big data engineer

What is a Big Data Engineer?

Does analysis excite you? Are you a fan of mathematics and IT? Are you drawn to the world of digital technology? 

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about being a Big Data Engineer.  

Digital technology and big data 

The development of digital technologies has resulted in an explosion of massive volumes of data. When we browse the web, purchase goods and services online, choose audio content and watch videos, we leave a digital footprint. Our browsing history and personal data recorded on different sites are held, analysed, and stored in the databases of businesses.   

Developing algorithms that can process, model, analyse, and categorise this immense volume of raw data allows precious information to be extracted from the same. Companies such as Facebook and Google, for example, use extremely powerful and highly complex algorithms to understand our tendencies, preferences, opinions, and habits in order to offer us content and products that may be of interest to us. 

This is called Big Data. 

The technologies and algorithms put in place to manage this mass of raw data in order to turn these data into useful information have become the number one priority for all businesses that gather data on their clients, suppliers, products, etc. 

This data revolution has resulted in the emergence of new training and career opportunities for the processing of data.  

These careers include that of the Big Data Engineer. 

The role of the big data engineer 

The Big Data Engineer works upstream of the Data Scientist. Its mission consists of setting up material structures, designing IT architecture, and developing  software in which a large volume of heterogeneous data will be stored. He or she must provide an environment and platforms that allow data to be processed under the best possible conditions. They must develop databases whose structure is suited to the activities of the business, and ensure that they work by carrying out regular tests. The Big Data Engineer must implement complex algorithms that can be used for data analysis. 

It is as a result of their work that the Data Scientist will be able to structure and model data so that they for example, can extract the relevant data that will allow them to predict trends (using the technologies of Machine Learning, Deep Learning, etc.)

Skills required 

Big Data Engineers must have a sharp and analytical mind. They must be able to master SQL and NoSQL. A big data engineer will have an in-depth knowledge of big data databases and  frameworks (Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Hive, Storm, Pig). Their tools are MongoDB and Cassandra. Big data engineers are very competent programmers, and languages such as JavaScript, C++, Python, Scala must hold no secrets for them. He or she will be familiar with  data analysis techniques and master certain areas of mathematics and statistics. As a rule, they will be fluent in English. 

Training to become a big data engineer 

To become a Data Scientist or Big data Engineer, one must complete a programme in mathematics, IT and networks, or statistics at an engineering school or university. A postgraduate degree is required or several year of professional experience. 

Data ScienceTech Institute offers RNCP certified programmes (Master’s level) : Applied MSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence or Applied MSc in Data Engineering for Artificial Intelligence. 

Students can choose to study full-time on-campus or online, including 9 months of courses and 5 to 6 months of internship. The campuses are located in Sophia-Antipolis and Paris. Those who wish to improve their skills at their own pace (SPOC mode) can also do so at a distance. The courses are taught in English. 

In the Applied MSc in Data Engineering for AI programme, students will learn how to: 

  • Understand, analyse, design, implement, and monitor large IT and big data architecture. 
  • Master the most common programming languages to apply machine learning and deep learning. 
  • Design and deploy clusters of data and calculations, such as Hadoop and SPARK. 
  • Discover DevOps skills and put a framework in place for ongoing integration. 

In the Applied MSc in Data Science & AI programme, you will learn how to: 

  • Develop your knowledge of mathematics applied to data science and artificial intelligence. 
  • Immerse yourself in the heart of algorithms of artificial intelligence. 
  • Use your scientific skills to assist in the analysis, design, implementation, and surveillance of IT and big data architecture. 
  • Combine science and technology in application courses and projects that relate to the world of data science in business. 
  • Learn about IT project management and the legal and ethical implications of data processing. 

Big Data Engineer salary 

A junior big data engineer earns around €3,500 per month, i.e. €42,000 per year.  

After several years of experience, their remuneration will increase and can reach €4,500 per month. 

The most experienced Big Data Engineers can earn up to €60,000 euros per year.