Daniël Van der Merwe

M Eng Engineering Management / B Eng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

About

Leverages a background in engineering to bring a data-driven approach to problem-solving. Possesses clear and concise communication skills and well-developed interpersonal skills that help to collaborate with a wide variety of personalities. Has a strong analytical mind that excels at managing multiple priorities while maintaining focus under pressure in a challenging environment. Highly motivated and looking to contribute valuable skills and knowledge to a forward-thinking company. During my Master’s studies, and early career I developed a keen interest in Data Engineering and Analysis. Coupled with my Software Engineering background, I will be a strong addition to any Data Engineering team. As an extroverted individual, I will excel in roles that require a high level of human interaction. Solving problems as a team brings me immense satisfaction.

Experience

  • Forward Deployed Engineer at RANGR Data
    May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    Rangr Data is the premier Palantir services firm, helping organizations unlock the full value of their data. As a trusted partner, we work alongside our customers to drive actionable insights, optimize operations, and accelerate business impact through Palantir Foundry and AIP. Our expertise transforms complex data challenges into powerful solutions, enabling smarter decisions and long-term value creation.

  • Product Owner at Unifi Africa
    Apr 2025 - May 2026 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Business Intelligence Analyst at Capitec
    Oct 2023 - Apr 2025 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Personal Project at Personal Project
    Sep 2023 - Sep 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

    In my free time I took an interest in web scraping and cloud computing. I used python to web scrape a property website to see what was the asking price per square metre in certain areas of South Africa. I dockerized my script and made use of Google Cloud Run and Google Big Query to collect, transform, and store data. Notification alerts were set up in case the website structure changed and I had to fix code to extract the correct data once more. SQL code was written to transform the data and prepare it for reporting. I could then create a looker studio dashboard (that I used since it was cheaper than powerBI) that showed all the metrics and filters that one would need to extract meaningful insights from the data. For fun I imbedded the report in a website to give it a more professional feel. I would be happy to demo my work on request.

  • Data Analyst at Fortna
    Oct 2021 - Feb 2023 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Fortna partners with the world’s leading brands to transform their distribution operations to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives. Known world-wide as the Distribution Experts™, we design and deliver intelligent solutions, powered by FortnaWES™ software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools, ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our clients with comprehensive services including network strategy, distribution center operations, material handling automation, supply chain systems and warehouse software design and implementation. Data Analyst at Fortna: • Interacting with internal and external clients (in the USA, Germany and UK) to determine requirements, clarify expectations, and deliver results. • Gathering, analyzing and storing data by means of SQL, MS Excel, Python and Fortna-proprietary programs and tools. • Analyzing and developing data to develop the “business case” for proposed solutions. • Data modelling for financial and operational modelling. • Supporting delivery of solutions including business process redesign, distribution center design, organizational design, etc. • Research support. • Writing and delivering high quality documentation and analysis. • Developing and supporting internal, data-related systems and processes.