As a data engineer, you are proficient in designing and building systems to collect and convert data into usable information.
Although you may work mainly in an office environment, you can actually switch to working from home (WFH) with a little preparation.
In this guide, you’ll learn if and data engineers can work from home. We’ll also tell you how to find a remote data engineer job.
Can a Data Engineer Work From Home?
Unlike other forms of engineering, data engineering is actually ideal for a WFM environment.
Your main priority is to design, create, and maintain data processing systems.
So, you don’t necessarily need to handle physical environments or their components.
Rather, you predominantly work with your computer, software, and digital tools.
You may also work on system management, designing and implementing sufficient fixes to those systems, and running and testing the resolutions to ensure they work.
When you perform these types of tasks, you mainly work on Cloud.
Accordingly, you can work from home easily, as long as you have secure servers and firewall protection.
Another significant portion of your job may be to communicate with your management, your team members, and your clients.
Although some people prefer face-to-face communication and collaboration, it is becoming easier to carry out consultation and leadership in a remote working environment.
As such, you can assess the needs of your company, peers, and your customers from home with video conferencing, phone calls, e-mails, chat functions, product development software, and other excellent tools.
Overall, WFH as a data engineer is a perfect fit for many individuals.
You may even find it preferable to be a remote worker over working in the office.
You’ll have more freedom with your work schedule, control over communication with your clients, and manage your own work pace.
That said, it does take a significant amount of self-discipline and good self-management to excel as a data engineer who works from home.
Read more: Can System Engineers Work From Home?
Do Big Data Engineers Work From Home?
A big data engineer is a data engineer who designs, creates, tests, and manages systems that handle large amounts of data or complex data.
Big data engineers can WFH just as easily as other types of engineers with the proper equipment and security protocols.
Yet, companies or federal agencies employing big data engineers may prefer you work in an office.
When you work in an office, management can safeguard data and govern data handling more closely.
Learn more: Can Electrical Engineer Work From Home?
Is It Good To Work From Home?
Many data engineers find working from home beneficial for a multitude of reasons.
First, WFH allows you to find your own working pace. When you’re in the office, you may face constant pressure and distractions.
On this note, it is easier to find where your passions, strengths, and weaknesses lie within data engineering.
For instance, you may like designing and building systems to collect and process data, but you may not enjoy communicating with clients as much.
Second, if you have access to all the equipment and resources you need digitally, you can easily complete your tasks and maintain your responsibilities while WFH.
Also read: Can Aerospace Engineers Work From Home?
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Working From Home?
There are many pros to working from home as a data engineer, such as:
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Working from home gives you more flexibility in balancing your work and home life. That may directly correlate with your overall wellbeing and happiness.
- Higher Productivity: When you don’t have to spend a significant amount of time getting to and from work, you free up hours for other responsibilities or activities.
- Decreased Stress: For many professionals, work culture and politics increase stress levels. When you work from home, you have more control over your environment.
- Increased Savings: Companies and employees can both save money in a remote work scenario. For example, when you WFH, you do not have to pay for car maintenance, gas, parking, amongst other regular fees.
There are also a few cons associated with working from home, including:
- Decreased Motivation: If you receive your energy and motivation from other people, a WFH scenario may work for you.
- Decreased Support: Although many companies would like to implement stronger communication lines and support, you may find it difficult to voice your concerns or difficulties when WFH.
Also read: Can Industrial Engineers Work From Home?
Where Do Data Engineers Work?
Data engineers can work for any company that requires their skills.
Data engineer work behind the scenes, analyzing and streamlining data collection and processing for internal and external clients.
You will find data engineers in government agencies as well as corporate entities.
How To Find Jobs To Work Remotely?
You can easily find a remote data engineer job position by contacting particular companies.
You may have the most luck finding a job on Indeed, Workopolis, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, amongst other job posting websites.
Also read: Biomedical Engineers: Remote Work and Demand
What Do You Need To Work From Home?
To work from home as a data engineer, you simply need a computer with a fast processing capability and sufficient storage.
Additionally, you will need a high-speed ethernet internet connection. Your employer will typically pay for software licensing and tools you need to do the job properly.
Best Online Companies For Data Engineers
Although you can work for many companies as a data engineer, there are a few companies that stand out for hiring data engineers. In particular, you may enjoy a job at:
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on working remotely as a data engineer, you may benefit greatly from your decision.
Of course, it’s important to do your research on your intended employer and ensure that it will be a great WFH fit for you.
Overall, most data engineers can work WFH very comfortably, without missing an in-office atmosphere. However, if you plan to be a big data engineer, you may need to stay in-office if your employer may be particularly worried about data breaches.
