Lead Data Software Engineer

EPAM Systems; Turkey; On-site; TRY 5,941,000 - 7,921,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuous upskilling

Internal courses

Mentoring programs

Certification support

Private health insurance

Referral bonuses

USD compensation

On-site facilities

Job summary

EPAM Systems seeks a hands-on Lead Data Software Engineer with deep expertise in Apache Spark and large-scale distributed computing. You will own end-to-end data infrastructure—from ingestion to reliable, scalable pipelines—while collaborating across teams to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in data software engineering, strong Python/SQL skills, and leadership experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Data Software Engineering focused on large-scale distributed systems.
• Track record designing modular components and scalable tech stacks for performance.
• Experience as a Team Lead providing technical guidance and customer interaction.
• Proficient in Python and SQL.
• Hands-on with Apache Spark, Kafka, and Airflow.
• Cloud proficiency with AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Databricks or Snowflake experience is a plus.
• Spark performance tuning and SDLC/Agile awareness.
• Strong English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of data ingestion solutions and pipelines using Cloud Native and Big Data technologies.
• Provide daily guidance and mentorship; act as the technical point of contact for customers.
• Manage full tech stack: configuration, monitoring, debugging, and tuning.
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines for processing and analysis.
• Collaborate with data architects to translate requirements into specs.
• Lead code reviews and ensure SDLC best practices and quality gates.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for data projects.
• Troubleshoot data issues to ensure reliable, scalable solutions.

Skills

Python

SQL

Team Leadership

Apache Spark

Cloud Platforms

Distributed Systems

SDLC & Agile

English Proficiency

Performance Tuning

Cross-functional Collaboration

Tools

Kafka

Airflow

Databricks

Snowflake

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on and experienced Lead Data Software Engineer with a deep understanding of Apache Spark and large‑scale distributed computing. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of our data infrastructure—from designing and implementing ingestion solutions to ensuring the long‑term reliability and scalability of our data pipelines. The successful candidate will be a collaborative professional, capable of working with cross‑functional teams to translate complex business requirements into high‑quality technical solutions while maintaining a rigorous focus on engineering standards and performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, Implementation & Architecture: Lead the design and implementation of robust data ingestion solutions and pipelines using Cloud Native and Big Data technologies. You will be responsible for architecting key system components and selecting the appropriate tech stack to ensure long‑term scalability, performance, and alignment with the broader technical roadmap
• Team Leadership & Customer Communication: Act as the team lead by providing daily guidance and mentorship to ensure the team delivers high‑quality, scalable solutions on schedule. Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customers, translating business visions into actionable technical roadmaps while managing expectations regarding delivery, feasibility, and progress
• System Management: Manage the full technical stack, including configuration management, monitoring, debugging, and performance tuning of data solutions
• Pipeline Maintenance: Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines for efficient data processing and analysis
• Collaboration: Partner with cross‑functional teams and data architects to identify business requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Quality Assurance: Lead and participate in code reviews and development testing to ensure adherence to standards, quality gates, and SDLC best practices
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for all data engineering projects to ensure transparency and knowledge sharing
• Operational Excellence: Troubleshoot and resolve data‑related issues in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring all solutions are of high quality, reliable, and scalable

Requirements

• Professional Experience: 5+ years of experience in Data Software Engineering focused on large‑scale distributed systems
• Architectural Design & Scalability: Demonstrated track record of designing modular system components and selecting technology stacks (e.g., storage formats, processing engines) that ensure long‑term performance, scalability, and alignment with the broader technical roadmap
• Technical Leadership & Customer Communication: Experience as a Team Lead providing technical guidance to the team to ensure high‑quality delivery, while serving as a technical voice for customers to help bridge the gap between business needs and engineering solutions
• Programming Languages: Proficient in Python and SQL
• Big Data Stack: Extensive hands‑on experience with Apache Spark, Kafka, and Airflow
• Cloud Infrastructure: Proficient with major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Platform Knowledge: Databricks or Snowflake (nice to have)
• Technical Proficiency: Practical experience in Apache Spark job performance tuning
• Engineering Standards: Strong understanding of the SDLC, quality gates, and Agile methodologies
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills with English proficiency at a B2+ level
• Attributes: Motivated, independent, and capable of handling several projects simultaneously with a focus on efficiency

We offer

• CONTINUOUS UPSKILLING, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
  • Diversity of tasks and projects
  • Assessment center for objective review of competency level
  • Personal development plan
  • Mentoring programs and leadership development
  • Certification and professional development support
  • Access to learning platforms including more than 2,500 internal courses
  • English courses taught by certified teachers
• CORPORATE BENEFITS
  • Extra leave days
  • Referral bonuses
• COMPENSATION PACKAGE
  • Competitive compensation paid in USD
  • Regular salary and performance reviews
• MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE
  • Private health insurance
  • Well‑being events
• WORKING ENVIRONMENT
  • Recreation areas and kitchens
  • Tea, coffee and snacks
  • Sports equipment and game consoles
  • IT Equipment
  • Microsoft’s Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP)

Please note that our Talent Attraction Team reviews applications and CVs submitted in English. EPAM is global leader in AI transformation engineering and integrated consulting, serving Forbes Global 2000 companies and ambitious startups. With over thirty years of expertise in custom software, product and platform engineering, we empower our clients to become AI‑Native enterprises, driving measurable value from innovation and digital investments.