Data Platform Engineer
SOC 15-1243.00 · ESCO 2120 · OSCA 223233
Role snapshot
Overview
Builds and maintains the infrastructure that allows data to flow reliably from source systems into warehouses and analytics tools. This involves designing, implementing, and optimizing data pipelines, managing data storage solutions, and ensuring that data teams have quick and accurate access to the data they need for analysis and machine learning.
Enables data-driven decision-making across an organization by providing robust, scalable, and accessible data infrastructure, directly supporting analytics, reporting, and AI initiatives.
On the job
- Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines using various ETL/ELT tools and programming languages.
- Manage and optimize data storage solutions, including data warehouses, data lakes, and streaming platforms.
- Monitor data quality, system performance, and troubleshoot data-related issues to ensure data integrity and availability.
- Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and software engineers to understand their data needs and provide appropriate solutions.
- Implement and enforce data governance, security, and compliance policies within the data platform.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
ExcellentNew job opportunities are highly likely. Demand significantly outpaces supply in most markets.
Education & training
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field is typically required, though relevant certifications and extensive experience can sometimes substitute.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Data Platform Engineer
Data & AI
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
conventional · CIE
Individuals who thrive on systematic problem-solving, enjoy investigating complex technical challenges, and are motivated by building efficient, reliable systems will find this role rewarding.
Personality characteristics
Systematic
Approaches complex data architecture and pipeline design with a logical, structured, and organized methodology.
Investigative
Enjoys diagnosing and solving intricate technical issues within data systems, often involving deep dives into logs and configurations.
Composed
Remains calm and effective when troubleshooting critical data outages or handling urgent system failures under pressure.
Collaborative
Works effectively with data scientists, analysts, and other engineers to understand needs and integrate solutions.
Methodical
Follows established processes and best practices for data governance, security, and platform maintenance to ensure reliability.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy designing, building, and optimizing complex technical systems.
- Engineers who are passionate about data infrastructure, scalability, and performance.
- Those who find satisfaction in providing reliable data foundations for others to build upon.
Watch out for
- Requires a tolerance for occasional on-call duties and urgent troubleshooting, which can disrupt planned work.
- The role is less focused on direct social interaction or artistic creation, favoring technical execution and system building.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Data Platform Engineer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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