Data Engineer III

# Senior Data Engineer | Tech & Data Science | Cape Town, ZA

> Note: By applying to this position your application is automatically submitted to the following location: Cape Town, ZA

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of **edX**, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

## What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced **Data Engineer III** to serve as a key individual contributor responsible for architecting, implementing, and maintaining robust Data Technology Systems across the entire Modern Data Stack (Data Integration, Storage, Transformation, and Governance).

This role demands deep technical proficiency and architectural foresight, requiring the candidate to be hands-on, capable of diving deep into any part of the stack, and executing complex technical work efficiently.

As a senior member of the team, you will: - Spearhead technical and infrastructure innovation - Mature our code base and development processes - Provide essential technical guidance and mentorship to Junior and Intermediate Data Engineers - Collaborate closely with Analytics Engineers and Product Managers to deliver optimized data pipelines and reliable, high-impact data products

## Responsibilities

### Technical - Design and build robust, scalable, and high-performance ETL/ELT data pipelines - Develop and implement solutions using advanced programming languages (Python, SQL, DBT) - Optimize and performance-tune complex data workflows and queries to handle massive data volumes - Assist with the design and implementation of data models for Data Warehouses (Snowflake etc.) - Implement data quality frameworks (validation, monitoring, testing) - Establish comprehensive error logging and alerting systems - Apply DevOps practices to data infrastructure, often involving Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)

### Management - Lead and deliver projects effectively - Support and mentor data engineers

### Business - Stakeholder management across departments - Collaborate with engineers and analysts to execute projects

### Personal - Perform research and stay updated on industry trends - Seek opportunities for improvement through ongoing learning

## Required Background

- 5+ years experience in the Data industry - 4+ years experience in a Data Engineering role - Expert in SQL and Data Warehousing systems - Experience with **PostgreSQL / MySQL / Python / R / Redshift / Snowflake** - Database design and management experience - Understanding of data management principles, data quality, and governance - Experience with version control and infrastructure automation (Terraform) - Familiarity with containerized services (Docker, Kubernetes) - Experience with ETL/ELT tools (Airflow, Argo, dbt) - Experience using AWS services (RDS, EC2, Redshift, EKS) - Linux command knowledge (bash scripting) - Project management, problem-solving, mentoring, and stakeholder communication skills

## Other Attributes That Will Help

- Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Engineering preferred

## Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is diverse, innovative, and mission-driven. Life at 2U is fun and meaningful.

**Full-time ZA benefits include:** - 2 complimentary GetSmarter short courses per year - Subsidized medical aid (Discovery Health Medical Scheme) - 4% 2U contribution to Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Generous leave policy including volunteer, study, sports leave, and festive season break

**Diversity & Inclusion:** - Culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion - Supportive workplace for all genders, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and other unique qualities - Reasonable accommodations during recruitment: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com

## About 2U

For over a decade, 2U has been the digital transformation partner of choice for colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, we provide over 45 million learners access to world-class education in partnership with 230+ colleges, universities, and corporations.

**Learn more:** [2U Careers](https://2u.com/careers/)

## About edX

edX is a global online learning platform from 2U, serving over 45 million learners. We partner with top universities and companies to offer education from free courses to full degrees.

**Learn more:** [edX.org](https://www.edx.org)

> The above statements describe the general nature of work for this position and are not exhaustive. 2U is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and employment equity.