Data Engineering Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of big data, the spotlight on data engineering managers has never been brighter.

As the data-driven revolution continues, the demand for skilled leaders who can organize, analyze, and secure our burgeoning data reservoirs grows increasingly urgent.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a data engineering manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A recruiter aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of data engineering,

You’ve landed at the right place.

Today, we are presenting a customizable data engineering manager job description template, specifically designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Data Engineering Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Data Engineering Managers oversee the design and maintenance of large databases and data systems.

They play a crucial role in decision making for businesses as they manage the flow of data and ensure its accuracy to enable precise analysis.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of data architectures, databases, and processing systems
• Establishing and implementing data engineering policies, strategies, and procedures
• Working with data scientists and analysts to turn data into critical information and knowledge that can be used to make sound business decisions
• Managing and optimizing data pipelines, architectures, and data sets
• Ensuring data quality and accuracy
• Building and managing a team of data engineers
• Collaborating with other teams such as software engineering, data science, and business intelligence to align data initiatives and ensure coherence and reliability
• Staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices in data architecture and management
• Developing and managing data governance principles and standards
• Resolving any issues that may hinder the performance or security of the data systems

 

Data Engineering Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Data Engineering Manager to lead our data engineering team.

The Data Engineering Manager will be responsible for managing and organizing data while overseeing the development, testing, and maintenance of databases and large-scale data processing systems.

Candidates should have a deep understanding of data architectures, databases, and data processing technologies with a strong background in Data Engineering or a similar field.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and provide technical leadership to the data engineering team
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines and build out new API integrations to support continuing increases in data volume and complexity
• Collaborate with stakeholders and teams to understand and deliver on their data requirements
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity through quality assurance processes
• Design and implement complex database models and data systems
• Develop strategies for data acquisitions, archive recovery, and implementation of a database
• Implement security measures to safeguard sensitive data
• Stay current with industry trends and recommend and implement new technologies to enhance current processes

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Data Engineer or similar role
• Experience with data architecture and data warehousing
• Expertise in SQL and experience with big data tools and frameworks such as Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka
• Experience in data integration, data lifecycle management and data governance
• Familiarity with Python, Java or Scala
• Strong analytical and project management skills
• Proficiency in cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud or Azure
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Data Engineering Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Data Engineering.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $145,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Data Engineering Manager Do?

Data Engineering Managers typically work in the tech industry, often for large corporations, small businesses, or startups.

They can also be part of IT or data science firms.

They manage a team of Data Engineers and oversee the design and construction of large-scale data processing systems.

Their role involves creating architectures that allow data scientists and analysts to easily access relevant data sets for their analyses.

Data Engineering Managers work closely with other managers and team leaders in the organization to understand their data requirements and create data solutions to meet these needs.

They are responsible for ensuring that the data is accurate, consistent, and accessible.

They are tasked with the responsibility of comparing the systems they manage to the original objectives to ensure client satisfaction and business goals are met.

They are also responsible for the maintenance of these systems, ensuring they are updated and refined as needed.

Often, they are involved in strategic decisions and planning, proposing ways to enhance data reliability, efficiency, and quality.

They also handle troubleshooting and resolving data processing issues, striving for optimal performance and usability.

Data Engineering Managers also play a crucial role in staff training and development, ensuring their team stays up-to-date with the latest data tools and technologies.

 

Data Engineering Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Data Engineering Manager should possess the following qualifications and skills set:

• Strong understanding of databases and big data tools, including SQL, Hadoop, and Apache Spark.
• Proven experience in data warehouse design and data mining, having the ability to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data.
• Excellent leadership skills to manage and motivate a team of data engineers, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and resolve system problems to ensure efficient data processing.
• Good understanding of machine learning algorithms and data science tools, as they will often need to work closely with data scientists.
• Strong project management skills to oversee the design and implementation of new data systems and strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with other departments and stakeholders, conveying the value and implications of complex data in understandable terms.
• Detail-oriented approach to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data systems.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, along with significant experience in a data engineering role.

 

Data Engineering Manager Experience Requirements

Data Engineering Managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in data engineering roles.

Entry-level candidates for this role may start their career in data science or data analysis roles.

These roles provide a solid foundation in managing data and using data-oriented tools and programming languages, such as SQL, Python, or R.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience might have worked as a Data Engineer or in a related position, gaining experience in designing, building and maintaining data architecture, databases and processing systems.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience may have advanced to senior data engineering roles, where they are responsible for optimizing data retrieval, developing data set processes, and implementing data strategies and policies.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience are likely to have sufficient leadership experience, having guided cross-functional teams in planning and delivering data management systems and strategies.

As such, they are suitable for managerial roles in data engineering.

In addition to this, prospective Data Engineering Managers should ideally have experience in project management, strategic planning, and implementing data privacy regulations and standards.

Certification in data engineering or management can also be an added advantage.

 

Data Engineering Manager Education and Training Requirements

Data Engineering Managers generally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, data science or a related field.

They are expected to have a strong understanding of database structures, theories, principles, and practices.

Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, SQL, and others is essential.

Experience in managing and communicating with a technical team is often preferred.

This is because they need to efficiently coordinate and interact with data scientists, data analysts, and other IT professionals.

Some positions might require a master’s degree in data science or a related field, especially for roles that involve complex data analysis or strategic responsibilities.

In addition, Data Engineering Managers may benefit from certifications in data management, big data technologies, cloud services, or related areas.

These certifications, which are offered by a variety of institutions, can demonstrate a candidate’s advanced skills and commitment to the field.

Moreover, given the rapidly evolving nature of technology, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and innovations in data engineering is a key requirement for the role.

 

Data Engineering Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Data Engineering Manager is $163,590 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the individual’s years of experience, specific skills, industry, and location of the job.

 

Data Engineering Manager Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Data Engineer and a Data Engineering Manager?

A Data Engineer focuses on designing, building, testing, and maintaining data management systems.

They typically work with large amounts of data and ensure it can be easily used by data scientists for analytics.

On the other hand, a Data Engineering Manager oversees the team of Data Engineers, ensuring that all projects are on track, managing team performance, and liaising between the data team and other parts of the business.

 

What are the daily responsibilities of a Data Engineering Manager?

Data Engineering Managers often start their day reviewing the progress of ongoing projects, checking in with team members, and dealing with any issues that have arisen.

They will often liaise with other departments, ensuring data projects align with overall business objectives.

They may also spend time researching new technologies and methodologies to improve data processes within the organization.

 

What qualities make a good Data Engineering Manager?

A good Data Engineering Manager will have excellent leadership and communication skills.

They need to effectively manage their team and communicate complex data issues to non-technical stakeholders.

They should also have a deep understanding of data architecture and systems, as well as strong problem-solving skills.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in data management is also essential.

 

What should you look for in a Data Engineering Manager’s resume?

Look for a degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field.

Several years of experience in data engineering is a must, with a preference for those who have previously led teams or projects.

Familiarity with specific data tools and languages, such as SQL, Python, and Hadoop, is also vital.

Additional certifications in data science or project management can be a bonus.

 

Is a degree necessary to be a Data Engineering Manager?

While not always required, most companies prefer Data Engineering Managers to have a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Practical experience, particularly in leading teams or managing data projects, is also highly valued.

Some companies may also require specific certifications related to data management or leadership.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the intricate world of a data engineering manager.

Guess what?

It’s not just about managing databases.

It’s about orchestrating the symphony of big data, one dataset at a time.

With our thorough data engineering manager job description template and actual examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Go deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-targeted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dataset is a vital piece of the big data puzzle.

Let’s shape the future of data. Together.

How to Become a Data Engineering Manager (Complete Guide)

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