Data Engineer (100% Remote)

Job Title: Data Engineer Job Description This Data Engineer role supports cutting-edge machine learning and computer vision initiatives that improve agricultural equipment performance through advanced data collection, management, and analytics. You will transform large-scale, multi-source data into actionable insights that drive algorithm development, model validation, and product innovation, with a particular focus on camera systems on seed planters that monitor furrow quality, moisture, residue, and field conditions. In this position, you design and maintain scalable data pipelines, build dashboards and visualizations, and enable engineering teams to efficiently access and leverage data for machine learning and computer vision applications. Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain scalable ETL and ELT data pipelines using Python, Databricks, and AWS technologies. Ingest and manage data from multiple streaming and batch sources, including AWS S3 buckets, Enterprise Data Lakes, telemetry systems, over-the-air data feeds, image datasets, CAN data, and machine-generated log files. Organize and optimize data within Databricks using Delta Tables to improve accessibility, reliability, and performance for downstream users. Create and maintain dashboards that provide visibility into incoming datasets, data quality metrics, and overall system performance. Develop visualizations and reporting tools using Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms to communicate key insights and machine learning model performance metrics to stakeholders. Support ad hoc data analysis requests, including investigation of system uptime, downtime events, customer-specific metrics, and operational trends. Collaborate closely with machine learning engineers and software developers to make raw data consumable for algorithm development, testing, and performance evaluation. Perform validation and verification of machine learning model outputs, particularly for image processing and computer vision applications. Support dataset management activities, including dataset creation, curation, and organization for model training and evaluation. Contribute to model training evaluation efforts by preparing data, tracking performance metrics, and analyzing results. Drive ongoing data quality initiatives by identifying issues, proposing improvements, and implementing solutions that enhance data reliability. Refactor and enhance existing data pipelines and workflows to improve efficiency, reliability, scalability, and maintainability. Participate in Agile development processes, including planning, sprint execution, daily collaboration, and cross-functional problem-solving. Work closely with engineering and project teams to ensure high-quality data is available and properly structured for development and analysis related to camera systems on seed planters. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience. Strong experience in Python-based data engineering and data pipeline development. Hands-on experience with Databricks, including building and managing workflows within the platform. Practical experience working with Delta Tables in Databricks to support performant and reliable data storage. Experience working with AWS services, particularly S3 and other cloud-based data storage solutions. Proven ability to work with large-scale, streaming, and structured as well as unstructured datasets. Experience building dashboards and visualizations using Tableau, Power BI, or similar business intelligence tools. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail when working with complex data. Experience validating and verifying machine learning outputs and performance metrics in production or experimental environments. Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering and software development teams. Demonstrated capability in ETL and ELT pipeline development for diverse data sources. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with machine learning, computer vision, or AI-related development environments. training, evaluating, and monitoring machine learning models in real-world applications. Experience working with image data, sensor data, telemetry data, or other unstructured data sources. Familiarity with CAN data and vehicle or equipment telemetry systems used in agricultural or industrial settings. Experience supporting data quality initiatives and contributing to data governance practices. Experience working within Agile development teams and participating in iterative delivery cycles. Interest in applying data engineering skills to agricultural technology, equipment performance, and field monitoring solutions. Work Environment This role is primarily remote, providing flexibility in daily work location while supporting distributed engineering and data science teams. Occasional travel to customer sites may be required to collaborate with stakeholders, understand field conditions, and support on-site data collection or system validation activities. You work extensively with cloud-based technologies such as AWS and Databricks, and use visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI to present insights. The environment emphasizes long-term project work in the machine learning and computer vision space, with a focus on innovative agricultural applications and close collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Ankeny, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $56.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 [email protected] for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.