Forward Deployment Engineer

Customers trust the Alation Data Intelligence Platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. With more than $340M in funding – valued at over $1.7 billion and nearly 600 customers, including 40% of the Fortune 100 — Alation helps organizations realize value from data and AI initiatives.

Alation has been recognized in 2024 as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the fifth time, a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment. 

Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to bring diverse perspectives together and empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths to live out our values each day. These are: Move the Ball, Build for the Long Term, Listen Like You’re Wrong, and Measure Through Customer Impact. 

Joining Alation means being part of a fast-paced, high-growth company where every voice matters, and where we’re shaping the future of data intelligence with AI-ready data. 

Join us on our journey to build a world where data culture thrives and curiosity is celebrated each day!

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Java Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in expanding the connectivity of our data catalog software. Your primary focus will be on designing, developing, and maintaining Java-based connectors that seamlessly integrate our data catalog with a wide range of databases, BI tools, and file systems.

What You’ll Do:

• Connector Development: Design, implement, and test Java-based connectors to enable data ingestion, synchronization, and metadata extraction from diverse data sources, including relational databases, NoSQL databases, cloud data warehouses, BI platforms, and file systems.
• API Integration: Integrate with APIs and SDKs provided by data source vendors to establish robust and efficient connections.
• Data Transformation: Develop data transformation logic within connectors to ensure compatibility and consistency with the data catalog's schema and metadata model.
• Performance Optimization: Optimize connector performance to handle large volumes of data and ensure efficient data transfer and synchronization.
• Testing: Expertise in JUnit test creation and management, along with familiarity in Test-Driven Development (TDD), Mocking Frameworks, Continuous Integration (CI), and Code Coverage Analysis
• Error Handling and Logging: Implement comprehensive error handling and logging mechanisms to facilitate troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other engineering teams, product managers, and data architects to gather requirements, define connector specifications, and ensure seamless integration with the data catalog platform.
• Documentation: Maintain clear and concise documentation of connector code, configuration, and usage guidelines.

You should have:

• Strong Java Expertise: Extensive experience in Java development, including deep knowledge of core Java concepts, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
• Database Connectivity: Proficiency in working with various database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and experience in developing database connectors using JDBC, ODBC, or other relevant APIs.
• API Integration: Familiarity with RESTful APIs, SOAP APIs, and SDKs, and experience in integrating with external systems using APIs.
• Data Transformation: Experience in data transformation and mapping techniques, including ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
• Performance Optimization: Knowledge of performance tuning and optimization techniques for data-intensive applications.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Data Catalogs: Familiarity with data catalog concepts, metadata management, and data governance principles.
• Knowledge of BI Tools: Experience with popular BI tools and platforms, and understanding of their data connectivity requirements.
• Cloud Experience: Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-based data sources.
• Big Data Technologies: Exposure to big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark) and experience in handling large datasets.

Alation, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.                                   
 

The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.  
 

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