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Associate Data Engineer Jobs in Clinton, TN (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Edgewater Technical Associates is seeking qualified candidates for a Quality Engineer opportunity ... Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS), inspection tools, and data analysis * Excellent ...

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Associate Data Engineer information

See Clinton, TN salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do associate data engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate data engineer in Clinton, TN is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate data engineer do?

An Associate Data Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and optimization of data pipelines and databases. They work closely with senior data engineers and other IT professionals to ensure data is accessible, reliable, and efficiently processed for analytics and business use. Typical tasks include writing and testing code for data integration, troubleshooting data issues, and implementing data security best practices. This entry-level position is a foundational role that builds technical skills and experience in data engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate data engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Data Engineer, you need a solid understanding of data modeling, SQL, Python, and foundational knowledge of database concepts, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with data warehousing tools (like AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery), ETL frameworks, and cloud platforms as well as industry certifications such as AWS Certified Data Analytics is beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you navigate complex data challenges and collaborate with teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring data systems are reliable, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges an associate data engineer may face when working with large-scale data pipelines?

As an Associate Data Engineer, you may often encounter challenges such as optimizing data pipeline performance, ensuring data quality, and troubleshooting bottlenecks when processing large volumes of data. Working with distributed systems can introduce complex issues like latency and data consistency. Collaborating effectively with data scientists, analysts, and senior engineers is crucial for aligning data infrastructure with evolving project requirements. Regularly learning new tools and best practices will help you adapt to these challenges and grow in your role.

What is the difference between Associate Data Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectAssociate Data EngineerData Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS, Data Science, or related field; basic knowledge of SQL and PythonBachelor's or Master's degree; advanced knowledge of SQL, Python, Spark, and cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-focused, often in tech or finance industriesMid to senior level, designing and maintaining data pipelines in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and finance firmsUsed across industries for building scalable data infrastructure
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression and skill requirements

The Associate Data Engineer role is an entry-level position focusing on supporting data infrastructure, while the Data Engineer is a more advanced role responsible for designing and maintaining complex data systems. The roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments but differ in experience level and responsibilities.

Is an associate data engineer entry level?

An associate data engineer is typically an entry-level position suitable for candidates with limited professional experience in data engineering. It often requires foundational skills in SQL, Python, or cloud platforms and serves as a starting point for a career in data engineering.

What cities near Clinton, TN are hiring for Associate Data Engineer jobs?

Cities near Clinton, TN with the most Associate Data Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Data Engineer job openings in Clinton, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,834 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

R&D Associate - Data Center Thermal Management

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$56K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16924 

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will focus on data center thermal management technologies. This position resides in the Multifunctional Equipment Integration Group in the Thermal Systems Science Section, Buildings and Transportation Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Designing, developing, and conducting experiments related to data center thermal management technologies, phase change heat transfer processes, dehumidification systems, heat exchangers, and related systems.
  • Analyzing experimental data.
  • Publishing research in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
  • Collaborating with domain scientists and others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
  • Ensuring compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
  • Maintaining a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
  • 2 years of experience in data center thermal management analytical, modeling, and/or experimental research and development.
  • Flexibility to adapt evolving research scope and programmatic needs.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong background in experimental systems related to heat and mass transfer systems.
  • Knowledge of CFD tools and analytical modelling is preferred.
  • Experience with data center cooling system design is preferred.

Special Requirements:

  • Letters of Recommendation: Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
  • Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
    • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
    • View Profile
    • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document
  • Security, Credentialing and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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