Data Engineer

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter (we would like to know about your experience in developing tools and processes which improve data quality and reduces manual effort).About Smart Data FoundrySmart Data Foundry has a purpose to unlock the power of financial data as a force to improve people’s lives.What we doWe enable the research ecosystem to flourish through the provision of research ready real financial data.We create data-driven insights based on real financial data, that identify areas to inform policy change and enhance regulation.Inspire financial innovation with aizle™, Smart Data Foundry’s synthetic data engine, creating high utility synthetic data with no privacy issues when real-world data doesn’t exist or cannot be safely shared.Role PurposeOur Data Engineer develops tools and processes which ensure the quality of our data, reduces the manual effort involved in our work as we scale.ResponsibilitiesContributing to the design and development of data processing architecture and ongoing pipeline optimisation.Developing and owning data cleaning, quality and validation processes.Creating and explaining overviews and diagrams of processes and infrastructure to technical, semi-technical and non-technical users.Working with data scientists, product owners, data partners and other internal and external customers to understand and deliver team commitments.Undertaking development and evaluation of rapid prototypes to test features with end users and support tool selection.Working with customers and partners to integrate data from multiple data sources, e.g. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), sftp, manual file transfers, etc.Monitoring system performance and contributing to infrastructure optimisation, considering utility and cost.Testing and mentoring of less experienced software engineers and quality engineers.Creating documentation, operating procedures and diagrams.Working with the synthetic data, product and engineering teams to build a cloud-based, data driven SaaS platform.Skills and ExperienceEssential Technical SkillsProven programming experience with Python in a Linux environment.Good understanding of software development practices such as code reviews, unit testing, data validation, TDD, source management, continuous integration, and releasing software to live environments.Knowledge of large-scale data processing technology, for example: Arrow, Hadoop, Cassandra, Spark, Hive, or Databricks.Strong experience of batch ETL, data warehousing, database querying and building secure and scalable applications in a cloud-based environment, preferably AWS (Amazon Web Services).Beneficial Technical SkillsExperience of working with infrastructure and container tools such as Terraform, Kubernetes and Docker/Podman.Experience with modern software architecture paradigms such as microservices, event-driven, & serverless.Experience of using Jira Software or similar project management tools.Additional AttributesAbility to deal with ambiguity and react quickly in an evolving and fast paced environmentAbility to work autonomously, under pressure and with conflicting and changing prioritiesExcellent verbal and written communication skillsPersonable approach with ability to develop positive working relationships at all levels within an organisationSelf-motivated and proactiveCollaborative, highly curious, with a desire to understand how Smart Data Foundry delivers its’ servicesThere may be a requirement to work on data partners sites, directly with data partner teams to build pipeline to make it easy to share data with usAppreciation of the sensitive nature of the financial data held by Smart Data Foundry and the need to abide by information governance best practicesLocationThis role is based in our office in Edinburgh Futures Institute in Edinburgh, therefore, candidates must be within commutable distance or willing to relocate.Right to Work in the UKApplicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the U.K. without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided.If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.BenefitsA collaborative, innovative and impactful place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package, 40 days annual leave (including 6 bank hols), a defined contribution pension scheme (14% employer and 4.5% minimum employee contribution rates), family friendly initiatives and flexible working.