Data Engineering Lead

At 5CA, we’re looking for a Data Engineering Lead who is ready to both lead and build. This is a dual-role position: you will define the direction of the Data Engineering function while remaining hands-on in designing and implementing the systems that power our analytics, AI initiatives, and client-facing capabilities.

At 5CA, data is core infrastructure for automation, AI, and product innovation. You will play a key role in the AI-driven transformation of our engineering organisation, ensuring our data platform enables scalable analytics, AI workflows, and intelligent automation.

Over the next six months, your primary mandate is to transition our data analytics platform into a fully Microsoft Fabric-native environment. You will lead the migration roadmap, drive implementation, and establish the standards that make Fabric the structural foundation of our analytics ecosystem.

Beyond completing the transition, you are accountable for ensuring the platform is stable, secure, and built to scale. This includes implementing monitoring, governance, performance optimisation, and cost control.

You will work within the Data, CRM & Product Development department, partnering closely with the Head of Data, CRM & Product Development, developers, analysts, and project managers. You own the technical direction of the data platform, the engineering backlog, and the quality of delivery.

This role requires leadership maturity and deep technical capability. You will mentor engineers, set engineering standards, and drive execution, while actively contributing to architecture and pipeline development yourself.

About the job

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and implementation of scalable, high-performance data pipelines, platforms, and architectures.
• Manage the Data Engineering team’s backlog, priorities, and capacity to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and product teams to understand data requirements and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Oversee and contribute to the development of ETL/ELT processes, data models, and data integration frameworks.
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and governance across all systems and datasets.
• Monitor and optimise data infrastructure for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Define and enforce engineering best practices, coding standards, and security guidelines.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies, tools, and frameworks that can improve data engineering capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data engineers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Troubleshoot complex data issues and drive root cause analysis and remediation.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure data platforms align with business needs and strategic objectives.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of data processes, architecture, and integrations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations and industry standards.

About you

Hard criteria

• You are located in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, or Tunisia.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in data engineering.
• At least 2 years of leadership experience managing or mentoring engineers.
• Proven experience in designing, building, and maintaining scalable ETL/ELT pipelines and data platforms.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and data modelling techniques.
• Experience with cloud-based data architectures (e.g., Azure, AWS, or GCP).
• Strong understanding of data governance, quality frameworks, and security best practices.
• Experience integrating data from multiple sources, including APIs and third-party systems.
• Familiarity with modern data tools and technologies (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, Apache Spark, Airflow, Microsoft Fabric).
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

Soft criteria

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex data challenges.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative leader who can motivate and guide team members towards shared goals.
• Adaptable to evolving technologies and changing business requirements.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable data solutions.

Technical specifications

• A minimum internet speed of 15 Mb/s download and 15 Mb/s upload with Latency <120 ms, internationally.
• A minimum of 8 GB RAM.
• Windows 11 (all editions except Windows S Mode), or macOS 13.0 or newer.
• A processor with a CPU Mark of at least 7368 or higher, similar to i5-8300H (has to be 8th Gen Intel or above; if Ryzen, 2nd Gen or above).
• An integrated graphics card.
• A smartphone usable for two-factor authentication that runs at least:

• Android 10.0 or newer
• Apple iOS 16.0 or newer

We offer

• A position at a fast-paced international company with ambitious gaming, e-commerce, and tech clients.
• Innovative digital tools, and continuous opportunities for learning and development.
• Various learning and career development initiatives throughout the year.
• Fun employee engagement activities and participation in 5CA employee-lead communities such as 5CA Connect, Pride, 5CA Gamers, Women of 5CA, to name a few.