Azure data engineer
Summary
Designs, builds, and maintains Azure-based data pipelines and lakehouse architectures using Databricks, Synapse, and Data Factory to deliver clean, reliable datasets for analytics and AI.
Johannesburg, South Africa | Posted on 02/13/2026
The Azure Data Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, optimizing, and maintaining data pipelines and data solutions within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. The role requires strong experience in cloud-based data engineering, modern data architectures, and scalable data processing frameworks.
Design, develop, and maintain Azure-based data pipelines (batch and streaming).
Implement ETL/ELT solutions using Azure Data Factory (ADF), Azure Databricks, Synapse Analytics , and related Azure services.
Build and optimize data models , including Data Lakehouse architectures (Medallion, Delta Lake).
Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance across all data processes.
Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business teams to provide clean, reliable datasets.
Perform pipeline monitoring, troubleshooting, performance optimization, and cost optimization.
Develop CI/CD pipelines using Azure Dev Ops for data-related deployments.
Implement security best practices, including RBAC, encryption, and data access governance .
Required Technical Skills
Strong proficiency with Azure Data Factory (ADF) , Azure Databricks (Py Spark) , and Azure Synapse Analytics .
Expert knowledge of Python , SQL , and data transformation frameworks.
Experience with Delta Lake , Spark , Data Lake Storage (ADLS) , and distributed compute patterns.
Familiarity with Data Vault , Dimensional Modelling , or Medallion architecture .
Experience with cloud Dev Ops tools (Azure Dev Ops, Git Hub Actions ).
Knowledge of streaming technologies (Kafka, Event Hubs) is an advantage.
Requirements Qualifications & Certifications (Preferred)
Azure certifications such as:AZ‑900 Azure Fundamentals
DP‑203 Azure Data Engineer Associate
Databricks Data Engineer certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
Experience
5+ years of data engineering experience (Azure preferred).
Proven experience building and supporting production-scale cloud data solutions.
Location & Working Model
Location: Johannesburg (Hybrid working model)
Ways of Working: Standard SAST business hours
Candidate: Preferably a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident