Exempt Data Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: Irvine, CA (On-site)
Department: Information Technology | Reports To: Lead Software Architect
Schedule: Full-Time | Minimum 4 Days In-Office
FLSA Status: Exempt

At Tillys, we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.

Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life - both in-store and online.

We are seeking a Data Engineer to join our Information Technology team. Reporting to the Lead Software Architect, the Data Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining reliable and scalable data solutions that support business applications, reporting, analytics, and operational needs across the organization.

This position will work closely with the Lead Software Architect, software developers, business stakeholders, and other technical teams to develop data pipelines, integrations, and data structures that enable accurate and efficient movement of data across systems. The Data Engineer will also help improve data quality, performance, reliability, and accessibility while supporting the organization’s evolving data and technology architecture.

A typical day may include:

• 1. Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain scalable data pipelines and data integration solutions.
• 2. Build and maintain ETL/ELT processes to collect, transform, and integrate data from multiple internal and external sources.
• 3. Partner with the Lead Software Architect to ensure data solutions align with established architecture, development standards, and the organization’s overall technology strategy.
• 4. Collaborate with software developers, analysts, project managers, and business stakeholders to understand data requirements and translate business needs into effective technical solutions.
• 5. Design and maintain data models and structures that support operational applications, reporting, analytics, and business intelligence.
• 6. Develop and maintain integrations between enterprise applications, databases, APIs, third-party platforms, and other data sources.
• 7. Monitor data pipelines and integrations to identify and resolve performance, reliability, and data quality issues.
• 8. Troubleshoot complex data and integration issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• 9. Develop automated processes for data validation, reconciliation, monitoring, and error handling.
• 10. Ensure the accuracy, consistency, completeness, and integrity of data throughout data pipelines and integrations.
• 11. Optimize database queries, data transformations, and pipeline performance to improve scalability and efficiency.
• 12. Assist with the modernization of existing data processes, integrations, and platforms.
• 13. Participate in the design and implementation of cloud-based and modern data architecture solutions.
• 14. Support software development teams with database design, data access patterns, integrations, and application data requirements.
• 15. Develop and maintain technical documentation, including data flows, data mappings, integration specifications, and system architecture documentation.
• 16. Follow software development lifecycle (SDLC), source control, testing, deployment, and CI/CD best practices.
• 17. Implement appropriate security and access controls to protect confidential and sensitive business data.
• 18. Research and evaluate emerging data technologies, tools, and development practices and make recommendations to the Lead Software Architect.
• 19. Develop proofs-of-concept and prototypes when evaluating new technologies or approaches.
• 20. Identify opportunities to improve data processing, automation, scalability, reliability, and reusability across the technology environment.
• 21. Participate in code reviews, technical design reviews, sprint planning, and other Agile development activities.
• 22. Provide technical support and guidance related to data integrations, databases, and data engineering solutions.
• 23. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and industry best practices related to data engineering, cloud platforms, data architecture, and application integration.

Your experience brings:

• 24. Strong understanding of data engineering concepts, relational databases, data modeling, and data integration principles.
• 25. Proficiency with SQL and experience developing complex queries, stored procedures, and database solutions.
• 27. Experience developing and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines and data integration workflows.
• 28. Understanding of cloud technologies and modern data architecture and experience working with relational and/or cloud-based databases and data platforms, including but not limited to Oracle Cloud. Experience with other cloud technologies like Snowflake, AWS, GCP, Redshift is a plus.
• 29. Experience working with Business Intelligence platforms like Tableau, Strategy (MicroStrategy), PowerBI
• 30. Understanding of APIs, web services, and system integration concepts.
• 31. Knowledge of data modeling techniques and database design principles.
• 32. Experience with at least one programming or scripting language commonly used for data engineering, such as Python, Java, C#, SSIS, or similar.
• 33. Knowledge of data quality, governance, security, and privacy best-practices, including but not limited to handling customer and employee PII.
• 34. Familiarity with Git source control, CI/CD, automated testing, and modern software development practices.
• 35. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• 36. Ability to analyze business requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.
• 37. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• 38. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• 39. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• 40. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across technical and business teams.

• 41. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field required.
• 42. At least 3-5 years of related experience in data engineering, software development, database development, data integration, or a related technical discipline.
• 43. Experience developing and maintaining production data pipelines and system integrations preferred.
• 44. Experience with cloud-based data platforms and technologies preferred.
• 45. Experience supporting enterprise applications and complex system environments preferred.
• 46. Retail, eCommerce, merchandising, inventory, supply chain, or other high-volume transactional data experience is a plus.

• Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Occasionally lift/move up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs
• Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
• Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities

While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.

Annual Range: $100k - $120k/yr

Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA - minimum of 4 days per week in-office.

At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted - it's celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
• Health Coverage - Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
• Employee Discount - In-store and online
• Discount Programs - Save on travel, events, and more
• Employee Sample Sales - Major deals on favorite brands
• Wellness & Social Events - Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
• Weekly Office Snacks - Stay fueled with stocked treats

Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Fair Chance Hiring:
In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.