Data Engineer

2U; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational technology company in South Africa seeks a Data Engineer III with 7+ years in the data industry, including 4+ years in data engineering. The role involves designing data pipelines, optimizing workflows, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have strong SQL skills, familiarity with ETL/ELT processes, and experience with AWS services. This is an opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization focused on transforming education through digital technology.

Benefits

2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year

Subsidised medical aid

Generous leave policy

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in the data industry, including 4+ years in a data engineering role.
• Expert in SQL with experience in database design and management.
• Familiarity with containerized services like Docker and Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Design and build robust, scalable ETL/ELT data pipelines.
• Optimize and performance-tune complex data workflows to minimize latency.
• Lead data model design for Data Warehouses, ensuring data quality.

Skills

SQL

ETL/ELT processes

Python

Data warehousing

DevOps practices

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Engineering

Tools

Airflow

Terraform

AWS services (e.g., RDS, EC2)

Job description

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world‑class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Engineer III to serve as a key individual contributor responsible for architecting, implementing, and maintaining robust Data Technology Systems across the entire Modern Data Stack (Data Integration, Storage, Transformation, and Governance). This role demands deep technical proficiency and architectural foresight, requiring the candidate to be hands‑on, capable of diving deep into any part of the stack, and executing complex technical work efficiently.

As a senior member of the team, you will spearhead technical and infrastructure innovation, mature our code base and development processes, and provide essential technical guidance and mentorship to Junior and Intermediate Data Engineers. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including Analytics Engineers and Product Managers, to ensure the delivery of optimized data pipelines and reliable, high‑impact data products.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Design and build robust, scalable, and high‑performance ETL/ELT data pipelines
• Develop and implement solutions using advanced programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, DBT)
• Optimize and performance‑tune complex data workflows and queries to handle massive data volumes and ensure minimal latency
• Lead the design and implementation of data models for Data Warehouses (Snowflake etc.)
• Implement data quality frameworks (validation, monitoring, and testing) to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• Establish comprehensive error logging and alerting systems for pipeline health and failure remediation
• Apply DevOps practices to data infrastructure, often involving Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform)
• Effectively leverage knowledge, expertise and experience to lead and deliver projects
• Effectively support and mentor data engineers
• Stakeholder management throughout all business departments
• Collaborate with other engineers and analysts to execute projects
• Perform research and constantly stay on top of the industry’s trends
• Engage and proactively seek opportunities for improvement through ongoing learning

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• 7+ years experience in the Data industry
  • 4+ years experience in a Data Engineering role
• Expert in SQL, with the ability to implement it where needed across both Data Virtualization and Data Warehousing systems
• Experience in database design and database management
• A sound understanding of data management principles, including data quality assurance and data governance
• Experience in source code and version control systems
• Experience with infrastructure automation (Terraform)
• Familiarity working with containerized services (Docker and Kubernetes)
• Experience in the shipment of data using various methods, such as ETL/ELT, within tools such as Airflow (MWAA), Argo, dbt
• Experience using services within the AWS ecosystem (e.g, RDS, EC2, Redshift, EKS)
• Understanding or knowledge of Linux commands (bash scripting)
• Manages multiple projects, resolves challenges swiftly, delivers adaptable approaches, and values diverse opinions.
• Takes ownership, anticipates new problems, tests solutions, and mentors on effective problem‑solving techniques.
• Sets quarterly goals aligned with team objectives, tracks progress in Workday, and communicates barriers to the manager. Takes personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work, correcting mistakes and learning from them.
• Demonstrates expert understanding, introduces new tools/methodologies, and provides team training to enhance productivity.
• Tailors messages for audience understanding, engages respectfully in team meetings, synthesizes thoughts effectively, presents confidently, and actively listens to stakeholders.
• Consistently builds and maintains key stakeholder relationships, perceived as a trusted partner, offers sound guidance, and navigates challenging relationships effectively.

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• A degree in Computer Science/Information Systems/Engineering preferred

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world‑class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.

• 2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year
• Subsidised medical aid with Discovery Health Medical Scheme
• 4% 2U contribution towards Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous leave policy including time off to volunteer for non‑profit organization, study leave, sports leave and a company‑wide festive season break

2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike.

2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

About 2U

For more than a decade, 2U has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non‑profit colleges and universities delivering high‑quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world‑class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U. Together with the majority of the world’s top‑ranked universities and industry‑leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world‑class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we’re not stopping there — we’re relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.

Equal Opportunity

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.

Employment Verification

2U is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups who may contribute to Employment Equity within the workplace and the further diversification of ideas. In this regard, the relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity will be considered when appointing potential candidates. We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. 2U requires that you submit a copy of either your identity document or your passport and any applicable work permit if you are a foreign national, along with an updated curriculum vitae.