An incredible number of bytes of data are generated on the network every day, so data scientists don’t get bored. To process them, several steps need to be taken. To do this, experts work with the data pipeline, the environment in which data is processed, stored, and queried. In addition to data analysts who create algorithms, there are also data engineers. This article will tell you everything you need to know about this profession.
Definition of the data engineering profession
The main job of a data engineer is to identify patterns in the data stream and design algorithms that will be useful to the business. You may need quite a few technical skills for such a position, such as proficiency in SQL database design and proficiency in several programming languages. In addition, data engineers should be able to communicate well with people to communicate across departments and better grasp what business managers want you to do and how to make datasets more beneficial to their companies.
In addition to creating algorithms, this profession requires you to comprehend how to streamline data extraction and how to create dashboards, reports, etc. Depending on what size company he works for, he might also be accountable for informing data trends.
Data engineer’s role and responsibilities
Data engineers can focus on three different areas.
- Universalists are those engineers who work in small groups or enterprises. Universalists, as the name implies, can be in charge of many processes, while generalists are held accountable for every phase of data processing. This role is great for those who want to move from data science to data engineering, as small companies often don’t worry about developing “for the sake of scaling.”
- Pipeline-oriented – Often in mid-sized companies, pipeline-oriented engineers collaborate with data analysts, so it becomes easier for them to leverage the data they collect. This kind of engineer requires a solid mastery of dispersed systems and data science
- Database-oriented – In large enterprises, data processing occurs around the clock, data engineers focus on analytical databases. They deal with repositories in several databases and are in charge of designing table schemas.
As mentioned earlier, data engineers must have knowledge in several technical areas, but beyond that, they must also:
- develop and maintain architectures
- Improve efficiency, reliability, and data quality
- Identify ways to solve business problems with a data set
- Identify tasks that can be automatized with data
How data engineers are paid
The average data engineer salary is about $138,000 a year. But it can also depend on your expertise, experience, and where you live. Engineers in more advanced positions earn about $173,000 a year, with amounts as high as $195,000 a year, which also depends on the factors listed above.