Java Data Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

As we navigate the digital era, the importance of Java Data Engineers is becoming increasingly evident.
Technology continues to evolve, fueling the demand for proficient experts capable of managing, manipulating, and securing our data infrastructure.
But let’s delve deeper: What is actually expected of a Java Data Engineer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker striving to understand the true scope of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of Java data engineering,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Java Data Engineer job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get straight to it.
Java Data Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Java Data Engineers utilize their technical expertise in Java and data management to build, manage, and optimize data systems and applications.
They play a crucial role in managing and transforming data into a usable format for analysis and decision making.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Design, construct, install, test and maintain highly scalable data management systems
- Ensure systems meet business requirements and industry practices
- Integrate new data management technologies and software engineering tools into existing structures
- Create custom software components and analytics applications using Java
- Implement data models and database designs, data access and table maintenance codes
- Work with data scientists and analysts to improve data reliability and quality
- Research opportunities for data acquisition and new uses for existing data
- Develop data set processes for data modeling, mining and production
- Ensure all systems meet data accuracy, performance, scalability and security requirements
- Collaborate with data architects, modelers and IT team members on project goals
Java Data Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Java Data Engineer to join our team.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing data management systems using Java.
You will need to gather and process raw data at scale (including writing scripts, web scraping, calling APIs, write SQL queries, etc.) and process unstructured data into a form suitable for analysis.
Our ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures, experience with distributed computing, and familiarity with data architecture.
Responsibilities
- Design, construct, install, test and maintain highly scalable data management systems.
- Ensure systems meet business requirements and industry practices.
- Build high-performance algorithms, prototypes, predictive models and proof of concepts.
- Research opportunities for data acquisition and new uses for existing data.
- Develop data set processes for data modeling, mining and production.
- Integrate new data management technologies and software engineering tools into existing structures.
- Create custom software components and analytics applications.
- Employ a variety of languages and tools to marry systems together.
- Recommend ways to improve data reliability, efficiency and quality.
- Collaborate with data architects, modelers and IT team members on project goals.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a data engineer, data scientist, software developer or similar role.
- Experience with Java and data engineering tools.
- Knowledge of Hadoop, SQL, and data visualization tools.
- Experience with machine learning algorithms and statistical models.
- Experience with distributed data/computing and database tools: MapReduce, Hadoop, Hive, Spark, Gurobi, MySQL, etc.
- Proficiency in scripting languages: Python, Perl, etc.
- Ability to work with complex data models and object relational database mapping, while producing complex queries.
- BSc in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field. Master’s degree in related fields is preferable.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Additional Information
- Job Title: Java Data Engineer
- 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 Data Engineering Manager or Lead Data Engineer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $105,000 minimum to $160,000 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 Java Data Engineer Do?
Java Data Engineers are specialized IT professionals who mainly work with Java to develop, manage and optimize large-scale data processing systems.
They work across industries for corporations, IT firms, or work as independent contractors.
They are responsible for designing and implementing scalable data architectures that can support the requirements of large databases.
This includes developing data set processes, implementing data modeling, and creating algorithms to extract the data that the business needs.
Java Data Engineers collaborate with data scientists to build data models that can be used to make data-driven decisions.
They also work with software engineers to integrate their work into larger applications or software systems.
Their job often involves writing, debugging, and optimizing complex code, specifically in Java, to process and analyze large volumes of data.
They develop ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes to convert data into formats that can be analyzed.
They also ensure the performance, reliability, and efficiency of data processing systems.
This could involve maintaining and updating databases, identifying bottlenecks in data flow, and resolving issues with data processing.
Java Data Engineers may also be responsible for managing the security of data, ensuring that sensitive information is kept safe from potential threats.
This often involves implementing encryption methods, managing access controls, and monitoring for potential data breaches.
A significant aspect of a Java Data Engineer’s role is staying up-to-date with the latest data engineering trends and technologies to continually improve their data processing systems.
Java Data Engineer Qualifications and Skills
Java Data Engineers play a crucial role in handling and managing data, requiring a variety of skills and qualifications, including:
- Proficient in Java programming language with a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms and design patterns.
- Experience with big data processing frameworks such as Hadoop, Spark, Hive or MapReduce.
- Experience working with databases, both SQL (such as MySQL, Oracle) and NoSQL (such as MongoDB, Cassandra) and strong knowledge of SQL language.
