Intermediate to Senior AWS Data Engineer (Cape Town)

We are looking for an Intermediate to Senior AWS Data Engineer to lead the development and optimisation of scalable cloud data platforms supporting analytics, machine learning workloads, and operational reporting. The role involves close collaboration with data scientists, analysts, and engineering teams to deliver robust and high-performing AWS-based data infrastructure.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on building and maintaining production-grade data pipelines while contributing to architectural decisions and platform evolution.

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines using Python on AWS
• Develop and optimize ETL/ELT workflows for structured and semi-structured data
• Work with AWS services such as S3, Glue, Lambda, Redshift, Athena, EMR, and RDS
• Ensure data quality, reliability, and performance across data platforms
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including analytics, ML, and product
• Contribute to data architecture, best practices, and technical standards
• Support and mentor junior engineers (senior level)
• Participate in code reviews and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field or equivalent practical experience
• 4 –7+ years of professional experience in data engineering or backend/data-focused software engineering roles
• Proven experience designing and delivering production data pipelines on AWS
• Strong programming background in Python and solid SQL skills
• Experience working with cloud-native data services and distributed systems
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• AWS certifications (e.g. AWS Certified Data Engineer, Solutions Architect, or Developer)
• Experience with Spark / PySpark and large-scale data processing
• Exposure to DevOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading technical initiatives

The Reference Number for this position is NG61034 which is a Contract Hybrid role based in Cape Town offering a salary of R600 per hour, negotiable on experience and ability. Contact Nokuthula at nokuthulag@ e-merge.co.za or call her on 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other opportunities.