Data Engineer
Also known as: Analytics Engineer · ETL Developer · Big Data Engineer
Builds and maintains data pipelines and storage so data from source systems becomes reliably, timely and repeatably available for analysis.
The data engineer builds the infrastructure that analysts and models rely on and keeps those flows running daily. Unlike the data analyst, this role does not interpret outcomes, and unlike the data architect it actually builds the chosen structure. Selection gets stuck on a list of platforms, while the real criterion is engineering discipline: version control, tests and monitoring on data flows, because a pipeline that fails silently supplies wrong figures to the whole organisation for a long time.
Competencies to measure
These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.
| Competencies to measure | Target level | hrmforce instrument | Assessment method | Behavioural anchor at target level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical reasoning Knockout | N4 | Ability Scan | Cognitive ability test | Combines two data sources, calculates the development over time and explains which calculation step leads to which result. |
| Curiosity and exploring Competency (50-framework): Learning Ability | N3 | Big Fifty, 15PF, Motivation | Personality questionnaire | Gathers information on new methods outside the own team and brings findings into the work meeting unprompted. |
| Dealing with ambiguity Competency (50-framework): Flexibility | N3 | Big Fifty, Mental Resilience (4C), Competency Check | Situational Judgement Test | Formulates explicit assumptions when information is missing, proceeds on that basis and revises the approach once new data arrives. |
Short profile
The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.
| T | Skill | Target level | Weight | Knockout | Assessment method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Data modelling | N5 | 5 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Data management and storage | N5 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| A | Numerical reasoning | N4 | 5 | yes | Cognitive ability test |
| V | Data analysis | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | Programming | N4 | 5 | yes | Work sample test |
| V | API integration | N4 | 5 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Critical thinking and source evaluation | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Assessing data quality | N4 | 4 | yes | Work sample test |
| T | Version control and collaboration workflow | N4 | 4 | no | Work sample test |
| V | Using cloud platforms | N4 | 4 | no | Knowledge test |
See all 26 skills in the full profile
Assessment instruments for this job
Work sample test
Representative work sample under standardized conditions
Knowledge test (client-specific)
Professional knowledge test, customized for each client
Competency Check
Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment
Ability Scan
Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills
Portfolio
Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria
Structured interview
Behavioral interview with a fixed structure
Big Fifty
Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors
15PF
Personality Profile, a shorter alternative to the Big Fifty
Motivation
Drivers and sources of motivation
360 Feedback
Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors
Mental Resilience (4C)
Mental Resilience According to the 4C Model
Comparable jobs
27 skills in the profile · medior
Business Intelligence Specialist26 skills in the profile · medior
Business Intelligence Consultant28 skills in the profile · senior
Reporting Specialist26 skills in the profile · medior
Data Scientist27 skills in the profile · medior
Machine Learning Engineer28 skills in the profile · senior
AI Engineer28 skills in the profile · medior
Analytics Translator26 skills in the profile · senior