Data Engineer
Akhil Puthukkattu Vinayan
NielsenIQ (NIQ)
Mississauga, Ontario
1
Certification
8
years of professional experience
Data Engineer with experience designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines, processing over 1B+ rows of data. Skilled in building robust ETL/ELT workflows that convert raw, inconsistent data into reliable, analytics-ready datasets. Hands-on experience with modern cloud data stack including Snowflake, AWS, Apache Airflow, Matillion, dbt, Databricks, and Looker. Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (intermediate) for data transformation, validation, and performance tuning. Proven track record of partnering with analysts and stakeholders to deliver high-quality data solutions and resolve data issues at the source.
Work History
Data Engineer
2 Years 6 Months- Own end-to-end data quality testing for NielsenIQ's ETL/ELT pipelines processing 10M+ records daily, implementing dbt tests and Airflow-based validation checks that catch schema drift and data anomalies before they reach downstream analytics consumers.
- Utilized Python, SQL, PySpark, Jinja and LookML across data ingestion, transformation, validation, orchestration, data modeling, performance optimization and business intelligence workflows.
- Designed and maintained scalable ETL/ELT workflows using Matillion and Apache Airflow to automate the ingestion and transformation of large client datasets exceeding 10 million records daily.
- Integrated PySpark processes with Databricks notebooks to support scalable transformation, validation and delivery to S3.
- Utilized Amazon S3 as a raw data storage layer for legacy vendor data and used AWS CloudShell and AWS Glue to inspect, validate, catalog, and profile source files before downstream ingestion and transformation.
- Leveraged Snowflake as a central data platform for storing and transforming data, using virtual warehouses, query history, stored procedures, and query-performance optimization to investigate data issues, perform raw data-quality checks, and support client-facing data delivery through secure data sharing and listings.
- Developed and maintained dbt models to transform raw data into correctly structured, analytics-ready schemas, using Jinja templating and reusable macros to standardize transformations, reduce code duplication, and improve pipeline maintainability.
- Managed operational incidents and Jira backlogs while implementing monitoring and alerting processes to proactively detect, troubleshoot, and resolve data-quality and pipeline issues.
- Built interactive Looker dashboards using LookML and SQL to surface business and sales KPIs for sales teams, business users, and client stakeholders, enabling data-driven performance monitoring and decision-making
QA Engineer / Junior Data Engineer
1 Year 1 Month- Monitored data quality and client deliverables through Looker dashboards,performing qualitative and quantitative analysis to validate results before release.
- Logged and managed defects and data discrepancies in Jira, partnering with data engineers to reproduce, prioritize, and resolve issues.
- Supported data validation and testing across pipelines to ensure the accuracy and completeness of client-facing reports.
Data Quality Analyst
1 Year 3 Months- Designed data quality checks for snippetflow application ,across 100+ Snowflake tables, eliminating critical data defects before they reached production
- Implemented threshold-based anomaly detection on key pipeline metrics using SQL, flagging outliers in near real-time and reducing time-to-detection for data issues.
- Conducted defect management, test execution, and stakeholder reporting within Agile ceremonies, contributing to on-time, quality releases.
Junior Quality Analyst
5 Months- Conducted root cause analysis on data discrepancies, driving corrective actions.
- Monitored performance metrics to assess effectiveness of data quality measures over time.
- Identified critical bugs through rigorous manual testing, contributing to overall product stability.
CNC Programmer
2 Years- Programmed CNC machines using G-code to produce precision aerospace components.
- Developed and optimized machining processes for improved cycle times and reduced waste.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to interpret specifications and adjust programs accordingly.
Skills
Languages & Scripting: Python
SQL
PySpark
Shell scripting.
ETL/ELT & Orchestration: Matillion
Apache Airflow
Cloud & Data Platforms: AWS (S3
Glue
CloudShell)
Databricks
Snowflake
dbt
Looker
Collaboration: Jira
GitHub
Agile
BI
Quality & Testing: Looker(LookML)
data validation
test automation
root-cause analysis
Certification
- Supervised Machine Learning Stanford Online · 2026
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Amazon Web Services · 2025
- SnowPro Associate Snowflake · 2025
- Apache Airflow Fundamentals Astronomer · 2025
- IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate IBM · 2024
- ISTQB Certified Tester ISTQB - 2022
- API Testing Using Rest Assured Coursera · 2021
- Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Conestoga College , Ontario, Canada - 2018
- Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautics- Anna University, Chennai, India. - 2016
Timeline
Data Engineer
NielsenIQ (NIQ)
05.2024 - CurrentRead More
QA Engineer / Junior Data Engineer
NielsenIQ (NIQ)
04.2023 - 05.2024Read More
Data Quality Analyst
Dabler LTD
12.2021 - 03.2023Read More
Junior Quality Analyst
Datameris IT Solutions
04.2021 - 09.2021Read More
CNC Programmer
Cyclone
11.2018 - 11.2020Read More
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
- Fast learner who took on new tools and responsibilities with extra effort while continuing to deliver in role.
- Comfortable working with analysts, engineers, QA teams, and business stakeholders in cross-functional environments.
- Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
- Portfolio-minded and committed to continuous learning in data engineering, cloud, and AI-related areas .
- Adaptable to evolving tools, project needs and platform requirements.