How to hire an Apache Spark developer

Apache Spark is a commonly used programming framework for processing big data. Hiring a Spark developer is a great way to put your business’s data to work to build custom data streams, train machine learning models, and gain essential insights into your operations.

But you have to hire the right Apache Spark developer. A programmer lacking expertise using this framework can leave you with glitchy data streams or models that output inaccurate information. 

That’s why we’ve created this guide to hiring Apache Spark developers. We’ll explain what skills to look for, where to find top developers, how to assess candidates’ data engineering skills, and more.

What you need to know before hiring an Apache Spark developer

There are several things to consider before hiring an Apache Spark developer.

Do you need Apache Spark?

Apache Spark is an advanced data engineering framework best suited to large datasets. It can handle up to petabytes (equal to 1,024 terabytes) of data.

However, Spark is complex, and building data applications with this language requires a lot of development. So, it’s crucial to think carefully about how much data your business needs to process now and in the future.

Developing more straightforward applications with Python, R, or Apache Hadoop may be best if you have a manageable amount of data – for example, several terabytes.

On the other hand, it’s likely worth spending the time required to develop a data pipeline with Apache Spark if you have hundreds of terabytes of data or expect to generate large amounts of data in the future.

What language do you want to develop in?

Apache Spark offers APIs for the Python, Java, Scala, and R programming languages. Once you choose a development language, re-developing your Spark pipeline in another language can be costly and time-consuming.

Think carefully about what programming languages your software team already has expertise in. If your team predominantly uses a single language for things like database development, hiring a Spark developer who’s an expert in using that programming language makes sense.

What compensation and benefits should you offer?

According to PayScale, Apache Spark developers earn an average salary of $118,000 per year. You should offer at least this salary to attract expert Spark developers.

In addition, you can make your position more desirable by offering competitive benefits. Consider offering paid time off, health insurance, and a retirement contribution match.

You should also offer remote work arrangements if possible. Doing so can make your position more attractive to developers nationwide who may be excited to work for your company but don’t want to relocate. It also shows prospective applicants that you value a healthy work-life balance for your team members.

Skills to look for in an Apache Spark developer

Here are the key skills that an Apache Spark developer should have:

• Apache Spark proficiency: Developers must have experience using Apache Spark to build data pipelines, real-time data streams, and/or machine learning models. 

• SQL database management: They should be experts at managing SQL databases and know how to use query databases using the Spark SQL module.

• Python, Java, Scala, or R coding: Spark developers need deep expertise in one or more of these programming languages to send commands to the appropriate Apache Spark API.

• Data analysis: Candidates should have experience analyzing big data and be comfortable working with data scientists.

• GitHub experience: Developers must be proficient at using GitHub to manage and share code and build an organized codebase.

• Communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills: Apache Spark developers need to work well with others, quickly develop innovative solutions to problems, and communicate their ideas clearly and professionally.

Where to find skilled Apache Spark developers

You need to advertise your Apache Spark developer job description where top candidates will see it. Here are some of the best places to find skilled Spark developers.

GitHub

GitHub is a popular code management platform that many Apache Spark developers use. While you can’t advertise your job directly on GitHub, you can use the platform to view developers’ work and identify individuals who are experts in data engineering. You can then reach out by email to invite them to apply for your job.

Online job boards

Developers actively seeking new job opportunities often monitor boards like Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed for open roles. You can post your job description on these sites.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has several groups for data engineers where you can find skilled Apache Spark developers. You can view individuals’ profiles to see their data engineering experience and message them directly to invite them to apply for your role.

Freelance marketplaces

Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com are great places to find Apache Spark developers for contract positions rather than full-time roles. You can post your job description so anyone can apply, or you can invite individual developers to apply.

Social media

Advertising your job on your company’s social media channels is a great way to let your audience know you’re hiring. Even if your social media audience is predominantly customers rather than programmers, you can get word-of-mouth referrals from followers who may know a Spark developer.

