What is a Data Engineer?
A Data Engineer, simply put, helps a company manage, organize and use data to grow their business or make critical decisions. In the instance of a company that sells data or data-based products, Data Engineers can also play an important role in helping companies generate revenue.
What is the typical background of a Data Engineer?
Similar to Machine Learning Engineers [link], many Data Engineers will have a background in computer science, coding or math from undergrad, or a Masters degree and will have studied Machine Learning itself. Many team leads who are directing the day to day work and projects of their teams will have advanced degrees, like PhDs.
What are some of the typical responsibilities of a Data Engineer?
Building databases: A Data Engineer may be responsible for building and maintaining databases that house critical data for the company, whether that data is on customers, clients, products, data that informs algorithms the company uses, etc.
Partnering with and evaluating external data sources: Many companies may contract with different third party data sources that bring additional data into their company’s projects. As a result, a Data Engineer may be responsible for integrating these data sources through APIs (or other methods) so that user information is securely stored, or that parts of the site or product “talk” to each other for applications in marketing or otherwise.
Recommend process improvements: Working with Security Engineers or other engineers, Data Engineers may help companies develop processes that safeguard data from attacks or leaks, and help design practices that make data difficult to reach for bad actors.
Developing infrastructure to help companies scale the use of their data: Many Data Engineers may work on initiatives that help take a company’s use of data to the next level. For example, a small startup that’s growing, and interested in expanding their use of data, will need to figure out which systems and processes they need as they grow their teams.
Partnering with and evaluating external data sources: Many companies may contract with different third party data sources that bring additional data into their company’s projects. As a result, a Data Engineer may be responsible for integrating these data sources through APIs (or other methods) so that user information is securely stored, or that parts of the site or product “talk” to each other for applications in marketing or otherwise.
Recommend process improvements: Working with Security Engineers or other engineers, Data Engineers may help companies develop processes that safeguard data from attacks or leaks, and help design practices that make data difficult to reach for bad actors.
Developing infrastructure to help companies scale the use of their data: Many Data Engineers may work on initiatives that help take a company’s use of data to the next level. For example, a small startup that’s growing, and interested in expanding their use of data, will need to figure out which systems and processes they need as they grow their teams.
What are some of the skills a Data Engineer should have?
Data Engineers will need advanced programming skills. Many Data Engineer candidates should have experience in:
What are some of the typical job titles of a Data Engineer?
We’ve recruited for many different Data Engineer roles, including job titles like: