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Data Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Pilot Company

Engineer II, Analytics

Knoxville, TN

Integrate data from disparate sources (internal and external) into data products that are consumed ... Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other quantitative discipline ...

Pilot Company

Engineer II, Analytics

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Integrate data from disparate sources (internal and external) into data products that are consumed ... Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other quantitative discipline ...

Pilot Flying J

Engineer II, Analytics

Knoxville, TN

Integrate data from disparate sources (internal and external) into data products that are consumed ... Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other quantitative discipline ...

Pilot Company

Engineer II, Analytics

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Integrate data from disparate sources (internal and external) into data products that are consumed ... Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or other quantitative discipline ...

MDT Technical

Data Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Data Management & Engineering Collaboration: * Write and optimize complex SQL queries to extract, transform, and analyze large datasets. * Work with cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy ...

New

Accura Engineering

Civil Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Job Title: Civil Engineer Work Location: Atlanta, GA Salary: Based on experience and will be ... Conduct site visits, field inspections, and data collection as needed. * Assist with permitting ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsData Engineer JobsData Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Data Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$38.6K

$112.5K

$154K

How much do data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $112,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $119,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a data engineer a difficult job?

A data engineer role involves designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure, which requires strong programming skills, knowledge of databases, and familiarity with tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms. The job can be challenging due to the complexity of managing large-scale data systems and ensuring data quality and security, but it is manageable with proper training and experience.

What is the difference between Data Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectData EngineerData Scientist
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructureAnalyzing data to extract insights and create models
SkillsSQL, ETL, programming (Python, Java), database managementStatistics, machine learning, data analysis, programming (Python, R)
Work EnvironmentData warehouses, cloud platforms, backend systemsData analysis environments, research labs, visualization tools
Common ToolsApache Spark, Hadoop, Airflow, SQLJupyter, RStudio, Tableau, scikit-learn

Data Engineers focus on creating and maintaining the infrastructure that allows data to be collected, stored, and processed efficiently. Data Scientists analyze this data to generate insights, build predictive models, and support decision-making. While their skills overlap, Data Engineers are more involved in data pipeline development, whereas Data Scientists focus on data analysis and modeling.

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

To thrive as a Data Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, data modeling, and programming languages such as Python or Java, often coupled with a relevant degree. Familiarity with ETL tools, big data frameworks (like Hadoop or Spark), and cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure) is typically required, along with certifications like AWS Certified Data Analytics. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set exceptional data engineers apart. These skills and qualities are essential for building robust data pipelines, ensuring data quality, and supporting data-driven decision-making across organizations.

What Does a Data Engineer Do?

The job duties of a data engineer involve helping with the development of systems, software, and infrastructure used to process, store and analyze data. Your responsibilities in this career include working to install data management software. Your employer may expect you to perform maintenance and install updates to all software and systems that they use for data acquisition, management, and analysis. Data engineers also analyze existing data systems to find ways to improve efficiency and accessibility. You then suggest upgrades or changes based on your assessment.

What are Data Engineers?

Data Engineers are IT professionals who design, construct, install, and maintain large-scale processing systems and other infrastructure for collecting, storing, and analyzing data. They build and optimize data pipelines and architectures that allow organizations to efficiently access and use data for business insights. Data Engineers work closely with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure that data is reliable, accessible, and secure. Their responsibilities often include working with databases, cloud platforms, and big data tools.

How do Data Engineers typically collaborate with Data Scientists and Analysts within an organization?

Data Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that Data Scientists and Analysts have reliable, well-structured data for their projects. This collaboration often involves building and maintaining data pipelines, optimizing data storage solutions, and troubleshooting data quality issues. Regular communication and agile teamwork are common, with Data Engineers frequently participating in meetings to understand analytical requirements and adjust data processes accordingly. By working closely together, these teams can quickly iterate on data models and deliver actionable insights to drive business decisions.

What does a data engineer actually do?

A data engineer designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure and pipelines that enable organizations to collect, store, and process large volumes of data. They work with tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible, reliable, and ready for analysis by data scientists and analysts.

Is a data engineer entry level?

Data engineering is typically an intermediate to senior role that requires experience with programming, databases, and data pipelines. Entry-level positions may be available for those with relevant internships, certifications, or strong foundational skills in SQL, Python, or cloud platforms, but most roles expect prior experience or demonstrated technical competence.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior data engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in big data tools, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. These roles typically require strong programming, cloud platform expertise, and a deep understanding of data architecture.
More about Data Engineer jobs
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Data Engineer jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Data Engineer job openings:
Data Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,541 per year, or $54.1 per hour.
Data Processor

Data Processor

Element Materials Technology

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Element Materials Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Element has an opportunity for a Data Processor to join our rapidly expanding team. As a member of the operations team in one of the various laboratories across Element, the Data Processer position primarily responsible for assisting in designing, planning, and coordinating geotechnical instrumentation projects, scheduling control, obtaining permits for on-site installation, and setting up and commissioning monitoring.

Responsibilities

  • Propose engineering documents for clients' approval, on-site installation and hands-on monitoring of sensors, instruments, and equipment 
  • Instruct, supervise, manage, and monitor site personnel ensuring data processing, review , analysis, submission of reports 
  • Attending project meetings, schedule control, submit for permits for on-site installation, set up, and commission monitoring 
  • Assist in designing, planning, and coordinating geotechnical instrumentation projects, scheduling control, obtaining permits for on-site installation, and setting up and commissioning monitoring, providing input into health, safety, environmental and quality policies ensuring uptodate documentation 
  • Liaise and coordinate with client for installation and monitoring issues while overseeing all instrumentation works including production of method statements, project quality plan, calibration, installation, data acquisition, data verification, data processing, web database, data presentation, update of instrumentation drawings and reporting 
  • Shall be responsible for preparing all necessary reports as specified in the contract’s documents and client submission 

Skills / Qualifications

  • Working experience in geotechnical instrumentation and site investigation works 
  • Physically fit and able to withstand the challenging working conditions 
  • Strong and determined quality focus with indefatigable determination to get the job done under the most challenging conditions 
  • Self-motivated team player with excellent organisational and communication skills

What Element Materials Technology employees say

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