Data Engineer
Frontiers · Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
- On site
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Job highlights
- Design, build, and optimize data platform.
- Utilize Airflow, Kubernetes, Bigquery, dbt.
- Focus on scalability and reliability.
- Requires advanced Python, SQL skills.
- 3-5 years of data engineering experience.
About the role
About the Role:
We're looking for a Data Engineer to design, build, and optimize our data platform using Airflow, Kubernetes, Google Bigquery, and dbt. This role combines hands-on development with architectural responsibility — ensuring scalability and reliability across our infrastructure.
Core Technical Focus Areas
Data Engineering & Orchestration
- Experience in designing, building, and maintaining complex data pipelines using Airflow
- Strong understanding of ETL/ELT workflows and modern data engineering principles
- Proven experience deploying and operating workloads on K8s (e.g. Deployments, CronJobs, configs, and basic troubleshooting) in a production environment.
- Experience with Bigquery or other cloud datawarehouse for large-scale data processing
Cloud Infrastructure
- Hands-on experience with Google Cloud and/or Azure
- Experience applying DevOps practices — including Docker, container registries, infrastructure as code with Terraform, and CI/CD — in a production context.
Requirements
- 3-5 years of experience in data engineering
- Proficiency with Airflow, Kubernetes
- Advanced Python and SQL skills
- Collaborative and pragmatic mindset
- Based in or open to relocation to Madrid
Programming & Development Practices
- Advanced Python and SQL and data manipulation libraries
- Strong engineering discipline — testing, version control, CI/CD, and clean code principles
- Familiarity with data validation, logging, and monitoring best practices
Desired Additional Experience
- Experience working with data quality frameworks and implementing data validation processes
- Familiarity with data catalog management tools and metadata governance practices
Collaboration & Soft Skills
- Clear communication across technical and non-technical audiences
- Adaptable and organized under fast-paced conditions
Benefits
- We prioritise office presence and emphasise in-person collaboration, but also offer appropriate adjustments where needed, in line with company policy
- Extra wellbeing days on top of your annual leave allowance
- Up to 3 paid volunteering days each year
- 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme (wellbeing, mental health, legal & financial support)
- Learning & development support via the Frontiers Learning Hub
- Competitive local benefits country dependent (e.g. healthcare and pension/retirement provision)
Diversity & Inclusion
Frontiers actively embraces diversity and is a safe and welcoming workplace. Recruitment is free from discrimination - including based on race, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. With employees from more than 50 different nations, our diversity creates vibrant teams and constantly challenges us to appreciate multiple perspectives.
Key skills/competency
- Data Engineering
- Airflow
- Kubernetes
- Google Bigquery
- dbt
- Python
- SQL
- ETL/ELT
- DevOps
- Cloud Infrastructure
Skills & topics
- Data Engineer
- Airflow
- Kubernetes
- Google Bigquery
- dbt
- Python
- SQL
- ETL
- ELT
- DevOps
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Data Platform
- Data Pipelines
- Google Cloud
- Azure
- Docker
- Terraform
- CI/CD
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with Airflow, Kubernetes, Bigquery, dbt, Python, and SQL, aligning with Frontiers' technical needs.
- Showcase DevOps skills: Emphasize your experience with Docker, Terraform, CI/CD, and Google Cloud or Azure.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of clear communication and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss complex data pipeline design and production Kubernetes deployments.
- Research Frontiers: Understand their mission of open science and their commitment to diversity.
Technical preparation
Master Python, SQL, and data manipulation.,Practice Airflow pipeline design.,Familiarize with Kubernetes deployments.,Understand Bigquery and dbt.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex data pipeline you built.,How do you handle fast-paced project changes?,Explain a time you collaborated with non-technical teams.,How do you ensure data quality and reliability?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary technology stack for the Data Engineer role at Frontiers?
- The Data Engineer role at Frontiers primarily utilizes Airflow for orchestration, Kubernetes for deployment, Google Bigquery for data warehousing, and dbt for data transformation.
- What level of experience is required for the Data Engineer position at Frontiers?
- Frontiers requires 3-5 years of experience in data engineering, with proficiency in advanced Python and SQL skills.
- Does this Data Engineer role involve cloud infrastructure management?
- Yes, this role requires hands-on experience with Google Cloud and/or Azure, and applying DevOps practices like Docker, Terraform, and CI/CD.
- What are the collaboration expectations for a Data Engineer at Frontiers?
- Frontiers values in-person collaboration but offers adjustments. The Data Engineer should possess clear communication skills and be adaptable in fast-paced conditions.
- Is relocation required for the Data Engineer position at Frontiers?
- The job description states the candidate should be based in or open to relocation to Madrid.
- What are the key programming languages and skills needed for this Data Engineer role?
- Advanced Python and SQL skills are essential, along with experience in data manipulation libraries and strong engineering discipline (testing, version control, CI/CD).
- What additional experience is considered beneficial for the Data Engineer role at Frontiers?
- Experience with data quality frameworks, implementing data validation processes, and familiarity with data catalog management tools and metadata governance are desired.
- How does Frontiers support employee growth and development?
- Frontiers supports learning and development through the Frontiers Learning Hub and offers competitive local benefits.