Data Engineer Lead
Powerfleet seeks a hands-on Data Engineering Lead to own end-to-end data platforms, mentor 5–8 engineers, build real-time pipelines, and embed AI into scalable data products.
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.
About the Role
Powerfleet is seeking a hands-on Data Engineering Lead to build, lead, and scale our data engineering function. This role manages a team of 5–8 engineers while remaining actively involved in the codebase. You will own delivery, drive architectural decisions, and advance AI adoption across data workflows supporting high-volume telematics and IoT data.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Delivery
• Lead, hire, and develop a team of data engineers, including performance management and career growth
• Own end-to-end delivery, including sprint planning, prioritization, and execution
• Establish engineering standards and ensure high-quality, consistent output
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align data initiatives with business priorities
Technical Execution
• Design and evolve scalable data architecture across ingestion, transformation, storage, and consumption layers
• Build and maintain high-volume ETL/ELT pipelines for real-time and batch data
• Lead data modeling, governance, and data quality practices
• Remain hands-on through coding, reviews, and technical leadership
AI & Innovation
• Drive adoption of AI and automation across data engineering workflows
• Partner with data science teams to operationalize models and embed AI into data products
• Evaluate and implement emerging tools with a focus on practical impact
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years (or Master’s with 5+) of relevant experience
• 2+ years of experience managing or leading engineers
• Proven experience running agile delivery and developing engineering talent
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Technical Skills
• Strong expertise in modern data architecture (data lakes, warehouses, lakehouse)
• Experience with Snowflake and advanced SQL/data modeling (e.g., Kimball, star schema)
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Spark (PySpark preferred)
• Experience with streaming technologies such as Kafka
• Hands-on experience with AWS (S3, Glue, EMR, Lambda, Redshift)
• Familiarity with CI/CD, Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform/CloudFormation), Airflow, Docker, and Kubernetes
• Understanding of data governance, quality, and observability best practices
Preferred
• Experience with Azure, dbt, or data catalog tools
• Exposure to IoT, telematics, or time-series data environments
• Experience applying AI/LLMs within data engineering workflows
• Experience working with distributed or global teams
What We’re Looking For
• Hands-on technical leader who leads from the front and owns outcomes end-to-end
• Systems thinker who understands how data platforms scale and integrate
• Strong communicator who can translate technical concepts into business impact
• Pragmatic problem solver who balances innovation with execution
• Leader who builds high-performing teams while maintaining quality and scalability standards
EEO/ BEE Statement
Powerfleet is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion. In alignment with the Employment Equity Act 1998 and our Employment Equity plan, we actively encourage applications from designated groups, including Black people, women, and individuals with disabilities.
As part of our commitment to transformation and in accordance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, preference may be given to candidates from designated groups where appropriate. All qualified applicants will be considered based on merit, skills, and experience.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require support or adjustments, please let us know.
- Department
- Data Engineering & AI
- Locations
- Stellenbosch
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
Stellenbosch
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.