Specialist Data Engineer at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

Work embedded as a member of squad OR; across multiple squads to produce, test, document and review algorithms & data specific source code that supports the deployment & optimisation of data retrieval, processing, storage and distribution for a business area.

Job Description

This role provides an exciting opportunity within the Chief Technology Office – Data Solutions team. Working closely with business stakeholders and technology leaders, you will play a key role in the creation and implementation of Big Data applications and products across Absa. Support innovation, design, build and test applications that deliver analytical and predictive content direct to users, combining commercial, analytical and technological expertise. Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Absa Operational Risk Framework and internal Absa Policies and Standards.

Key Accountabilities

Project Work:

• Work with domain experts to identify and formalize approaches for solving business problems using machine learning and data science.

• Design, validate, implement, deploy and monitor machine learning models/algorithms on large datasets

• Work with large datasets using big tools (such as Spark, Hadoop) and/or data science tools (i.e. sk-learn, pandas, numpy, etc.)

• Comfortable engaging with business area subject matter experts, data analysts and system administrators to find data required for projects.

• Collaborating with the engineering team in the establishment of data pipelines from source systems to Hadoop.

• Working with lead data scientists to assist in the refinement of business requirements into measureable and actionable deliverables.

• Collaborate and work closely with cross-functional business partners (business-unit technology teams) to assist and oversee the deployment of the outputs of your work.

• Will create meaningful presentations and analyses that tell a “story” focused on insights not just data

Infrastructure:

• Contribute to data and technology initiatives as they relate to data science.

• Familiarity with the Big Data stack (Hadoop, Kafka, Spark, etc.) as well as experience with using these tools to develop and deploy data products and applications.

• Support data science colleagues in working with technology infrastructure colleagues to ensure a productive analytical and development environment.

• Beneficial, experience with building ML products in the Cloud (preferably using Amazon Web Services).

Key critical requirements: Education and experience Required

• BSc, BCom, BEng, BBusSc or equivalent NQF level 6 qualification

• Degree in a quantitative discipline such mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or engineering.

• Understanding of and experience of using Big Data technologies essential

• Understanding of and experience of applying machine learning methods is preferred

• Coding/software development skills. Strong mathematical and statistical skills.

• Strong programming skills, proven track record of coding ability and experience (hands-on back end development)

• Knowledge of information technology environments, administration, policies and processes. Working knowledge of financial and management accounting desirable

• Scala (preferred), Python (pySpark), Java (as a precursor to learning Scala) including the key numerical, analytical and machine learning libraries / packages

• SQL

• Apache Spark (preferred), Hadoop

• Linux/Unix. Bash. Git. SBT/Maven

• Have the ability to work in either an Agile or project methodology to deliver tasks

• Advantageous: Experience in Elastic Search, Log Stash, Kibana, Tableau, Power Bi, MongoDB.

Education

Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised