Meet The Team: Q&A with Huddle’s Lead Data Engineer, Ivan Juraga

Today, we're thrilled to introduce Ivan Juraga, our Lead Data Engineer.

In this Q&A, Ivan shares his experiences, challenges, and the exciting projects his team is working on. From his initial spark of interest in data engineering to his current role leading a dynamic team, Ivan provides a glimpse into what makes data engineering at Huddle so unique and impactful.

Can you tell us about your journey into data engineering? What drew you to this field, and especially to the field of sports betting?

My journey into data engineering started with a genuine curiosity about the power of data. I’ve always believed that information is the world’s strongest currency, and this belief led me to a career where I can turn raw data from various sources into valuable insights.

As a data engineer, I love building data pipelines and systems that allow other departments to use this information. It’s incredibly satisfying to see how data can drive decisions and help our company thrive in a data-driven world.

Sports betting, in particular, grabbed my attention because it’s a fast-growing industry, especially in the USA. The similarities between data engineering and sports betting are pretty cool: both involve processing huge amounts of information quickly and accurately. The fast-paced nature of sports betting means there are endless opportunities to innovate and apply the latest data engineering techniques.

Plus, the growing market for sports betting offers plenty of space to showcase and use our products. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, and I’m pumped to contribute to its growth with my data engineering skills.

Being a lead of your team definitely comes with some challenges. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in your role, and how do you address them?

Absolutely, being a lead comes with its own set of challenges. There are definitely higher expectations from both your team and other departments. I see this role as a great opportunity to communicate the amazing work my team does and to coordinate better with our other fantastic teams and departments.

I would say the most challenging part is trying to find the best spot for each member of the team where that person is happy while working on our projects.

I focus on understanding things from their perspective, which I think is crucial. Patience and tolerance go a long way in making sure everyone feels valued and aligned with our goals.

Balancing these dynamics can be tricky, but it’s rewarding to see the team thrive when everyone is in the right spot and working together smoothly.

Can you share details about a recent project you worked on in Huddle and that you found particularly interesting or challenging?

Sure! Right now, we’re working on an exciting project for the upcoming NFL season, and it’s been a blast. We’re collaborating closely with our Quant and trading teams to plan and prepare the data.

There’s a lot of brainstorming and innovation happening as we explore new and exciting ways to utilize the raw data we have. The level of planning required is pretty intense, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We’re delving into fresh methods to analyze and interpret data, aiming to enhance our offerings and stay ahead of the curve.

What makes this project particularly enjoyable is the teamwork. The collaboration with the Quant and trading teams is seamless, and everyone is bringing great ideas to the table. The process of aligning our goals and ensuring that we’re all on the same page has been a great learning experience.

We’re all pumped to showcase what we’ve been working on and are confident that our efforts will pay off in a big way this NFL season. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s going to make a significant impact, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.

Are there any initiatives or projects underway within the engineering team that you're particularly excited about?

Absolutely! Right now, we’re in the process of implementing a more sophisticated system for handling all the data that comes our way. It’s a big step forward and I’m really excited about it. This new system is going to significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of our data processing.

What excites me the most is seeing how this initiative will elevate our department’s capabilities. The team’s eagerness to embrace new technologies and approaches is truly inspiring, and I’m confident this project will push us to new heights. It’s an exciting time to be part of the engineering team, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on our work.

How does the data engineering team at Huddle continuously improve its processes and methodologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field?

In the data engineering team at Huddle, we prioritize continuous improvement and innovation. During our weekly meetings, we don't just focus on our current plans and priorities—we also encourage open discussions about potential changes and improvements that could enhance our work and overall satisfaction within the department. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone has a voice and can contribute ideas for refining our processes and the quality of our product.

Additionally, we hold regular meetings with other departments, which helps us stay in tune with the latest technologies and industry trends. Seeing our colleagues constantly striving to innovate and implement exciting new technologies motivates us to do the same. This cross-departmental inspiration and collaboration drive us to continuously evolve and stay ahead in this rapidly changing field.

Subscribe below and get the latest insights straight to your inbox!