Woolworths, one of South Africa’s most iconic and customer-centric retailers, is looking for talented Data Engineers to join their dynamic team in Cape Town. As part of the company’s ongoing digital transformation, the company is seeking two Data Engineers who are eager to contribute to the company’s technological growth while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and platforms in cloud-based data engineering.
Data Engineer Job Overview
- Listing Reference: woolw_001258
- Listing Status: Online
- Apply By: 3 July 2025
- Position: Data Engineer: Data X2
- Industry: FMCG & Supply Management
- Location: Cape Town
- Contract: Permanent
- Remuneration: Market Related
- EE Position: No
Key Responsibilities
As a Data Engineer, your primary responsibility will be to design and implement scalable, robust processes that enable effective data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of both structured and unstructured data.
You will work with a variety of AWS services to build and optimize data pipelines, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to integrate data workflows into AI/ML models and analytics solutions.
- Design & Build Data Pipelines: You will be responsible for building and maintaining automated, scalable data pipelines using AWS services like Glue, Lambda, Step Functions, EMR, and Kinesis.
- Develop ETL/ELT Processes: Design and develop ETL processes to manage large volumes of data, ensuring that data is ingested, transformed, and delivered into data lakes, data warehouses, and analytical environments.
- Data Transformation & Integration: Build and implement data transformation logic to ensure that data is structured and readily available for engineering, analytics, and AI/ML use cases.
- Optimize Data Processing: You will optimize both batch and real-time data processing workflows to enhance performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Implement Data Movement Strategies: Ensure efficient and secure data transfer across cloud storage layers, and implement robust data movement strategies.
- Collaborate with Analytics Teams: Work closely with AI/ML and analytics teams to ensure structured and high-quality data flows smoothly into their models and insights.
- Develop CI/CD Pipelines: Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines for automated testing, deployment, and monitoring of data workflows.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Leverage tools like Terraform and CloudFormation to automate cloud infrastructure management and deployment.
- Monitoring and Optimization: Continuously monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot data pipelines to improve performance, reduce latency, and minimize operational costs.
Technical Tools You Will Work With:
- AWS Services: Redshift, Glue, Lambda, EMR, S3, IAM, RDS, Athena, Kinesis
- Data Processing: Apache Spark, AWS Glue, Lambda
- Version Control: Git, SVN
- CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab, AWS CodePipeline
- Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, CloudFormation
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this role, you should meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering.
- Experience: 4-5 years of relevant data engineering experience, specifically working in cloud-based environments.
- Technical Skills:
- Strong proficiency in AWS services such as Redshift, Glue, Lambda, EMR, and S3.
- Hands-on experience with cloud-based ETL/ELT pipelines and data engineering workflows.
- Strong programming skills in Python, Scala, Java, and C++.
- Familiarity with distributed data processing frameworks like Apache Spark.
- Experience with streaming data solutions (Kafka, Kinesis, and CDC synchronization).
- Proficiency in CI/CD practices and version control systems like Git.
- Certifications: AWS Data Analytics and AWS Solutions Architect certifications are advantageous.
Additional Criteria
Woolworths values certain soft skills and characteristics that would make you a great fit for their team:
- Analytical Mindset: You must demonstrate a strong ability to break down complex data issues and devise effective solutions.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communication skills are essential for articulating complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders and working with different teams across the organization.
- Continuous Learning: Woolworths places high value on staying up to date with the latest data engineering trends and technologies. A commitment to professional development and certification is key.
- Innovative Thinking: The ability to proactively identify opportunities to improve data processes and methodologies.
- Adaptability: You must be comfortable with a fast-paced environment and able to manage multiple priorities while adapting to changes in business needs.
- Cultural Fit: Woolworths looks for individuals who align with their values of integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
Key Benefits
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment that fosters innovation and continuous learning.
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and cloud-based data engineering tools.
- Access to a variety of career growth and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Be part of a team that values diversity, inclusion, and creative thinking.
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How to Apply
If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply now to join Woolworths as a Data Engineer. Applications are open until 3 July 2025, so don’t miss the chance to be part of an industry leader in retail and FMCG.
Apply today and take your career to new heights with Woolworths!
The Data Engineer job opportunities at Woolworths present an exciting chance for skilled professionals to join one of South Africa’s leading retailers in Cape Town. If you have a strong background in cloud-based data engineering, are passionate about working with cutting-edge technology, and want to contribute to the future of retail and FMCG, this role is for you.
Woolworths offers not only a competitive salary and benefits package but also a collaborative environment where you can grow, learn, and make a significant impact.