- Understanding of ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and data warehousing concepts.
- Adept at data modeling and able to design efficient, scalable data schemas.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address data-related issues, ensuring data quality and integrity.
- Good analytical abilities to interpret complex data and translate it into comprehensible information.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other teams, stakeholders, and explain complex technical concepts to non-technical team members.
- Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud or Azure and knowledge of container technologies like Docker or Kubernetes is a plus.
- Understanding of machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling is beneficial.
Java Data Engineer Experience Requirements
Entry-level Java Data Engineers typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through internships or part-time positions in the field of data engineering or software development.
Familiarity with Java, SQL, or other programming languages is often a prerequisite.
Candidates often gain practical experience by working on tasks such as designing and implementing scalable data architectures, transforming data into useful formats for analysis, and maintaining database systems.
Java Data Engineers with more than 3 years of experience are expected to have honed their technical skills in Java, SQL, or other programming languages and big data technologies.
They should have a strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems.
Those with more than 5 years of experience often possess leadership experience and the ability to guide a team towards the achievement of data-related goals.
They are likely familiar with more advanced data engineering concepts, including machine learning algorithms, data warehousing, and big data analytics.
Java Data Engineers at this level are often expected to be able to mentor junior engineers, manage multiple projects at once, and communicate effectively with non-technical team members to help them understand complex data concepts.
Java Data Engineer Education and Training Requirements
Java Data Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, data science, or a related field.
They require a thorough understanding of Java programming language and other related technologies such as SQL, Python, and Hadoop.
Knowledge of ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) procedures and experience in dealing with large and complex data sets are also crucial for this role.
Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in a specific IT, computer science, or data science discipline, as this implies a higher level of expertise in handling data.
A certification in Java, such as Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer, or Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), is highly desirable and often a requirement for more advanced positions.
Java Data Engineers are also expected to have strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of algorithm development, and experience in data mining and segmentation techniques.
Continuing education and staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the field of data engineering and Java is essential for career growth in this role.
Certain roles may also require expertise in specific sectors, such as finance or healthcare, and knowledge of regulatory requirements related to data in those sectors.
Java Data Engineer Salary Expectations
A Java Data Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $102,864 (USD) per year.
However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s professional experience, educational background, and the specific location of the job.
Additionally, the scale and industry of the employing company can also significantly influence the salary.
Java Data Engineer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Java Data Engineer need?
Java Data Engineers should have a strong understanding of Java programming, as well as familiarity with databases, both SQL and NoSQL.
They should also be proficient in working with data tools and frameworks like Hadoop, Spark or Flink and have a solid understanding of data structures, data modeling and software architecture.
Additionally, they need to have strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
Do Java Data Engineers need a degree?
While not always a strict requirement, most Java Data Engineers have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
However, the most important aspect is their practical experience in Java programming and data engineering, which can also be gained through self-study, online courses, and certifications.
What should you look for in a Java Data Engineer’s resume?
A Java Data Engineer’s resume should highlight their experience with Java programming and working with large datasets.
It should show their familiarity with data frameworks and tools, and list any relevant certifications.
Furthermore, it should also demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and their experience in collaborating within a team.
Project work, especially showcasing the development and maintenance of data pipelines, can be a strong indicator of their practical experience.
What qualities make a good Java Data Engineer?
A good Java Data Engineer is detail-oriented and has a strong analytical mindset.
They should be able to see the bigger picture and understand how their work contributes to the overall goals of the organization.
They are expected to be good team players, able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
Additionally, they should show a willingness to stay up-to-date with the latest data engineering trends and tools.
Is it difficult to hire Java Data Engineers?
Given the specialized skill set required and the high demand for data professionals, recruiting Java Data Engineers can be challenging.
To attract top talent, companies often need to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for ongoing learning and development, and challenging projects.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it truly means to be a Java Data Engineer.
Surprised?
It’s more than just manipulating data.
It’s about sculpting the landscape of the digital future, one piece of data at a time.
Armed with our ready-to-use Java Data Engineer job description template and concrete examples, you’re well-equipped to make your next career leap.
But why stop at just being ready?
Dive even further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting pixel-perfect job listings or optimizing your resume to shine.
Remember:
Every data point contributes to the greater algorithm.
Let’s architect this future. Together.
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