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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

As an Entry Level Engineer, you will be part of a team that shapes the future of innovation in the ... data, apply findings into project recommendations, and revise project plans/drawings/materials.

As an Entry Level Engineer, you will be part of a team that shapes the future of innovation in the ... data, apply findings into project recommendations, and revise project plans/drawings/materials.

As an Entry Level Engineer, you will be part of a team that shapes the future of innovation in the ... Decipher data, apply findings into project recommendations, and revise project plans/drawings ...

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Data Engineer Entry Level information

See Kentucky salary details

$38.6K

$112.7K

$154.2K

How much do data engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in Kentucky is $112,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in programming (such as Python or SQL), data structures, and database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and version control systems is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and adapt to evolving data needs. These skills ensure accurate data processing, efficient pipeline development, and successful integration within data-driven organizations.

What are some typical projects or tasks that entry-level data engineers work on during their first year?

As an entry-level data engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and transforming raw data, and supporting the integration of different data sources. You'll often collaborate with data analysts and more senior engineers to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and well-documented. Early projects might include automating data extraction processes, setting up basic ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows, or optimizing database queries. These foundational responsibilities help build the technical and teamwork skills essential for career growth in data engineering.

What does a Data Engineer Entry Level do?

An entry-level data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining systems that allow organizations to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data. They typically work with databases, data pipelines, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis. Entry-level data engineers often assist with cleaning and transforming raw data, automating data workflows, and supporting data scientists and analysts. They also learn best practices in data security and performance optimization as they gain experience.

What is the difference between Data Engineer Entry Level vs Data Analyst Entry Level?

AspectData Engineer Entry LevelData Analyst Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related field; some certifications (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS)Bachelor's in Statistics, Math, or related field; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst
Work EnvironmentFocus on building data pipelines, databases, and infrastructureFocus on interpreting data, creating reports, and visualizations
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where data infrastructure is keyBusiness intelligence, marketing, finance, and consulting firms

While both roles involve working with data, Data Engineer Entry Level focuses on developing and maintaining data infrastructure, whereas Data Analyst Entry Level emphasizes analyzing data to generate insights. Both roles require strong technical skills and are essential in data-driven organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Kentucky? For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in Kentucky as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,662 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Chemical Entry Level Engineer

Chemical Entry Level Engineer

Domtar

Hawesville, KY

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Domtar rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

Domtar is a leading producer of pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products. Through our focus on safety and sustainability, as well as our commitment to operational excellence and our network of facilities across Canada and the United States, Domtar delivers high-quality and cost-effective products to customers around the world.
Our workforce is comprised of 14,000 talented and hardworking individuals. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, a supportive working environment, rewarding career paths and plenty of opportunities for learning and growth.
The location in Hawesville, (Kentucky, United States), is seeking talent to fill the position of Chemical Entry Level Engineer. This job is full-time permanent.
Process Engineer
Domtar is seeking recent college graduates with a focus in Chemical or Paper Science Engineering interested in growth development and sophisticated project assignments to join our team!
As an Entry Level Engineer, you will be part of a team that shapes the future of innovation in the Pulp and Paper industry. Our Entry Level Engineers enter the workforce and immediately begin to impact the organization by helping us bring world-class innovation to market and design our next generation of amazing products that people touch every day.
You'll become fully integrated into our mill, working directly with executives and management with an assigned mentor to maximize your growth and development. During this time, our Entry Level Engineers will receive a comprehensive orientation to Domtar, full exposure to the mill, and work closely with operations and engineering in various functional units within the facility on project intake, scope, design, documentation, and rollouts. We have rotational programs set-up, providing entry level engineers the opportunity to rotate throughout the pulp, paper, and power sectors.
Career advancement exists in operations, maintenance, quality assurance, product development, wastewater treatment, environmental and safety operations. Join us, and build something better for yourself, for our customers and for the world.
Job Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
• Focus on improving the quality control of paper machines by proactively identifying potential problems, and quickly and efficiently troubleshooting issues.
• Analyze production costs, productivity issues, and provide quality control improvement solutions.
• Technical exposure to various production and support units within the electrical and mechanical teams supporting piping and instrumentation-based projects.
• Research and develop processes and guidelines for various functional operational units within the facility.
• Detailed documentation of findings in various systems.
• Decipher data, apply findings into project recommendations, and revise project plans/drawings/materials.
Required Experience/Qualifications:
• Must be recent graduate from an accredited degree program. Desired major include Chemical or Paper Science Engineering.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Technical writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills to quickly grasp the concepts and components of the pulp and paper industry and process application.
• CAD experience preferred but not required.
• Up to 10% travel to U.S. Mills based on project requirements.
Preferred Professional Experience/Qualifications:
• Interest in the pulp and paper industry and building a developmental career with unlimited learning opportunities.
• Ability to comply with and enforce company, safety and environmental policies and procedures.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Team player attitude, with the ability to work with diverse teams, multiple organizational levels and across business functions.
• Well-developed problem solving and analytical skills.
• High level of initiative and motivation.
• Resourceful, quick learner and dependable.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Resourceful, quick learner and dependable with demonstrated leadership skills.
You will be required to successfully complete a selection process that could include interviews, an employment background check, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a fitness-for-duty test (for some positions).
Domtar is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), marital status, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We are also committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted by a member of our Human Resources team.
To learn more about our company, consult the Domtar Company Web Site and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.


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