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

Job Description

The Model Builder / Engineer I is an entry-level engineering role focused on building and maintaining detailed digital models of natural gas distribution systems. Using engineering principles, GIS data, customer information, construction records, and utility asset data, this role creates accurate representations of the gas network that support utility planning, system analysis, and operational decision-making. The position is highly data-driven and detail-oriented, involving extensive work with GIS mapping, large databases, model updates, and rigorous quality checks. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer who enjoys working with data, maps, infrastructure systems, and analytical tools, and who is comfortable collaborating with engineering, GIS, operations, and field teams to resolve data discrepancies and improve model accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain detailed utility models of natural gas distribution systems using GIS data and other engineering inputs.
• Support model development by reviewing, cleaning, and validating GIS data to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Use Microsoft Excel to query and analyze millions of rows of data in support of model building and updates.
• Review data for 30+ new business inquiries each week to add gas service for residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
• Identify and incorporate data for new customers coming online and evaluate project load for each inquiry based on uploaded information.
• Weigh the pros and cons of proposed improvements, evaluate different options, and anticipate outcomes to help build operational efficiencies.
• Confidently convey ideas for project quantities and installations, including recommendations such as investment trade-offs and future benefits.
• Work with database and script-based tools to manage and analyze large datasets that the analysis team uses for simulations and planning.
• Build models using millions of lines of data to present and share with the planning team, who use these models for analysis and simulations.
• Collaborate closely with a team of engineers and GIS personnel to perform hands-on analysis and refine model accuracy.
• Pay very close attention to detail by ensuring new business inquiries align with design standards, materials, and system requirements.
• Work throughout the life cycle of each inquiry with other business units and the system planning team, from initial request through integration into the model.
• Make data-driven recommendations based on models and simulations to support planning, construction, and operational decisions.
• Learn and become comfortable with internal systems and software within the first 0–3 months.
• Run models using Excel, begin analyzing results, and present findings to planning partners within 3–6 months.
• Build and maintain utility models across multiple regions, with each model build cycle spanning 6–9 months (e.g., Atlanta, Augusta, South Georgia, Chattanooga).
• Extract, clean, and validate GIS data over 2–3 months per cycle, identifying and correcting anomalies such as incorrect pipe sizes or invalid connections.
• Assign approximately 1.6 million customers in Atlanta to correct geospatial points within the model to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Digitize construction prints and field work orders by manually drawing new infrastructure components into the digital model.
• Process and integrate approximately 100,000 new service requests annually into the model so that new business demands are accurately represented.
• Occasionally conduct field visits to validate data and confirm infrastructure details, providing a break from screen-based work.
• Read and interpret engineering plans and translate them into accurate digital representations within the model.
• Prepare and present model outputs, insights, and recommendations to planning partners and other stakeholders using Excel and presentation tools.
• Communicate proactively with planning, engineering, GIS, operations, and construction teams to share updates on project status and model changes.
• Ask questions and seek feedback to continuously improve models, processes, and analytical approaches.
• Support system planning and forecasting efforts by providing accurate models that underpin simulations and scenario analyses.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Engineering knowledge with strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to data-driven modeling and system analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and translate them into accurate digital models.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including working with large datasets, performing analysis, and querying tables.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for documentation and presentations.
• Experience or familiarity with database management systems and working with large volumes of data.
• Ability to work confidently with millions of rows of data to support model building and analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, especially when validating GIS data and customer assignments.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, including the ability to present models and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Confidence in standing behind and clearly communicating ideas, including explaining how recommendations save money, time, and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to ask questions, seek feedback, and continuously improve work outputs.
• Teamwork-focused mindset with the ability to collaborate closely with engineers, GIS personnel, and planning partners.
• Comfort working behind a computer screen for most of the day while maintaining focus and productivity.
• 1–2 engineering-related internships or equivalent practical experience

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Access and other database tools for managing and querying large datasets.
• Exposure to GIS platforms such as ArcGIS or similar tools for geospatial data analysis and mapping.
• Experience with hydraulic analysis or curiosity about fluid and hydraulic behavior (e.g., water analysis, air or liquid flow).
• Experience in analysis related to Molex, plastic injection, or other flow-related systems is beneficial.
• Experience with modeling and modeling analysis in engineering contexts.
• Experience with Excel-based database work, complex Excel analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong presentation skills, including the ability to present to directors, vice presidents, and leaders with passion.
• Ability to confidently assert why a particular model is sound and why specific suggestions or investments will benefit the organization.
• Interest in long-term career growth in engineering, construction, planning, and potential leadership roles.
• Interest in participating in a collaborative engineering culture that values diversity, networking, and professional development.
• Enthusiasm for engaging in fundraising and volunteering opportunities as part of the broader organizational culture.

Work Environment

This role is based in a collaborative office setting within a system planning and forecasting function, working closely with a model building and planning team. The consultant will have a dedicated cubicle alongside other team members and will primarily work individually on data points and digital models, while regularly reviewing outputs and ideas with planners who use these models to simulate engineering and construction outcomes. The environment is extremely team-focused and requires a high level of communication, attention to detail, and willingness to share updates and insights. You will work extensively with computer-based systems, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, GIS platforms (such as ArcGIS), and other internal modeling tools, handling millions of lines of data and complex geospatial information. Occasional field visits provide opportunities to validate data and see infrastructure in person, offering variety beyond screen-based work. The team includes approximately five other employees in Atlanta and is part of a broader close-knit group of engineers and GIS professionals at various levels. Core business hours are 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with a 40-hour work week and some flexibility in work hours as long as they are consistent and you are in by 8:30 AM at the latest. The culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and professional growth, with opportunities to participate in networking, employee resource groups, and community-focused events such as fundraising and volunteering.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Atlanta, GA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Atlanta,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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