Three creative ways to find Apache Spark developer candidates

These three unique approaches to recruiting Apache Spark developers can help you get more applications for your job.

1. Network at the Data + AI Summit

The Data + AI Summit by Databricks is an annual developer conference focused on big data applications. It’s a major event for data engineers, bringing together thousands of experienced Apache Spark developers.

Networking at this conference is an excellent way to meet Spark developers and invite them to apply for your role. Attending sessions can also help you better understand the latest trends in big data processing, which is useful for formulating data engineer interview questions to ask candidates down the line.

2. Recruit from data analysis boot camps

Data analysis boot camps – such as ones offered by Altcademy, Udemy, and edX – teach students how to build data pipelines using frameworks like Apache Spark. 

You can recruit directly from these programs to hire entry-level Spark developers. Contact course instructors to identify top-performing students who may be a good fit for your role. 

3. Network in online data engineering communities

There are numerous online communities where data engineers gather to discuss the latest technological trends and get help from one another. Examples include dbt, DataTalks.Club, and the Data-centric AI Community.

These communities are open to anyone, so they’re a great place to network with skilled Apache Spark developers. While you typically can’t post a job ad, you can connect with individual members directly to invite them to apply for your role.

How to select the best Apache Spark developer candidates

After receiving applications for your Apache Spark developer role, you need to identify your top candidates. This is easy to do using a skills-based hiring platform like TestGorilla 

TestGorilla has an Apache Spark for Data Engineers test that you can use to evaluate applicants’ proficiency in this data processing framework. There are also programming tests for Python, Java, Scala, and R.

Other tests you can use to assess data engineers’ technical skills include TestGorilla’s:

• Data Modeling Concepts test

• Database Management and Administration test

• Data Wrangling test

• Exploratory Data Analysis test

• Data Science

Additionally, TestGorilla has tests to help you better understand candidates’ soft skills – such as communication, problem solving, and attention to detail. Its range of personality tests provides deeper insights into how candidates will fit into your existing data science and software development teams.

You can create a custom assessment with up to five tests. TestGorilla also enables you to ask one-way interview questions to learn more about how candidates approach data problems, their past work experience, and their work style.

Common mistakes when hiring Apache Spark developers

Ensure you hire the best Spark developer by avoiding these two common mistakes.

Not focusing on soft skills

It’s easy to forget about soft skills when hiring an Apache Spark developer. After all, this is a highly technical role, and you need to ensure candidates understand how to work with your company’s data.

But developers do more than just write code to move data around. They must work collaboratively with other programmers and data scientists, which requires empathy and teamwork skills. They also need to report to project managers, which means they must be able to communicate effectively about their work.

TestGorilla offers various tests for soft skills, including communication and people management. You can also use an Enneagram or Big 5 (OCEAN) personality test to learn more about how candidates work with others.

Not promoting your company

Apache Spark developers are in high demand as many companies seek to better harness their data. That means you must explain why top data engineers should work for your company rather than your competitors.

This starts with offering competitive compensation, including an above-average salary and benefits like paid time off and health insurance. Many developers prefer remote or hybrid work arrangements, so offering this as an option can make working for your company more attractive.

You should also explain how your business supports developers’ continued growth. For example, highlight whether you offer funds for developers to attend conferences or provide opportunities for career advancement.

Hire stellar Apache Spark developers with TestGorilla

Apache Spark developers can help your business process big data and build machine learning models that give you a competitive edge and help grow your revenue.

Hiring a top Spark developer starts with assessing your needs, understanding the role’s essential skills, and creating a solid job description. You can then share your job description and recruit developers to apply for your open position.

Once you have an applicant pool, TestGorilla makes assessing candidates’ Apache Spark expertise easy. You can evaluate their hard and soft skills and include one-way interview questions for a 360-degree view of each candidate. 

Sign up for a free TestGorilla account or schedule a product demo today to see how our platform can help you hire the best Apache Spark developer.