How to Create a Big Data Developer Team?

The amount of new data we generate every single day is unbelievably big and continuously grows. Just imagine that at our current pace, we generate a staggering 328.77 million terabytes of data every single day.

However, dealing with massive amounts of information can be challenging for businesses. That’s where big data steps in. By harnessing advanced analytics tools and technologies, big data allows organizations to sift through massive datasets, uncover patterns, and extract valuable insights that drive informed decision-making, innovation, and competitive advantage.

In this article, we will speak about in what cases you need big data developers, where to find them, and how to hire them, considering that it’s not as easy as might seem at first glance. We will also cover some common mistakes which are often made and how to avoid them. 

Why hire Big Data developers?

Unlike other developer roles, the demand for big data specialists far outweighs the available talent pool, making recruitment efforts particularly daunting. Why is the demand so big? Companies across various industries need big data developers for multiple reasons, such as:

• Handling large volumes of data: E-commerce platforms, social media networks, financial institutions, and so many other companies dealing with massive amounts of data require big data developers to manage and process data efficiently. For instance, recently at Kitrum, we assisted a retail giant in developing an application for home delivery of supermarket products, which required efficient data management and processing to handle vast product databases.

• Improving decision-making processes: Every company aims to make data-driven decisions across various departments, including marketing, operations, and finance, and here is the best to rely on big data developers to build robust data analytics platforms and predictive models.
• Developing data-driven applications: Businesses looking to create innovative applications, such as recommendation systems, predictive maintenance tools, and fraud detection systems, require the expertise of big data developers to design and implement these solutions effectively. Recently, our big data developers built a recommendation system for a leading online library platform.
• Scaling data infrastructure: If you experience rapid growth or plan to scale your data infrastructure, then you need big data developers to design and implement scalable, reliable, and secure data systems capable of handling increased data volumes and user traffic.
• Ensuring data security and compliance: Prioritizing data security and compliance with regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, big data developers implement robust data security measures, encryption techniques, and access controls to safeguard sensitive data.

Thus, you can see that big data developers are needed in multiple cases.

Middle vs. Senior Big Data developers

What is the difference between middle and senior big data developers, and whom should you hire? The main difference between middle and senior big data developers is their experience, expertise, responsibilities within a project or organization, and, of course, cost.

A middle big data developer understands big data concepts, frameworks, and technologies. They are capable of independently handling tasks and contributing to the development of solutions under guidance. Middle developers may have experience with data processing frameworks like Apache Hadoop or Apache Spark and programming languages like Java, Scala, or Python. They often work on implementing data pipelines, performing data analysis, and developing basic data models. In terms of cost, a middle big data developer can range from 5,000 – 6,000 dollars.

On the other hand, a senior big data developer possesses extensive experience and expertise in big data technologies and architectures. They have a deeper understanding of complex data processing concepts, optimization techniques, and best practices. Senior developers are responsible for leading and mentoring junior team members, designing and architecting scalable and efficient data solutions, and solving challenging technical problems. They may also have advanced data processing frameworks, machine learning, distributed computing, and cloud technologies expertise. Senior big data developers usually cost 7,000 dollars or more, depending on the market. Based on our vast experience, big data developers in Europe tend to cost more than in Latin America, reflecting differences in economic factors and market demand.

Speaking about Kitrum, we’ve got only middle and senior developers; thus, your project will be in the hands of experienced professionals. Count on us to provide a thorough assessment and guidance on when to opt for a senior big data developer and when to opt for a middle big data developer, ensuring optimal resource allocation for your project’s success.

Where and how do you look for Big Data developers?

Nowadays, the demand for skilled big data developers is truly high, but to find one is a complex thing without exaggeration. KITRUM closely monitors statistics and trends globally, and for instance, in the Ukrainian IT market, according to LinkedIn statistics, there can be 8000 .Net developers compared to only 1100 big data developers. That’s how rare they are. So where to find them? Let’s take a look at one of the most active websites that can help you to find a big data developer, then, let’s talk about how to hire one.

Having tech hubs in South America, the USA, Europe, and Asia, Kitrum turns to various websites and portals dedicated to tech recruitment, such as:

• workable.com
• torre.ai
• strefa.pracuj.pl

These platforms serve as crucial resources for sourcing potential candidates and initiating recruitment processes. 

However, recognizing the exceptional difficulty in finding big data developers, Kitrum adopts a proactive approach to talent acquisition. Instead of relying solely on job postings, the company prioritizes building and nurturing relationships with potential candidates. This involves regular engagement through personalized communications, including updates on company news, job opportunities, and holiday greetings. 

By maintaining ongoing contact and demonstrating genuine interest in candidates’ career development, Kitrum aims to establish long-term partnerships with big data professionals, ultimately ensuring access to top-tier talent in the competitive tech market.

6 steps to find a Big Data developer

Let’s wrap it all up into 6 simple steps:

Step 1: Explore the most active websites. Begin your search for big data developers on the most dynamic and reputable tech recruitment websites and portals.

Step 2: Reach out to potential candidates creatively and engagingly to grab their attention and spark their interest in your job offer.

Step 3: Craft an irresistible job offer. Ensure that your job offer is compelling and attractive enough to capture the interest of top-tier big data professionals. Highlight the unique benefits and opportunities your company offers.

Step 4: Stay proactive by regularly following up with candidates to maintain engagement and keep your job opportunity in mind.

