Data Engineering Test Lead
Summary
Leads QA and testing of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes and BI reporting solutions in Cape Town: owns the test strategy across SIT, data validation, regression and UAT, builds SQL-based reconciliation and automated data-quality checks, and mentors a small test team. Contract role requiring advanced SQL and 5-8 years' data/QA testing.
To lead the quality assurance and testing of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes and reporting solutions, ensuring data is accurate, reliable and fit for business use. The role blends hands-on data/SQL testing with test leadership, UAT coordination and structured stakeholder engagement across Business, SMEs and technical teams.
Key Responsibilities
1. Testing & Data Quality
Define and own the test strategy across SIT, data validation, regression and UAT for data and BI solutions.
Design and execute data reconciliation, validation and quality checks (source-to-target, row counts, transformation logic, business rules).
Build repeatable test frameworks and automated data quality checks where possible.
Manage defect logging, triage, root-cause analysis and resolution tracking.
2. Leadership & Coordination
Lead and mentor a small team of testers / QA analysts; coordinate testing resources and priorities.
Plan and coordinate UAT with business users and SMEs — scope, entry/exit criteria, scenarios, execution tracking and business sign-off.
Manage testing risks, dependencies and readiness for go-live.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Engage Business, Internal teams and SMEs in a structured, professional manner.
Define test cases and communicate quality status clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Build credibility and a “big picture” business acumen — not just query-writing.
Minimum Requirements
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree/diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5–8 years in data/QA testing, with 2+ years in a lead/coordination role
Core Technical: Advanced SQL (mandatory), ETL/ELT testing, data warehousing concepts (Kimball/Data Vault)
Testing:
Domain: Short-term insurance / financial services exposure highly advantageous
Cloud / Tooling: Exposure to Azure / AWS / Snowflake, Power BI / Qlik; test/automation tools an advantage
Advantageous / Nice-to-Have
· Guidewire, TIA or similar insurance platform data structures
· Python for test automation / data validation
· Experience in cloud migration or Medallion architecture initiatives
· ISTQB or similar testing certification
Key Strengths (Ideal Candidate)
Strong SQL and data-testing capability with a quality-first mindset
Proven test leadership and UAT coordination
Structured stakeholder engagement and business acumen — commands respect and sees the bigger picture
Analytical, methodical problem-solver who can bridge business and technology
Location: Cape Town
Engagement Type: Contract