Senior Data Engineer
The Senior Data Engineer designs, implements and oversees maintenance of data flow channels and data processing systems that support the collection, storage, batch and real-time processing, and analysis of information from structured and unstructured sources in a scalable, repeatable and secure manner. He/She assists data scientists with the extraction of valuable insights from data sets to derive valuable and actionable insights and recommendations that support business requirements. He involves in rollouts, upgrades, implementation and release of data system changes as required for streamlining of internal practices. 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 Senior Data Engineer possesses natural inclination for understanding business processes and relevant data requirements. He easily builds rapport with others and is able to put forth his ideas and recommendations in a persuasive manner, to influence stakeholders and decisions.
What Does a Senior Data Engineer Do?
Key Responsibilities & Tasks
Identify business needs
- Assess the suitability of data structures to ensure availability, integrity, quality, scalability and accessibility of data
- Translate business' data needs to technical system requirements
- Evaluate suitability of technologies and products in database and data processing for integration and storage
Build and maintain data pipeline
- Build data flow channels and processing systems to extract, transform, load and integrate data
- Validate data extraction, preparation and processing systems for accuracy of data and outputs
- Create data storage plans and solutions for information storage and extraction
- Lead project rollouts, upgrades, implementation and release of data system changes
- Analyse data system performance and develop solutions for improvements
- Build a metadata system to ensure documentation and cataloguing of all available data
- Formulate data backup and fail-safe plans as part of business continuity planning
- Ensure the security, privacy and anonymity of users accessing data systems
Optimise performance of solutions
- Evaluate existing technologies and technology practices
- Resolve data integrity, performance, and availability issues
- Identify opportunities for improvements and optimisation to systems and processes
- Automate processes focusing on repeatability and reliability
Do You Have the Skills for This Role?
A Senior Data Engineer needs 3 core competencies. Here's what's required and at what level.
Must-Have Skills (Advanced)
Developing People
AdvancedInteracting with Others
Transdisciplinary Thinking
AdvancedThinking Critically
Supporting Skills
Communication
IntermediateInteracting with Others
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 Senior Data Engineer requires 22 technical skills at specific proficiency levels.
Data Ethics
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Formulate the organisation’s code of ethics, systems and processes to ensure adherence to professional, legal and ethical requirements for data usage
Data Governance
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Develop organisation practices and standards for handling data throughout their lifecycle, resolve breaches, and oversee transfer of data between organisations
Data Strategy
Level 5Strategy Planning and Implementation
Establish data management strategies to extract maximum value from information assets and support decision-making and business processes
Emerging Technology Synthesis
Level 5Business and Project Management
Establish internal structures and processes to guide the exploration, integration and evaluation of new technologies
Project Management
Level 5Business and Project Management
Lead end-to-end management of large programmes or multiple projects concurrently, coordinating project interdependencies
System Integration
Level 5Development and Implementation
Design a feasible integration roadmap, monitor system integration outcomes and drive enhancements to integration plans
Change Management
Level 4Business and Project Management
Recommend business activities required to integrate and roll out new changes and drive the execution of change control procedures, engaging stakeholders in the process
Computational Modelling
Level 4Development and Implementation
Develop and utilise new algorithms and advanced statistical models to enable the production of desired outcomes
Data Design
Level 4Design and Architecture
Design data models and data flow diagrams and mechanisms to optimise the flow, maintenance, storage and retrieval of data
Data Engineering
Level 4Development and Implementation
Translate business requirements into data structures and processes to standardise data, verify data reliability and validity, store, extract, transform, load and integrate data
Data Migration
Level 4Operations and User Support
Determine the business need for data migration and plan data migration activities, establishing guidelines and strategies to minimise impact on daily business operations
Database Administration
Level 4Operations and User Support
Plan for installation, configuration and upgrading of databases and oversee database maintenance, troubleshooting, back up and recovery activities
Learning and Development
Level 4People Development
Support employees to develop their skills and facilitate learning opportunities and coaching junior management employees
Manpower Planning
Level 4Business and Project Management
Conduct project level manpower forecasts to bridge gaps between manpower demand and supply, and facilitate development of recruitment strategies
Quality Standards
Level 4Governance and Compliance
Assess existing quality standards and align processes and activities with IT product and service quality expectations
Stakeholder Management
Level 4Stakeholder and Contract Management
Develop a stakeholder engagement plan and negotiate with stakeholders to arrive at mutually-beneficial arrangements
Strategy Implementation
Level 4Strategy Planning and Implementation
Evaluate strategies for critical business functions to ensure plans are realistic and reflect health of business
Strategy Planning
Level 4Business and Project Management
Develop resource allocation plans and implement strategies and policies
Business Needs Analysis
Level 3Business and Project Management
Elicit and analyse business requirements from key stakeholders and assess relevant solutions and their potential impact
Configuration Tracking
Level 3Development and Implementation
Develop and update a configuration management plan, determining systems and techniques to track changes and revisions
People and Performance Management
Level 3People Development
Implement performance management programmes
Security Architecture
Level 3Design and Architecture
Design secure systems and define security specifications of components, integrating appropriate security controls
European Skills Framework
ESCOSkills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential
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