Frédéric De Smet, Lead Data Engineer & Lead DataOps
Frédéric De Smet is the Lead Data Engineer and Lead DataOps within the Data Solutions team at Cegeka. We spoke with him about his role and how he ensures that his team performs optimally.
I strongly encourage my colleagues to gain hands-on experience because you often gain the most valuable insights when you put theoretical knowledge into practice.
Frédéric De Smet, Lead Data Engineer & Lead DataOps
Hear from Frédéric
What does a Lead DataOps do at Cegeka?
"As a Lead DataOps, I'm responsible for implementing a wide array of best practices across various domains such as security, performance, governance, collaboration, and scalability. This process starts right at the project’s inception, where we work alongside the Architect to translate functional requirements into technical specifications. Our goal is to bridge the gap between Data Architects and Infrastructure and/or Network Engineers.
Once the project is underway, we focus on ensuring our data platforms operate at their best. This includes troubleshooting technical issues, continuously refining our processes, and keeping a close eye on performance. Automation is a key part of our approach, with tools like infrastructure as code, Azure DevOps pipelines, alerting, and monitoring playing crucial roles."
How do you guide your team of Data Engineers to perform at their best? "As I mentioned earlier, automation is a key part of our approach. By automating processes like CI/CD pipelines and monitoring, we can work more efficiently and minimize the risk of human error. I make sure my team has the right tools and support to effectively use these technologies.
My aim is to lighten the load for our Data Engineers, allowing them to concentrate on the more complex aspects of data processing."
How do you keep your team up to date with the latest trends and advancements in data engineering?
"I strongly encourage my team to get hands-on experience, as the most valuable insights often come from applying theory in real-world situations. This approach not only helps develop new skills but also deepens their existing knowledge.
We also hold regular 'brown bags' sessions where we share knowledge and experiences across the division. These sessions promote a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the team. I also encourage my colleagues to actively use LinkedIn—not just to connect with companies like Cegeka, but also to learn from other data professionals who often share valuable insights and best practices."
Can you give an example of a data project your team worked on that had a significant impact?
"One project I'm especially proud of is the development of an advanced data platform for a client in the medical sector. This was a particularly challenging endeavor due to the highly sensitive and confidential nature of the medical data we were working with. Handling such sensitive information required us to meet stringent security and privacy standards. These requirements presented us with several complex challenges, but we successfully built a secure and efficient platform that met all the necessary regulations."
What advice would you give to Data Engineers/DevOps Engineers who want to elevate their careers?
"My advice for DevOps Engineers aiming to advance their careers is to maintain a sense of curiosity and commit to continuous learning. With technology and tools constantly evolving, it's essential to stay current with the latest trends and best practices."
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