Data Engineer @ Buildwise
AM.S04265
Function
The Role of Data Engineer at Buildwise
The overarching mission of Buildwise as an innovation centre is to catalyse improvements in the quality, productivity, and sustainability of the Belgian construction sector. To achieve this ambition, the organisation increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making and advanced technologies such as AI, which underlines the need for a robust data strategy.
Within this context, the Data Engineer plays a fundamental role, with the primary objective of ensuring the technical foundation of this strategy. The position is of vital importance, as Buildwise recognises that data is a key driver of future growth.
The Data Engineer designs, implements, and maintains robust data infrastructures that enable the efficient collection, transformation, and availability of data for analysis and reporting—both of which are crucial for driving innovation in the construction industry and supporting data-driven decision-making by internal and external stakeholders.
He or she structures company data and supports internal knowledge development, allowing the organisation to respond more rapidly to business needs. In short, the Data Engineer is responsible for ensuring a scalable, reliable data platform (based on Azure and Databricks) that consolidates and organises data flows—originating both from internal enterprise applications (such as ERP and Odoo) and external IoT projects—in a consistent, structured, and accessible way.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
- Business translation: Translate business requirements into robust and scalable data solutions, including solving complex data-related challenges.
- Data quality and governance: Ensure data quality, consistency, integrity, and security—essential given the organisation’s need for well-structured and reliable data.
- Financial efficiency: Manage cloud resources cost-effectively and contribute to FinOps best practices.
- Collaboration and advisory: Work closely with business analysts and other stakeholders to support their data needs and advise on data-driven opportunities.
- Data pipeline development: Design, build, and maintain data pipelines (ETL/ELT processes) and cloud-based data platforms (with a focus on Azure and Databricks).
- Data integration and management: Integrate internal and external data sources into a central data architecture and set up/manage data lakes.
- Data structuring: Combine data from diverse sources into well-structured datasets ready for analysis and reporting.
- Automation and monitoring: Automate processes for data ingestion, transformation, and monitoring.
- Maintenance and support: Monitor, document, and optimise the performance and reliability of data solutions, including troubleshooting and support for data pipeline issues.
- AI/ML support: Prepare datasets and data flows for analytical models and AI/ML applications.
Project Scope and Collaboration
In this role, you will manage a diverse project portfolio encompassing both internal and external initiatives. You will act as a trusted advisor to various stakeholders—analysing needs, designing solutions, and guiding implementation. This role closely resembles a consultancy position, combining technical expertise with strong communication skills to deliver impactful results.
Internal Projects and Execution (≈25%)
You will be responsible for executing and coordinating internal data projects within Buildwise. This includes unlocking, structuring, and integrating data from various enterprise applications (such as ERP, Odoo, and CRM) to create 360° insights that support strategic decision-making. Additionally, you will contribute to other internal initiatives that promote the organisation’s digital transformation and data-driven operations (to be defined in consultation with Robin Mulkers, your direct reporting line).
External Projects and Stakeholder Collaboration (≈75%)
The majority of your time will be devoted to external R&D and innovation projects in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. A key example is Data4Construction, a multi-year, grant-funded project aimed at developing IoT and data solutions for the construction sector—such as tools for site monitoring and project tracking.
In addition, you will contribute to a variety of other research and development initiatives that bridge the gap between technology, data, and real-world construction practices.
Profile
Experience and Background
- You hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, (Applied) Informatics, Data Engineering, or a related field;
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar or equivalent role;
- Strong knowledge of Python;
- Experience with SQL and both relational and non-relational databases – proficiency in PostgreSQL is essential;
- Solid knowledge of and experience with Databricks and Power BI;
- Experience with tools such as Azure Data Factory and Microsoft Fabric;
- Experience in training or fine-tuning Machine Learning models or applying LLMs (Large Language Models) for application development is considered an asset;
- Proficiency in English is required, along with a good command of at least one of the two national languages (Dutch or French).
Competencies
- Passion for the mission/sector: You have a genuine passion for the construction and innovation sector and aim to contribute to the collective good rather than focusing solely on individual or company interests.
- Partnership and collaboration: You are able to act as a true partner—towards colleagues, the transversal support team, and external stakeholders such as companies and contractors.
