Data Engineer

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Greenlight America is accelerating the clean energy transition throughout the U.S., winning local siting, permitting, and ordinance fights in support of solar, onshore and offshore wind, energy storage, and other forms of clean energy. Our founding team has led some of the largest grassroots organizing networks in the country, with a proven record of mobilizing millions of people to take action. Through our Regional Clean Power Mobilization Hubs, we work with partners on the ground to engage and mobilize local residents to speak up and show up in support of clean energy projects in their communities, winning more local approvals for those projects more quickly, and contributing to an overall environment where the U.S. exceeds our clean energy generation and transmission goals for the next decade.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Data Engineer plays a central role in Greenlight’s research and campaigns work, including building the data architecture to create an “Early Warning System” to identify and evaluate campaign opportunities across thousands of clean energy projects and local jurisdictions. As an early member of Greenlight’s team, the Data Engineer will also have an important voice in shaping the overall strategic direction of Greenlight’s research work and research-informed strategy. A successful candidate for this position will be a skilled builder of complex databases using public and proprietary data sources. They will be highly creative and willing to take risks, and able to objectively evaluate results in order to continuously improve research and data products. The position is remote and reports to the Senior Director, Research.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain databases of clean energy projects needing local approvals, local jurisdictions and geographies, and decision makers from a variety of public and proprietary sources, using structured and unstructured data.
• Design and build the architecture for new data systems, own tool selection, and lead technical aspects of the team vision for data collection, maintenance, storage, and use.
• Regularly evaluate and improve the quality of data products and processes.
• Assess data needs and develop plans to meet them, including identifying and acquiring unique data sources and hiring vendors and contractors.
• Work closely with Greenlight’s research, campaigns, communications, and partnership staff to develop data products that meet strategic needs and advance organizational priorities.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

We are especially interested in candidates with the following qualifications:

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• 4+ years of experience in data engineering, with a preference for candidates with experience in data roles for electoral, issue advocacy, or movement campaigns.
• Experience architecting databases from scratch, including decision-making about appropriate structures, languages, tools, and hosting requirements.
• Mastery of programming languages (Python and SQL), version control (Git), and the ability to learn and apply new data tools and techniques efficiently.
• Experience identifying and acquiring data sources and tools.
• Strong written technical communication skills and the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences and end users.
• Ability to think creatively, take risks, and objectively evaluate results.
• Has a bias for rapid prototyping and iteration.
• Is passionate about accelerating the clean energy transition.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The base annual salary for this position is $90,000-$120,000. We offer an excellent benefits package which includes 100% employer paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance, unlimited paid time off, monthly technology stipend, and retirement contributions through 401k and Roth plans.

TO APPLY

• Please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@greenlightamerica.org.
• Please include the job title “Data Engineer” in the subject line of your email.
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
• If you require accommodations so that you may participate in the selection process, please email accommodations@greenlightamerica.org.

Diversity and Equity Opportunity

Greenlight America is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and an anti-racist organization that prohibits discrimination in its governance, programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from public assistance or for any other non-merit based factor. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and members of other historically and presently disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our goal is for a work experience that has meaning and impact on the world and on our professional lives, and a workplace where you can feel supported and proud. You can learn more about us at greenlightamerica.org.

This position also supports Greenlight Action, an affiliated 501(c)(4) organization. While motivated by the same core values, Greenlight America and Greenlight Action operate independently of one another and each organization has its own board of directors.