Senior Data Engineer

Data Co Lab X; Deutschland; Remote; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kpler is seeking a Senior Data Engineer for the Maritime Models team to own core data pipelines and storage architectures powering vessel tracking and predictive analytics.

You will design, scale, and optimize high-throughput batch and streaming pipelines ingesting maritime telemetry into actionable intelligence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience as a Data Engineer designing, scaling, and maintaining production‑grade data pipelines.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise in distributed NoSQL data stores, specifically Apache HBase, for high-volume time-series storage and query optimization.
• Strong proficiency in software engineering using Java and Python.
• Demonstrated experience with stream processing and orchestration tools such as Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, and Apache Airflow.
• Solid background operating containerized services on AWS cloud environments using Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and operate high-throughput batch and streaming data pipelines.
• Design, tune, and maintain scalable distributed NoSQL databases, prioritizing Apache HBase performance.
• Drive end-to-end operational excellence across containerized cloud environments on AWS using Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and GitOps workflows.
• Define and enforce system reliability metrics, monitoring pipeline latency, data completeness, and uptime to meet strict operational SLAs.
• Partner with Data Scientists, Product Managers, and SRE teams to translate complex maritime modeling requirements into robust, production-grade infrastructure.
• Mentor peer engineers, drive code review standards, and leverage modern AI development tools to elevate team productivity.

Skills

Java

Python

Apache Kafka

Apache Flink

Apache Airflow

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Apache HBase

Tools

Apache Kafka

Apache Flink

Apache Airflow

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Job description

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors. Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 850 experts from 69 countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting-edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success.

About the Role

As a Senior Data Engineer on our Maritime Models team, you will take technical ownership of the core data pipelines and distributed storage architectures powering Kpler's vessel tracking and predictive analytics. You will design, scale, and optimize high-throughput batch and streaming pipelines that ingest raw maritime telemetry and transform it into actionable intelligence. Working with distributed NoSQL systems like Apache HBase at scale, your work directly ensures the freshness, accuracy, and reliability of the data models our global customers depend on.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and operate high-throughput batch and streaming data pipelines using Java, Python, Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, and Airflow.

• Design, tune, and maintain scalable distributed NoSQL databases, prioritizing Apache HBase performance for high-volume time-series maritime telemetry.

• Drive end-to-end operational excellence across containerized cloud environments on AWS using Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and GitOps workflows.

• Define and enforce system reliability metrics, monitoring pipeline latency, data completeness, and uptime to meet strict operational SLAs.

• Partner with Data Scientists, Product Managers, and SRE teams to translate complex maritime modeling requirements into robust, production-grade infrastructure.

• Mentor peer engineers, drive code review standards, and leverage modern AI development tools (Copilot, Cursor, Claude) to elevate team productivity.

Experience & Background

What you’ll need (Must-haves)

• 5+ years of professional experience as a Data Engineer designing, scaling, and maintaining production‑grade data pipelines.

• Deep, hands‑on expertise in distributed NoSQL data stores, specifically Apache HBase, for high-volume time-series storage and query optimization.

• Strong proficiency in software engineering using Java and Python.

• Demonstrated experience with stream processing and orchestration tools such as Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, and Apache Airflow.

• Solid background operating containerized services on AWS cloud environments using Docker, Kubernetes, and Terraform.

Nice‑to‑haves

• Experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL.

• Experience working with geospatial data technologies (e.g., GeoServer) or spatial indexing algorithms.

• Exposure to AI‑assisted software development tools like Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code.

• Domain familiarity with maritime tracking, AIS telemetry, or supply chain logistics.

We are a dynamic company dedicated to nurturing connections and innovating solutions to tackle market challenges head‑on. If you thrive on customer satisfaction and turning ideas into reality, then you’ve found your ideal destination. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

We make things happen We act decisively and with purpose, going the extra mile. We buildtogether We foster relationships and develop creative solutions to address market challenges. We are here to help We are accessible and supportive to colleagues and clients with a friendly approach.

Our People Pledge

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely than others to apply if they feel like they don’t match 100% of the job requirements. Don’t let the confidence gap stand in your way, we’d love to hear from you! We understand that experience comes in many different forms and are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Kpler is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and diverse work‑environment. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse, global community. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.