Data Engineer

Paragraf’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.

Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.

At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.

Founded as a spin out from Cambridge University in 2017 with the aim of transferring the technology from the academic lab into a commercial entity. Since then, we have grown from one site in Somersham, Cambridgeshire and an additional production facility in Huntingdon as well as sales teams globally promoting Paragraf.

The Role

This role focusses on Paragraf’s Data Systems, which support its electronic device production and internal tool development. This is a critical and influential role with project leadership in understanding of Data Engineering (SQL), Data Architecture, Stored procedures, alongside good coding skills and practices, with Python being key to success along with an open and flexible approach. An opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to influence critical decisions and deliver accordingly - this isn’t your ‘run of the mill’ data role, as a broader engineering hat is required and a willingness to adapt.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Co-ordinate and support the future data needs (Acquisition, Storage and Insights) of the company, allowing the Paragraf Data Team to grow organically.
• Contribute to the development of internal software which supports our Graphene electronics products and associated tooling.
• Take a proactive approach to CI/CD and Testing, ensuring best practice and longevity is at its core and provide professional documentation and frameworks.
• Build predominantly internal solutions with security, re-usability, resilience and flexibility in mind, to influence the software and data direction of the company.
• Build automated data systems to store, consolidate and retrieve data for consumption by internal users, ensuring data accuracy and availability for reporting and analysis.
• Create interactive reports and dashboards with a focus on clear communication of insights.
• Support the integration of production systems (MES/ERP) with internal software applications, e.g. through the development of APIs.
• Work collaboratively to define a Data and Software roadmap and report/own those deliverables.
• Deliver tactical quick wins and show adaptability and flexibility with day to day activity.
• Be a Critical Thinker, understanding requirements and novel ways to deliver solutions effectively.
• Act as a mentor and role model for more junior staff.
• Comfortable working autonomously on fast-paced, high output projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams / stakeholders to elicit and document solution requirements and manage delivery and prioritisation effectively.
• Be enthusiastic about challenges, potentially beyond the initial scope of the role, and motivated by a new opportunity.

Requirements

Education and Qualifications

• Degree educated in computer/data science, or equivalent data engineering experience from time in industry.

Experience

• Flexibility and Enthusiasm are key with a solid coding background to influence delivery.
• Tech Stack: Primarily: SQL (SSMS, T-SQL, Stored procedures), Python, C, C++, C#.
• User Interfaces: render insight with simple effective UI platforms.
• Data Engineering:  SQL querying and design of schemas for extendibility and readability, development of ETL processes and end-to-end data pipelines.
• Software testing frameworks and designing automated software test systems.
• Documentation and repository management experience.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain comprehensive and complex software to all levels of expertise.
• Software tools: Source Control (Git), Change management, Agile Tools (such as JIRA).
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• At least 5 years in Data Engineering (SQL), with good Software Development skills and best practice.
• Ability to face into challenges and adapt.

Preferred Skills that Set You Apart

• Experience in test, instrumentation equipment development, data acquisition and/or production systems (e.g. MES/ERPs), but not essential.

Communication

Ability to work flexibly and digest requirements, while quickly delivering solutions to suit needs, from PoC’s to hardened and resilient production systems

Ability to communicate at all levels with both internal and external contacts

Ability to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience

Ability to develop system which communicate information efficiently

Additional factors

• Respect and adherence to confidentiality and critical matters
• Responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by complying with company policies and processes and all relevant regulations including the use of PPE, as appropriate to the level and scope of the role. This includes participation in health and safety training and reporting of any potential hazards or breaches of safety protocols in the appropriate manner.
• Willing to travel both domestically and abroad

Benefits

At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and reward our team. This is our current list of benefits, they are subject to change and review:

• Group Personal Pension Plan- Employer contribution 5%, Employee contribution minimum 4%
• Private health insurance on completion of probation
• Share Option scheme
• Death in service of 3 times salary and income protection on completion of probation
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the chance to ‘purchase’ up to 5 additional days each year
• Personal and Professional Development Plans and support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Payroll Giving scheme