Today’s extract-transform-load (ETL) developers have to leverage knowledge and expertise from multiple fields. ETL development lies near the intersection of database design and programming but requires a significantly versatile skillset within both fields. Data everywhere is growing rapidly, and all companies growing with it will need specialists to maintain it.
Today’s extract-transform-load (ETL) developers have to leverage knowledge and expertise from multiple fields. ETL development lies near the intersection of database design and programming but requires a significantly versatile skillset within both fields. Data everywhere is growing rapidly, and all companies growing with it will need specialists to maintain it.
On the database side, candidates might require knowledge of data modeling principles to prepare a final structure for the processed data, knowledge of algorithms for transformations and performance tuning, and familiarity with multiple solutions for keeping data like RDBMSes, NoSQL databases, and other Big Data solutions.
As for programming, ETL developers may need basic shell or Unix scripting skills for managing file/folder structures; they may equally need to know the basic principles of object-oriented programming in various widespread languages like C#, Python, Java, or Go to be able to get and process data from applications and web services.
Although the ETL developer position can vary widely depending on the technology stack used, there are some common skills absolutely required, like advanced SQL knowledge.
The data processed by an ETL developer has to comply with a company’s standards and should meet the needs of end users.
ETL Developer - Job Description and Ad Template
Copy this template, and modify it as your own:
Company Introduction
{{ Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about the company’s culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote working possibilities, and everything else that you think makes your company interesting. }}
Job Description
We are currently seeking an ETL developer to design and implement ETL processes. You will build ETL pipelines to ingest the data from heterogeneous sources into our system. You should have excellent business and communication skills, and be able to work with business owners to understand their data requirements and help them make data-related decisions using your ETL knowledge and experience.
The job role might also require you to learn new tools and technologies fast, and you should have in-depth database knowledge as well as basic programming and scripting skills. You will help to build efficient and stable data pipelines which can be easily maintained in the future. You should have expertise in the design, creation, management, and business use of large datasets.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and continuously expand data pipelines by performing extraction, transformation, and loading activities
Gather requirements and business process knowledge in order to transform the data in a way that’s geared towards the needs of end users
Maintain and improve already existing processes
Ensure that the data architecture is scalable and maintainable
Work with the business in designing and delivering correct, high quality data
Investigate data to identify potential issues within ETL pipelines, notify end-users and propose adequate solutions
Prepare documentation for further reference
{{ Add any other relevant responsibilities here. }}
Skills
SQL knowledge (query performance tuning, index maintenance, etc.) as well as an understanding of database structure
Knowledge of data modeling principles
Organizational skills: time management and planning
Knowledge of at least one ETL tool (SSIS, Informatica, Talend, etc.) {{ For time-limited contracts, specify the exact tool required; in longer-term positions, otherwise strong candidates can be mentored on specifics }}
Knowledge of various SQL/NoSQL data storage mechanisms and Big Data technologies
High attention to detail
Passionate about complex data structures and problem solving
Ability to pick up new data tools and concepts quickly
{{ Make sure to mention any other frameworks, libraries, or other technologies relevant to your project. }}
{{ List any education level or certification you may require. }}
Toptal is a marketplace for top ETL developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. Top companies and start-ups choose Toptal ETL freelancers for their mission-critical software projects.
Paul is a seasoned software developer with over a decade of experience and a focus on Scala, Play, Akka, and Apache Spark. He develops safe, maintainable software that is robust against unintended bugs and transparent for monitoring and diagnostics. He uses computational resources efficiently, developing reactive applications that don't clog up threads.
Giovani is an experienced data professional with extensive expertise in data systems such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DB2. He is also very familiar with the Microsoft BI stack including SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, Power BI, Azure DW, and Azure DB. He also has AWS experience including RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, S3, EC2, CloudFormation, Lambda Functions, Step Functions, and VPC set up. He communicates very well and has worked in teams of all sizes.
Sam is a database and business intelligence expert with 10+ years of experience in data architecture, analytics, and reporting, and a strong background in finance, sales, and operations. He's detail-oriented with excellent communication skills. If your project involves data and complex requirements, he can do it with his eyes closed. Look no further for someone who shares your values for quality and attention to detail.