Step 5: If you believe that follow-up should be once, no 🙂 The successful recruitment of big data developers may require multiple follow-ups. Don’t be discouraged by initial non-responses; continue to reach out persistently.

Step 6: Don’t give up easily. Finding and recruiting rare specialists like big data developers can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you’re new to the process. Stay patient and persistent, as success often comes with perseverance.

However, we’re always here to help. With years of experience, Kitrum has gathered a certain pool of talented candidates. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a lengthy search or have urgent project needs, Kitrum is ready to assemble a skilled team for you quickly and efficiently.

Kitrum’s recent hiring experience

For your deeper understanding of the whole process and hiring timeline, let’s take a look at Kitrum’s latest project, – a prominent digital subscription service. The project involved migrating big data infrastructure from Hadoop to Databricks, a cutting-edge cloud solution. With a mission to revolutionize how the world reads, the client aimed to democratize data access and enhance platform scalability. Facing challenges with legacy technologies and soaring maintenance costs, they sought Kitrum’s expertise to streamline their data operations.

In this particular project, Kitrum assembled a team of experts comprising:

• 6 Senior Big Data Engineers
• 2 Middle Big Data Engineers
• 2 Lead Data Engineers
• 2 Senior DevOps Engineers
• 1 Lead DevOps Engineer
• 1 Senior Security Engineer
• 3 Senior Ruby Engineers
• 1 Senior Platform Engineer
• 1 Lead Platform Engineer

With Kitrum’s extensive experience in sourcing rare specialists, the process of hiring a big data developer typically takes 1.5 to 2 months to fill such positions efficiently. Closing a Ruby position typically takes around 1.5 months, while for Security positions, it’s about 1 month. 

The search for DevOps roles can vary widely, ranging from 1 to 2 months, depending on the platform. For example, developers skilled in AWS are often easier to find than those with Azure expertise. However, it’s important to understand that the timeline also hinges on the responsiveness of the specialist, who may take 1-2 weeks to reply, and it can prolong the process.

What about the tenure? Within our latest project, some experts have already been working for 2 years, and some boast a rich tenure of 5 years.

Currently, our collaboration with the project continues, with a focus on further optimizing the platform for cost-effectiveness amidst growing data volumes.

Common mistakes when hiring Big Data developer

You might wonder, what can I do wrong when hiring big data developers? In reality, these could be mistakes that you haven’t even considered. Thanks to Kitrum’s extensive experience in this field, we are sharing today the Top 3 most common mistakes that you need to notice and avoid to ensure your hiring process is smooth.

Mistake 1: Failing to respond promptly to specialist inquiries

One crucial mistake when hiring big data engineers is not providing timely responses from your end. For instance, we once encountered an exceptional DevOps candidate, but due to delayed responses from our client’s side, the specialists accepted another offer within 2-3 weeks. This resulted in significant costs for the company due to interview expenses. To avoid missing out on top talent, it’s essential to be proactive and responsive to inquiries from such specialized candidates, as multiple employers often seek them out.

Mistake 2: Lack of clarity on team requirements and expectations

The client must clearly understand their team dynamics and communicate their expectations during the hiring process. Without a clear vision, candidates may misinterpret the role’s requirements, leading to mismatches between the client’s expectations and the candidate’s qualifications. This can result in wasted time and resources spent on interviewing candidates who ultimately do not meet the desired criteria. Therefore, it’s crucial to have open and transparent communication to ensure alignment between the client’s needs and the candidate’s capabilities.

Mistake 3: Budget misalignment

Be real. What we mean by this is to assess accurately and acknowledge the financial aspect of hiring a big data developer. In practical experience, we’ve encountered situations where clients struggled to find a big data developer simply because they were unwilling to allocate the necessary resources. Attempting to secure top-tier talent for lower-than-market rates is often futile, as these professionals do prioritize compensation that aligns with their expertise and the role demands. Thus, being realistic about the financial investment required is crucial for successful recruitment in this field.

There are a lot of other mistakes you need to be aware of. Our experienced recruitment team can save you time and headaches by avoiding these common hiring mistakes. Partner with us today and assemble a team of developers as soon as possible.

How can Kitrum help you find Big Data developers?

As you’ve already noticed, finding a big data developer is like searching for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, we have a magnet. Our specialized recruitment process and extensive network of skilled developers make finding a big data developer much more manageable. Here is what you can expect from collaborating with us:

1. Initial consultation: You contact us, sharing all the details about your project requirements and vision of its execution.
2. Project analysis: Our team conducts a comprehensive analysis based on your project needs. Our analysts and project managers (PMs) engage in a discovery phase to understand your specific requirements thoroughly.
3. Team assembly: We assemble a team of developers tailored to your project’s requirements. The timeline for this process typically ranges from 2 weeks to a month, depending on the complexity and specific roles needed. Throughout this process, we handle all aspects, including recruitment, chartering, and technical evaluations. So you don’t need to worry about anything like that 🙂
4. Quality assurance: Before presenting the developers to you, we conduct internal verification processes to ensure that they meet our standards. This includes confirming their skill levels and expertise. Besides, if you lack internal specialists, we may provide opportunities to access experienced specialists for your project.
5. Ongoing support: Even after the developers are onboarded, we continue to provide support and oversight. We handle all HR-related tasks and ensure smooth project management, allowing your team to focus solely on project deliverables.

Let us take the burden off your shoulders and hire big data development team for your project.