- Proactive mindset: You take initiative, think ahead, and are willing to step outside your comfort zone.
- Eagerness to learn: You are motivated to continuously learn, develop, and grow in your role.
- Team player: You work effectively within the growing IT Data & Applications team and value collaboration.
- Vision and strategy: You have the ability to step back from day-to-day operations and translate long-term vision into actionable initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Offer
Why Join Buildwise?
- Growth environment: Buildwise is in full expansion — and so is its IT department. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of an exciting growth story.
- Flexible and stimulating workplace: Buildwise offers a dynamic environment where you can grow, experiment, and further develop yourself in a rapidly evolving market.
- Meaningful mission: Contribute to the quality, productivity, and sustainability of the Belgian construction industry — a sector with over 110,000 members.
- Strategic focus on data: Data has been identified as a key strategic pillar and an essential enabler for future innovation and AI applications.
- High project impact: Work on both internal (25%) and external R&D projects (75%), delivering tangible results across diverse domains.
- Modern technology stack: Collaborate using modern, cloud-native technologies, with a primary focus on Azure and Databricks.
- Growth path & stability: Join a growing IT team with continuous learning opportunities and long-term career perspectives.
Amon is the exclusive recruitment partner for this position. Want to learn more or apply directly? Email clv@amon.be or apply directly via the website.
Data Engineer @ Buildwise
Buildwise: The Innovation Centre for the Construction Industry
Buildwise is the innovation centre that supports construction professionals with practical knowledge, technological solutions, and sustainable insights. With extensive experience and a forward-looking vision, Buildwise helps the sector enhance quality, productivity, and sustainability. Headquartered in Zaventem, with branches in Brussels and Limelette, Buildwise is the ideal partner for those looking to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the modern construction industry. By placing technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship at the core of its mission, Buildwise helps companies grow and shape the future.
From WTCB to Buildwise: A History of Innovation
Buildwise was founded in 1959 as the Scientific and Technical Centre for the Construction Industry (WTCB), a private research institute established under the De Groote Decree-Law. This law aimed to stimulate innovation and competitiveness in the industry. Under the leadership of pioneers such as Pierre Holoffe, co-founder of the National Confederation of the Construction Industry (NCB)—now Embuild—the WTCB grew into an indispensable partner for the construction sector.
In November 2022, the centre transformed into “Buildwise”, repositioning itself as an innovation hub with a strong focus on the future of construction.
What Does Buildwise Do?
Buildwise serves as a knowledge and innovation partner for construction companies. With 110,000 members—from sole traders to large construction groups (such as Denys, Willemen, Eiffage, etc.)—Buildwise has a broad and diverse membership base. The organization provides services including:
- Technical advice and practical guidelines
- Applied research leading to innovative solutions for the sector
- Training, publications, and digital tools that help companies address technical and organizational challenges through collaborations with national and European partners such as EFRO and Innoviris, Buildwise reaches a wide audience and strengthens the construction sector at multiple levels.
Buildwise supports professionals from all construction disciplines with scientific research, guidelines, and practical tools. Whether you’re a carpenter, contractor, or waterproofing specialist, Buildwise offers tailored expertise to foster innovation, quality, and competitiveness.
Strategic Objectives
Since November 2022, Buildwise has not only adopted a new name but also revised its strategic objectives:
- From research centre to innovation centre: Buildwise focuses on sharing knowledge that helps the construction sector improve quality, productivity, and sustainability—laying the foundation for innovation on construction sites and within companies.
- A catalyst for collaboration and progress: By strengthening its connecting role, Buildwise aims to inspire and mobilize the sector to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges together.
- From multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary approach: Challenges are addressed from multiple perspectives through an integrated, practice-driven methodology. Technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship serve as the key drivers behind robust, future-proof solutions.
Ambitions for a Sustainable Future
Buildwise focuses on three strategic pillars to prepare the sector for the future:
- The Trade (Le Métier): Strengthening craftsmanship by providing companies with tools and knowledge tailored to their daily challenges.
- The Green Deal: Supporting construction companies in the energy transition and contributing to climate neutrality by 2050.
- Construction 4.0: Harnessing digital technologies to boost efficiency and productivity—crucial for a competitive and sustainable construction industry.