Data Engineer (Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, Node.js) – (In Office) CPT at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• An Investment company is searching for an innovative Data Engineer to join their growing team in Durbanville, Cape Town. If you're passionate about building scalable data solutions, solving complex business challenges, and transforming data into meaningful insights, this opportunity is for you.
• You will play a pivotal role in designing and developing the data infrastructure that drives decision-making, automation, reporting, and innovation across their property and wealth investment businesses.

DUTIES:

Data Pipeline Development

• Design, build, and maintain scalable ELT/ETL pipelines using Python and SQL against PostgreSQL.
• Orchestrate and automate data workflows using n8n, Zapier, and scheduled Node.js services.
• Ensure pipelines are reliable, idempotent, and monitored with appropriate alerting.

Data Infrastructure & Deployment

• Containerise and deploy data services with Docker for consistent, reproducible environments.
• Build and maintain backend data services in Node.js and TypeScript.
• Optimise PostgreSQL performance, indexing, and resource usage for cost and speed.

Data Modelling & Warehousing

• Design and implement data models and schemas in PostgreSQL to support analytics and reporting.
• Apply dimensional and relational modelling best practices to support analytics use cases.
• Collaborate with analysts to build and maintain transformation layers in SQL and Python.

Systems & CRM Integration

• Integrate data across the group’s core systems, with Zoho CRM as a key source of record.
• Build and maintain Zoho integrations and automations using Deluge, JavaScript, and REST APIs.
• Connect low-code and automation platforms (n8n, Zapier, Base44) into reliable, observable data flows.

Data Quality & Governance

• Implement data quality checks, validation frameworks, and lineage tracking.
• Contribute to data cataloguing and documentation efforts.
• Enforce data security, access control, and compliance standards.

AI-Assisted Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Use AI tools such as Claude Code and LLMs to accelerate development, testing, and documentation.
• Participate in code reviews and promote engineering best practices.
• Stay current with data engineering trends and contribute to tooling and process improvements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3–5 years relevant experience in a data engineering or similar role.
• Strong proficiency in Python (pandas or equivalent) and SQL.
• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining ELT/ETL pipelines in production.
• Strong experience with PostgreSQL — schema design and query optimisation.
• Experience building backend services with Node.js and TypeScript.
• Working knowledge of Docker and containerised deployments.
• Experience with workflow automation/orchestration tools (n8n, Zapier, or similar).
• Understanding of data modelling concepts and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to data quality.
• Experience integrating with Zoho CRM using Deluge and JavaScript.
• Familiarity with low-code / AI automation platforms (Base44, n8n).
• Experience using AI developer tools such as Claude Code and LLM-based assistants.
• Front-end exposure (React, Tailwind CSS, Framer Motion) for building internal data tools.
• Experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment.
• Background in property, financial services, or investment domains (relevant to the group).