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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ... Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization. Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ... Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization. Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

WSP

Early Career Civil Engineer

Denver, CO

$69K - $93K/yr

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

WSP

Early Career Civil Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

RJH Consultants, Inc.

Be Seen First

Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer - Dams

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Geotechnical Engineer Requirements: * B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Civil or Geological Engineering. A ... field and laboratory test data. Other duties include preparation of design drawings and ...

Protingent

Mechanical Engineer I

Louisville, CO · On-site

$37.13 - $51.10/hr

You will collect and analyze data related to mechanical systems, propulsion, structures, structural ... Typically entry-level 0 - 2 years of experience. * Basic understanding of Mechanical Engineering ...

Kiewit

Field Engineer - Central Region

Lone Tree, CO · On-site

Requisition ID: 181135 Job Level: Entry Level Home District/Group: Central District Department ... Review and analyze data relative to projects, incorporating various productions and costs ...

WSP

Early Career Electrical Engineer

Lakewood, CO · On-site

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

WSP

Early Career Electrical Engineer

Lakewood, CO

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

RJH Consultants, Inc.

Be Seen First

Entry-Level Water Resources Engineer - Dams

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Strong data analysis and problems solving skills. * Strong verbal and written skills. Water Resources/Hydraulic Engineer Benefits: * Heath Care * Dental * Vision * Short- and Long-Term Disability

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All JobsData Engineer JobsData Engineer Entry Level JobsData Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$47.3K

$137.9K

$188.6K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in Wheat Ridge, CO is $137,852.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,700.00 and $146,100.00 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 Wheat Ridge, CO? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO? For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Data Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,852 per year, or $66.3 per hour.
Illumination Engineer Lead

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Wheat Ridge, CO • On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Acuity Brands rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 142 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

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