather business requirements and deliver data-driven solutions.

• Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the IT Director and works closely with various departmental stakeholders to understand their data needs and provide targeted support.

• Technical Impact: The Data Systems Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the company's data systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability. They also drive operational efficiency by automating manual processes and providing clear analysis and insight that supports business decisions.

• Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Growth: Expand your skills in SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building by working on diverse projects and collaborating with various departments. Pursue relevant certifications and training opportunities to further develop your expertise.
  • Leadership Growth: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects, mentor junior team members, and drive cross-functional initiatives to position yourself for future leadership roles within the IT department or the organization.
  • Career Progression: As you gain experience and expertise, consider transitioning into more senior roles, such as Senior Data Engineer, Data Architect, or IT Manager, where you can have an even greater impact on the company's data infrastructure and overall success.

🌐 Work Environment

• Office Type: On-site, blue-collar, hands-on culture with a focus on presence, consistency, and professionalism

• Office Location(s): 1505 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, United States

• Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative work environment with opportunities for cross-functional interaction and teamwork
  • Access to necessary tools and resources for data analysis, visualization, and reporting, such as Power BI, Excel, and SQL Server Management Studio
  • Supportive team culture that values personal accountability, team results, and a strong work ethic

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong commitment to in-person work, as A&K values presence, consistency, and professionalism in its blue-collar, hands-on culture. Remote work may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the primary expectation is for the Data Systems Engineer to be present in the office.

• Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with flexibility for critical SQL Server emergencies and project deadlines. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, and paid time off.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for this role will likely involve a combination of phone or video screens, technical assessments, and on-site interviews. Be prepared to demonstrate your SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building skills through your portfolio and responses to technical questions.

• Interview Process:

  • Phone or Video Screen: Initial conversation to assess your communication skills, cultural fit, and basic understanding of the role's requirements.
  • Technical Assessment: Complete a hands-on SQL development, data analysis, or dashboard building challenge to demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.
  • On-Site Interview: Meet with the IT Director, departmental stakeholders, and other team members to discuss your technical approach, portfolio, and fit within the company's culture and values.

• Portfolio Review Tips:

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building skills, with a focus on your ability to gather business requirements, create effective visualizations, and drive operational efficiency.

  • Portfolio Tip 1: Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally by including examples of projects where you collaborated with various departments to understand their data needs and deliver targeted solutions.

  • Portfolio Tip 2: Demonstrate your attention to detail and excellent documentation habits by including samples of data system architecture diagrams, process flowcharts, or user guides created for previous projects.

  • Portfolio Tip 3: Showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills by including examples of innovative data-driven solutions or optimizations you have implemented in previous roles.

  • Portfolio Tip 4: Tailor your portfolio to A&K's blue-collar, hands-on culture by emphasizing your commitment to personal accountability, team results, and a strong work ethic.

• Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for technical challenges by reviewing your SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building skills, and practicing common interview questions and scenarios.

  • Challenge Preparation 1: Brush up on your SQL development skills by reviewing SQL syntax, optimization techniques, and best practices for managing and querying databases.

  • Challenge Preparation 2: Familiarize yourself with Power BI and Excel, and practice creating dashboards and reports that effectively communicate data insights and support business decisions.

  • Challenge Preparation 3: Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences working cross-functionally, gathering business requirements, and driving data-driven solutions. Be ready to provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your problem-solving skills, creativity, and commitment to personal accountability.

• ATS Keywords:

  • Programming Languages: SQL, Python, PowerShell
  • Web Frameworks: Power BI, Excel
  • Server Technologies: SQL Server, Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • Databases: SQL Server
  • Tools: SQL Server Management Studio, Power BI Desktop, Excel
  • Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, Code Review, Testing, Deployment Strategies, CI/CD Pipelines
  • Soft Skills: Cross-Functional Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Accountability, Teamwork, Professionalism
  • Industry Terms: Data Systems Engineer, Data Infrastructure, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Dashboard Building, SQL Development, Operational Efficiency

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Systems Engineer position:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
2. 📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building skills, as well as your experience working cross-functionally and gathering business requirements.
3. Prepare a portfolio that showcases your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, with a focus on your ability to gather business requirements, create effective visualizations, and drive operational efficiency.
4. Research A&K's company culture, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the company and your fit within the team.
5. Practice common interview questions and scenarios, and prepare for technical challenges by reviewing your SQL development, data analysis, and dashboard building skills.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.