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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$39.8K

$116.1K

$158.9K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in Columbus, GA is $116,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $123,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Columbus, GA? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Columbus, GA are:
What job categories do people searching Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Columbus, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Columbus, GA are:
What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in Columbus, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,112 per year, or $55.8 per hour.
Engineer - Process

Engineer - Process

Sierra Pacific Industries

Phenix City, AL • On-site

$70K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Sierra Pacific Industries rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

We train and promote from within
Excellent low-cost health benefits
Retirement plan with employer-paid contributions
Paid vacation and 10 holidays

At Sierra Pacific Industries , we understand our greatest strength is the people who choose to build a career with us. We are a fourth-generation family-owned company that has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the United States. Our more than 6,000 employees are proud to work at our state-of-the-art sawmills and other facilities, including: manufacturing, custom wood-framed windows, fabrication, millwork, veneer, cogeneration, trucking, forestry, and other operations.
Currently, we are seeking a qualified Process Engineer to work collaboratively with our Windows division in Phenix City, Alabama .
About the Position
  • Oversee small to large process engineering projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion
  • Design and plan equipment layout
  • Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes
  • Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production
  • Develop best practices, routines, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output
  • Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
  • Collect data for time studies and workflow analysis to identify areas for improvement
  • Identify opportunities to apply lean manufacturing production processes across product lines at various manufacturing sites
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to facilitate the release of New Product Development projects
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve production efficiently and product quality
  • Ensure layouts and documentation are complete and production-ready for scheduled product launches
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to entry-level process engineers
  • Communicate workload and project status with engineers
  • Some travel will be expected

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or significantly related field
  • 5 years' experience in an engineering role with a proven track record of success
  • Working experience in the window and door industry is preferred
  • High proficiency in CAD or AutoCAD preferred
  • Preference for Six Sigma Certification - Green Belt
  • Proven highly developed analytical and problem solving skills

Why Join Our Team?
Because this is more than an invitation, it's a commitment to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to everyone! We ask people to grow with us and make the company even better.
We provide an excellent benefit package including a full Health Benefits Plan (including medical, dental, and vision) with low-cost premiums, a 401(k) with Company Match, additional Retirement Contributions , and company-paid Life Insurance.
How to Apply
If you are qualified and would like to join our team,
please send a cover letter referencing this position and a resume to:
Sierra Pacific Windows
Human Resources
300 General Colin Powell Parkway
Phenix City, AL 36869
(334) 480-1918
or apply online and view all our career opportunities at: spi.careers
Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.
The general wage range for this position at Sierra Pacific Industries is from $70,000 and $115,000 per year, and is dependent upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to: relevant work experience, skill, knowledge, and/or education.
About Our Company
Sierra Pacific Industries is a fourth-generation family-owned company based in Northern California that started in 1949 and has grown to be one of the largest lumber and millwork producers in the U.S., employing around 6,500 crew members. Sierra Pacific continues to be a company where its employees are proud to work at state-of-the-art facilities and others strive to become part of the team.
We own and sustainably manage more than 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon, and Washington. Our forests are sustainably managed under a 100-year plan by Registered Professional Foresters, Wildlife Biologists, Botanists, and other professionals. We are growing forests for our future, planting over 6 million new trees every year. In Spring 2024, we planted our 300 millionth seedling on our timberlands. This milestone was decades in the making, reflecting our commitment to sustainable forest management and ensuring we have forests not just for today, but for generations to come.
Sierra Pacific effectively uses nearly 100% of every piece of wood we bring to our facilities. In fact, any small amount that isn't turned into hand-crafted doors and windows, millwork, lumber, or landscaping material is actually converted into electricity in our eight biomass-fueled power plants.
We are proud that all Sierra Pacific facilities follow our drug-free and tobacco-free policies. As part of our safety in the workplace policy, an offer of employment is subject to a negative drug screen result. We use E-verify to verify the social security number and work authorization of all newly hired employees. Sierra Pacific is an (EOE) Equal Opportunity Employer, including those with a disability and veterans.

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