Senior Data / ML Engineer
Build real-time data systems processing billions of IoT events. Own scalable pipelines, streaming, and ML in production on AWS. High impact, global scale, strong ownership, cutting-edge tech.
About Powerfleet
Powerfleet (Nasdaq: AIOT; JSE: PWR) is a global leader in the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) software-as-a-service (SaaS) mobile asset industry. With more than 30 years of experience, Powerfleet unifies business operations through the ingestion, harmonization, and integration of data—regardless of source—and delivers actionable insights to help companies meet their strategic objectives around Safety, Compliance, Efficiency and Sustainability. Our people-first culture and relentless innovation empower customers to achieve measurable, sustainable business improvements. Powerfleet serves over 2.6 million subscribers across more than 48,000 customers in 120 countries, with commercial operations across every major continent.
We’re looking for a seasoned Data / ML Engineer to join our Data Systems team. Someone who thrives on building robust, scalable data infrastructure and is comfortable bridging the gap between raw telemetry and production-grade analytical products.
What You’ll Do
Design, build, and maintain high-throughput ETL/ELT pipelines handling large volumes of real-time and batch telematics data
Architect and evolve our data lake and warehouse infrastructure for reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency
Build and maintain stream processing systems for low-latency data ingestion and transformation
Collaborate with data scientists to operationalise ML models and integrate outputs into data products
Own data quality, observability, and governance across the platform
Contribute to architectural decisions across cloud infrastructure, storage, and compute layers
What You’ll Need
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience, OR
Master’s degree in a relevant field with 5+ years of experience
Core Competencies
Big Data & Processing: Advanced proficiency with Apache Spark (PySpark preferred); experience with high-volume batch and stream processing
Streaming: Hands-on experience with Apache Kafka or equivalent event streaming platforms; familiarity with event-driven architectures and real-time streaming (e.g. Azure Event Hubs)
Data Lake & Lakehouse: Proven experience designing and hydrating data lakes and data warehouses; familiarity with open table formats (Apache Hudi, Delta Lake, or Iceberg)
Databases: Strong working knowledge of PostgreSQL, MS SQL, Snowflake, and cloud-native databases (e.g. AWS Aurora, Redshift, DynamoDB); expertise in data modelling, performance tuning, and warehousing methodologies (Kimball or Inmon)
Languages: Python (primary); C# or Java (required); strong SQL; shell scripting (Bash/PowerShell) for automation; REST API development
Cloud — AWS: Solid experience with AWS (S3, Glue, EMR, Lambda, Redshift, Step Functions, Lake Formation); multi-cloud exposure is a plus
DevOps & Tooling: CI/CD practices using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions; Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform and/or CloudFormation; database deployment automation with Liquibase
Containerisation & Orchestration: Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration
Monitoring & Observability: Experience implementing monitoring, logging, and alerting for data systems using AWS CloudWatch, OpenTelemetry, or equivalent
Data Governance & Security: Working knowledge of RBAC and IAM policies, data encryption, data lineage, and compliance best practices
AI & Automation: Experience building or integrating automated ML pipelines and data workflows; familiarity with AI-assisted tooling, LLM integration patterns, or agentic data processing is a strong plus
Advantageous
Experience with MLflow, SageMaker, Azure ML, or similar MLOps tooling
Knowledge of data mesh or data product patterns
Azure cloud familiarity (Databricks, ADLS, Azure SQL, Event Hubs)
Telematics, IoT, warehouse/WMS, or time-series data experience
What We’re Looking For
Someone who takes end-to-end ownership, from pipeline design to production reliability
Communicates technical trade-offs clearly to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders
Stays current with the data engineering landscape and applies new tools pragmatically
Works well in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
Has a track record of delivering at scale, not just in proof-of-concept
Brings a quality mindset and thinks about correctness, observability, and maintainability from day one
Powerfleet is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the rich diversity of South Africa. We are committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and actively seek to empower suitably qualified candidates from designated groups. We believe that inclusion and diversity are key to innovation, growth, and shared success.
- Department
- Data Engineering & AI
- Role
- Sr. Data Engineer
- Locations
- South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
About Powerfleet
Powerfleet (Nasdaq: AIOT; JSE: PWR) is a global leader in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) and SaaS-based mobile asset management. With over 30 years of expertise, we empower organizations worldwide to unify operations by ingesting, harmonizing, and integrating data from any source—transforming it into actionable insights that save lives, time, and money.
Our end-to-end solutions help businesses monitor, manage, and optimize everything from warehouse assets to connected vehicles, driving safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the supply chain. But we are more than just a technology company—our people-centric approach fosters innovation and long-term success for our customers.
Powerfleet serves over 2.6 million subscribers across 48,000 customers in 120 countries, with commercial operations spanning every major continent. Join us as we shape the future of intelligent mobility and business transformation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Powerfleet is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment on any protected basis under applicable laws in the countries where we operate, including characteristics such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or age.