Data Integration Engineer

As a Data Integration Engineer at DemandTec, you will be responsible for designing and developing high-performance data integration jobs primarily using IBM DataStage and Java. This role involves working with product managers to understand customer data requirements, collaborating with QA teams to ensure functional and performance criteria are met, and conducting design and code reviews to enhance our merchandising applications. You will play a vital role in implementing Agile development practices, ensuring frequent releases to production while addressing customer issues promptly.

To excel as a Data Integration Engineer at DemandTec, candidates should have over five years of experience in designing ETL jobs, especially with IBM DataStage. Proficiency in SQL, particularly in DB2, and familiarity with Java and web-based application development are crucial. Additionally, experience in Linux with scripting knowledge in languages like Shell or Perl is necessary. Effective communication skills and the ability to prioritize and manage complex tasks with minimal supervision are essential qualities for success in this position.

Candidates for the Data Integration Engineer role at DemandTec are encouraged to have at least five years of experience in ETL job design, with a strong background in processing large data volumes using IBM DataStage. A minimum of two years in database stored procedures and SQL queries is expected, alongside experience in Java and web-based applications. Familiarity with SaaS and cloud technologies, coupled with a solid understanding of Linux scripting, would also be valuable assets for candidates.

At DemandTec, the work environment is dynamic and collaborative, centered around Agile methodologies. As a Data Integration Engineer, you will find yourself working in a team-oriented culture where innovation is encouraged. You will have opportunities to engage with product managers, QA teams, and other stakeholders to shape the development and enhancement of our applications, ensuring they meet both functional and performance requirements.

An ideal candidate for the Data Integration Engineer position at DemandTec should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. This educational background will provide the fundamental knowledge necessary for tackling the complex data integration tasks and challenges that arise within the role, ensuring you are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the team.

When discussing your experience with ETL processes, be sure to highlight specific projects where you designed and implemented ETL jobs. Mention the tools you used, such as IBM DataStage, and the types of data volumes you handled. Discuss any performance challenges you faced and how you optimized the process, as well as how your work contributed to the overall success of merchandising applications.

To ensure data quality in integration projects, I emphasize implementing validation checks at each step of the ETL process. This involves designing jobs that include data cleansing, transformation rules, and error handling procedures. Additionally, I collaborate closely with the QA team to perform testing and validation before going live, ensuring that all integration enhancements meet both functional and performance criteria.

When managing multiple stakeholders, effective communication is key. I ensure to hold regular check-ins and update meetings with product managers, developers, and support teams, providing transparency and gathering input throughout the development process. Forming clear documentation and aligning objectives helps facilitate collaboration and keep everyone on the same page.

In working with large data volumes, I have encountered challenges such as performance bottlenecks and data inconsistency. To address these, I focus on optimizing ETL processes by utilizing partitioning and parallel processing techniques. Additionally, I implement thorough monitoring to quickly identify and resolve issues, ensuring that data integration efforts remain efficient and effective.

To prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment, I leverage a combination of project management tools and methodologies like Agile. I assess the urgency and impact of each task, and regularly communicate with my team and stakeholders to align priorities. By focusing on high-impact tasks that align with team goals, I ensure we make consistent progress while remaining adaptable to changing needs.

In my previous roles, I have actively participated in Agile development practices, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. I value the iterative approach and continuous feedback, as it encourages collaboration and rapid adjustments to meet customer requirements. I aim to foster a culture of quality and frequent releases, allowing us to deliver value to our users swiftly.

I have extensive experience with tools such as IBM DataStage for ETL processes, SQL databases like DB2, and modern Big Data technologies. Additionally, I've worked with programming languages like Java for web applications and performed scripting on Linux using Shell and Python to automate tasks within our data integration workflows.

When debugging issues in data integration, I take a systematic approach. I start by reviewing logs and error messages to isolate the problem, then validate data at each stage of the ETL process to identify where things went wrong. Collaborating with the QA team often helps as they provide insights that can quickly point out discrepancies or failures, allowing for prompt resolution.

Data integration is crucial for merchandising applications as it ensures that accurate, timely data flows from sources into the applications that support decision-making. High-quality integrated data enables effective inventory management, personalized marketing, and analysis of consumer behavior, thereby enhancing overall business performance and customer experience.

I stay updated on new technologies and trends in data integration by regularly reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in online courses and communities. Networking with peers and attending conferences allows me to exchange ideas and learn about the latest tools and practices, ensuring that my skills and knowledge remain relevant in this fast-evolving field.