Senior Data Engineer

Saratoga; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions company in Cape Town seeks a Senior Data Engineer to lead the design of enterprise-scale data warehouses. You will focus on creating robust data solutions and optimizing ETL pipelines. The role requires over 7 years of experience in data engineering and mastery of SQL Server. This position also offers hybrid work arrangements, reflecting our commitment to flexibility and work-life balance.

Benefits

Career development

Flexible work arrangements

Reward and recognition programmes

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience designing enterprise data warehouses and ETL pipelines.
• Expert-level skills in SQL Server and dimensional modelling.
• Proven ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of data warehouses.
• Architect and optimize ETL pipelines using SQL Server.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and maintain data models.

Skills

Data Engineering

SQL Server

ETL Development

Data Modelling

Cloud Data Platforms

Education

7+ years of experience in Data Engineering

2+ years in Senior Data Engineer capacity

Tools

Microsoft Data Platform (e.g., SSIS, ADF, Power BI)

Job description

Join our Technical Consulting team as a Senior Data Engineer where you will lead and design enterprise-scale data warehouses leveraging the Microsoft Data Platform, SQL Server, Kimball methodology, and star schema modelling. The focus of this role is on designing and developing robust data solutions, data warehousing, and ETL pipelines in line with industry standard software engineering practices, supporting our clients’ strategic business objectives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the design and implementation of enterprise data warehouses using industry standard best practices (Kimball, star schema, and related dimensional modeling approaches).
• Architect and optimize ETL pipelines and integrations using SQL Server and other Microsoft Data Platform tools.
• Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions with strong data modelling and integration.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders and technical teams.
• Develop and maintain data models, architectural documentation, and technical artifacts.
• Optimize and troubleshoot data warehouse performance and ETL pipelines.
• Mentor and support other team members, driving technical and architectural best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years’ experience as a Data Engineer, with at least 2 years in a Senior Data Engineer capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in enterprise data warehouse design, ETL pipeline development, and dimensional modelling.
• Expert‑level skills in Microsoft SQL Server (development, performance tuning), star schemas, and Microsoft Data Platform tools (e.g., SSIS, ADF, Power BI).
• Strong knowledge of the Kimball methodology and dimensional modelling.
• Proven ability to work with industry standard software engineering practices such as requirements analysis, solution design, construction, testing, implementation, and validation.
• Experience in translating business requirements into technical designs and specifications.
• Experience in the full data solution lifecycle: requirements gathering, prototyping, modelling, construction, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
• Leadership capabilities at a technical level: guiding teams, evaluating existing architectures, and introducing improvements aligned to industry best practices.
• Understanding of data quality, security, and end‑to‑end documentation standards.
• Ability to provide traceability and impact analysis for major data projects.

Advantageous

• Experience with cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud).
• Background in data governance, metadata management, and data quality frameworks.
• Experience working in Agile environments.

Key Attributes

• Excellent communicator
• Able to interact with clients at a systems analysis level
• You have a knack for picking up new technologies
• Love to find easier ways of doing things, and a good problem solver
• Passionate about technology
• Proven people management skills
• Delivery focused
• Able to work in projects (multi‑task) environment
• Responsive to change

Who we are

Saratoga is a company filled with like‑minded individuals who deliver quality solution delivery services and are motivated to make a positive impact in the world through technology.

We partner with our global client base to deliver innovative business and technology solutions to market fast, cost‑effectively, and ethically.

As a values‑driven organisation, our values of People Matter, Mutual Respect and Personal Excellence guide us in how we work with our clients, business partners and each other.

We offer our people well‑rounded work experience. From training, career development and tech talks to help our staff develop their skills and knowledge. To virtual and in‑person socials to give our teams the opportunities to connect, and reward and recognition programmes to celebrate the awesome work and achievements of our people.

At Saratoga, we prioritize flexibility in our work arrangements, embracing both remote and hybrid models to cater to our staff's preferences. However, as a consulting firm, there are instances when on‑site presence at the client's location becomes essential for project success and client collaboration.

We strive to provide innovative solutions and inspire each other to be the best we can be. If you are looking to join an organisation where people really do matter, take a look at our open roles: www.saratoga.co.za/careers/

Employment Equity requirement

Employment Equity candidates and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Saratoga is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, or belief. The relevant laws and principles associated with Employment Equity and Black Economic Empowerment will be considered when appointing potential candidates.

POPI

Saratoga is POPIA compliant, and all personal information is protected according to legislation. By applying for any of our available vacancies, you give Saratoga consent to process your Personal Information for Recruitment Purposes, according to the POPI ACT, 2013. If you have any concerns regarding your Personal Information and our compliance towards the legislation, you are welcome to request our Privacy Policy, or follow this link to view it: https://saratogasoftware.com/privacy-policy/