Data Engineer
The Data Engineer supports the design, implementation and maintenance of data flow channels and data processing systems that support the collection, storage, batch and real-time processing, and analysis of information in a scalable, repeatable and secure manner. He/She focuses on defining optimal solutions to data collection, processing and warehousing. He designs, codes and tests data systems and works on implementing those into the internal infrastructure. He focuses on collecting, parsing, managing, analysing and visualising large sets of data to turn information into insights accessible through multiple platforms. He is proficient in database systems, scripting and programming languages required by the organisation. He is also familiar with the relevant software platforms on which the solution is deployed on. The Data Engineer is passionate about numbers and works with large data sets. He has a keenness for understanding business processes and resolving challenges in order to provide solutions with the help of clean and interlinked databases and architectures.
What Does a Data Engineer Do?
Key Responsibilities & Tasks
Identify business needs
- Identify suitable data structures based on business needs to ensure availability and accessibility of data
- Determine technical system requirements based on data needs
- Keep abreast of latest technologies and products in database and data processing software, and technologies
Build and maintain data pipeline
- Assist in building scalable data pipelines to extract, transform, load and integrate data
- Develop codes and scripts to process structured and unstructured data in real-time from a variety of data sources
- Test data pipelines for scalability and reliability to process high data volume, variety and velocity
- Consolidate and create data storage solutions for storage and retrieval of information
- Develop prototypes and Proof-of-Concepts for data solutions
- Monitor data system performance
- Support the handling and logging of errors
- Develop backup data archiving systems to ensure system continuity
- Implement and monitor data security and privacy measures on existing data solutions
Optimise solution performance
- Assist in the integration of data systems with existing infrastructure
- Develop tools to improve data flows between internal and/or external systems and the data warehouse
- Automate the data collection and analysis processes, data releasing and reporting tools
- Test data system configurations to increase efficiency
Do You Have the Skills for This Role?
A Data Engineer needs 3 core competencies. Here's what's required and at what level.
Supporting Skills
Developing People
IntermediateInteracting with Others
Communication
IntermediateInteracting with Others
Transdisciplinary Thinking
IntermediateThinking Critically
SkillsFuture Skill Levels
3 levelsBasic
Recognise and understand fundamental concepts. Apply skills in routine situations with guidance.
Intermediate
Apply skills in varied situations independently. Analyse problems and adapt approaches as needed.
Advanced
Lead and innovate in complex situations. Evaluate strategies, guide teams, and drive improvements.
Technical Skills & Competencies (TSC) Levels
6 levelsFollow
Carry out routine tasks under close supervision. Follow established procedures and guidelines.
Assist
Perform tasks with some independence. Assist in non-routine situations and apply established techniques.
Apply
Apply skills and knowledge independently in varied situations. Analyse problems and adapt approaches.
Analyse
Analyse complex situations and develop solutions. Guide and mentor junior colleagues.
Strategise
Set strategic direction and drive innovation. Evaluate trade-offs and make high-impact decisions.
Transform
Lead industry transformation. Establish standards, shape policy, and provide expert advisory.
Technical Skills & Competencies
A Data Engineer requires 17 technical skills at specific proficiency levels.
Data Ethics
Level 4Governance and Compliance
Analyse unethical practices and apply ethical decision-making models and strategies to address ethical dilemmas and issues
Data Governance
Level 4Governance and Compliance
Implement guidelines, laws, statutes and regulations on appropriate handling of data at various stages in their lifecycle, and monitor compliance with data policies
Emerging Technology Synthesis
Level 4Business and Project Management
Evaluate new and emerging technology and trends against the organisational needs and processes
Project Management
Level 4Business and Project Management
Plan and drive medium scale projects or programmes, including allocating resources to different parts, and engaging stakeholders on the project's progress and outcomes
Quality Standards
Level 4Governance and Compliance
Assess existing quality standards and align processes and activities with IT product and service quality expectations
System Integration
Level 4Development and Implementation
Determine interoperability of system components and develop a system integration plan
Change Management
Level 3Business and Project Management
Apply change control procedures in work processes, assess impact of change and develop communications to prepare stakeholders for the change
Computational Modelling
Level 3Development and Implementation
Identify and utilise appropriate statistical algorithms and data models to test hypotheses and derive patterns or solutions
Data Design
Level 3Design and Architecture
Identify data requirements and support the design of database models, incorporating parameters, fields and mechanisms for the maintenance, storage and retrieval of data
Data Engineering
Level 3Development and Implementation
Implement data management processes and systems to map data sources, processes and relationships, and transform and process multiple streams of data
Data Migration
Level 3Operations and User Support
Prepare data and perform manual or automated data migration, troubleshoot database errors faced, and validate migrated data post-migration to ensure accuracy
Database Administration
Level 3Operations and User Support
Monitor and maintain databases, and troubleshoot database errors faced, and ensure appropriate levels of user access to databases
Security Architecture
Level 3Design and Architecture
Design secure systems and define security specifications of components, integrating appropriate security controls
Stakeholder Management
Level 3Stakeholder and Contract Management
Serve as the organisation's main contact point for stakeholder communications, clarifying responsibilities among stakholders, and engaging them to align expectations
Strategy Implementation
Level 3Strategy Planning and Implementation
Analyse strategies for critical business functions to ensure plans are within risk mitigation factors
Business Needs Analysis
Level 2Business and Project Management
Document business requirements and identify basic needs as well as potential solutions
Configuration Tracking
Level 2Development and Implementation
Verify accuracy, completeness and currency of information in configuration logs and review unauthorised changes, diversions or inappropriate use of software assets
European Skills Framework
ESCOSkills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential
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