Data Engineer

About the Role

Kernel is rapidly expanding and requires a skilled Data Engineer to build and enhance its data infrastructure. You'll transform raw business data into reliable, clean models that inform better investment decisions for over 70,000 Kiwi investors. This role involves owning the delivery pathway from raw data ingestion to refined datasets within our cloud data warehouse, collaborating closely with insights teams and software engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and implement data models that convert unprocessed data into structured, analysis-ready datasets.
• Develop data warehousing strategies that maintain historical integrity for transparency and record-keeping.
• Integrate diverse data sources including event-driven product data, transaction records, and personnel information into the warehouse.
• Establish and sustain automated quality assurance tests to prevent data inconsistencies downstream.
• Troubleshoot and resolve pipeline failures by either correcting source issues or modifying data models.
• Enhance data models with summary and aggregate layers to maintain system performance as data volume increases.
• Work closely with software engineers to optimize data collection and accessibility at the source level.
• Advise on data platform improvements with straightforward explanations of benefits and trade-offs.

Preferred Additional Experience

• Knowledge of modeling event-centric analytics data using tools such as Mixpanel or Amplitude.
• Background in regulated domains like fintech, banking, insurance, or healthcare where auditability is crucial.
• Experience in migrating or re-platforming cloud data warehouses.

Candidate Profile

• At least four years of professional experience in data engineering or a similarly focused data position.
• Proficiency with modern cloud data warehouses like Snowflake, BigQuery, or Redshift.
• Hands-on experience shaping data transformations and automated testing using dbt or comparable tools.
• Advanced skills in SQL and data modeling, particularly managing immutable historical data.
• Competence in operating production data pipelines with monitoring, problem diagnosis, and prioritized resolution capabilities.
• Strong ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Why Work at Kernel?

• Play a foundational role in establishing Kernel's data capabilities with significant influence on future growth.
• Enable data-driven decision-making across teams by democratizing access to quality data.
• Engage with complex, scalable challenges within a fast-growing fintech environment.
• Benefit from a dynamic, collaborative company culture based on trust and openness.
• Enjoy competitive compensation with annual reviews and performance bonuses.
• Work flexibly in a hybrid environment with a minimum of three days onsite weekly.
• Access comprehensive health insurance inclusive of pre-existing conditions, with family discounts.
• Receive 13 weeks of fully paid parental leave top-up and confidential wellbeing support through Employee Assistance Program.
• Opportunity for professional growth supported by a dedicated learning budget.
• Additional holidays, office amenities including snacks and coffee, plus a dog-friendly workspace.

Application Notes

Kernel encourages candidates who may not fulfill every criterion to apply, valuing potential and mindset alongside specific experience. Submit a cover letter detailing your enthusiasm for the role and company, alongside your CV.