Junior Data Engineer

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (SA) Ltd in South Africa seeks a data-focused engineer to support data architecture, database development, and ETL processes. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure data quality and drive improvement across the data lifecycle.

The role requires 1-2 years in data engineering or related fields, with proficiency in SQL and Python, and exposure to cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/GCP).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, software engineering, data engineering, information technology, or related field.
• 1-2 years' experience in data engineering, database development, software development, or related technical discipline.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python; exposure to data integration, ETL processes, and cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.

Responsibilities

• Oversee data collection mechanisms and how they fit into data architecture, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Contribute to the approval process for database specifications to ensure standards and data integrity.
• Collect business requirements using interviews, document analysis, workshops, and workflow analysis to express requirements for target user roles and goals.
• Install and test complex databases to ensure they meet customer requirements.
• Design storage, data center, network, and client/server environments to align with best practices and provide escalation for infrastructure solutions.
• Implement security measures, monitor performance, and notify security experts of issues.
• Create and maintain technical/user documentation and back up files for quick recovery.
• Research and suggest technical developments to improve the website/portal/software and supporting infrastructure.
• Identify noncompliance with policies and codes, escalate issues as appropriate.
• Develop own capabilities through training and coaching; pursue external accreditation where relevant.
• Maintain understanding of relevant technology, regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data integration

ETL processes

Cloud platforms

Database development

Software development

Data engineering

Cloud Platform

Structured Query Language

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/SE/IT

Tools

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

Let's Write Africa's Story Together! Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description You will form part of the Mass Foundation Cluster which is one of the largest customer-facing business segments in Old Mutual. Our vision is to be our customers' most trusted financial partner, passionate about helping them achieve their lifetime goals. Our mission is to enable positive futures for our customers, by bridging the gap between their resources and their financial service's needs. Our primary goal is to facilitate access to financial solutions for our customers and to keep pace with their changing needs. Our target market is the low and emerging-middle income segment.

Responsibilities

• Data Architecture Oversee data collection mechanisms and how they fit into data architecture, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Database Specifications Contribute to the approval process for database specifications to ensure all agreed standards and protocols are followed and data integrity is preserved.
• Business Requirements Identification Collect business requirements using a variety of methods, such as interviews, document analysis, workshops, and workflow analysis, to express the requirements in terms of target user roles and goals.
• Databases Installation Install and test complex databases and associated products to ensure they are suitable for use and meet customer requirements.
• Infrastructure and Network Development and Maintenance Design and select medium-complexity storage, data center, network, and client/server environments to design solutions in line with industry best practice and provide a third-line point of escalation for appropriate global infrastructure solutions.
• Information Security Implement required security measures, such as firewalls or message encryption, monitoring performance to notify security experts of any problems.
• Documentation and Backup Create and maintain technical and/or user documentation to a high standard, and back up files to ensure instant recovery if problems occur.
• Technical Developments Recommendation Research and suggest technical developments to improve the quality of the website/portal/software and supporting infrastructure to better meet users’ needs.
• Analysis of "As Is" and "To Be" Support and contribute to the documentation of "as is" and "to be" processes and describe the changes required to migrate to the "to be" capability to record accurately the change required.
• Operational Compliance Identify, within the team, instances of noncompliance with the organization's policies and procedures and/or relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct, reporting these instances and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Personal Capability Building Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential.
• Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 1- 2 years' experience in data engineering, database development, software development, or a related technical discipline.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python is required, with exposure to data integration, ETL processes, and cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Knowledge of database design, data warehousing, data pipelines, and data governance principles is preferred.
• Experience within financial services, collections, payments, customer operations, contact centre environments or other data-intensive environments will be advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Skills

• Cloud Platform, Database Development, Data Engineering, Data Integration, Python (Programming Language), Software Development, Structured Query Language (SQL)

Competencies

• Action Oriented Communicates Effectively Cultivates Innovation Ensures Accountability Manages Complexity Optimizes Work Processes Plans and Aligns Tech Savvy Education NQF Level 7

Closing Date 04 September 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

Old Mutual Story!

Old Mutual is a premium African financial services organisation that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key market segments in 14 countries. The lines of business include Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management and Banking and Lending. We are rooted in our purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day and believe that a great customer experience is anchored in a great employee experience.