Humans of HTB #8: Asterios’s journey into data engineering

Step into the vibrant world of the Humans of HTB (HoH), your behind-the-scenes glimpse into the growth of our talented team and dynamic culture!  

In this HoH series, we talk with Asterios about his journey at HTB as a data engineer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

Hey there! I'm Asterios. I'm originally from Serres, Greece, but I've been based in Athens for the last three years. Professionally, I've been exploring the world of data engineering for two and a half years now. Oh, and if you ever see me outside, you'll be greeted by my trusty four-legged sidekick, Minnie 🐕!

What was your career path before HTB?

Before joining Hack The Box (HTB), I was influenced by the hype of machine learning and started experimenting with small data science projects using Python. Soon, I discovered the importance of clean and organized data for successful machine learning models. This realization led me to shift my focus towards data engineering, which eventually landed me a role at Hack The Box as a data engineer!

How did you start your journey at HTB?

I started my journey at Hack The Box while preparing to begin my MSc in quantum computing and working as a data engineer in a different field. When I stumbled across the open position at HTB, I couldn’t resist and applied immediately. 

After connecting with the team through interviews I was confident that I had found something special. When I finally got the offer, I celebrated like there was no tomorrow.

Can you share some highlights of your work at HTB?

Some highlights of my work at Hack The Box? Oh, I've got something I'm very proud of. 

In the early days, when our team consisted of only two members (shoutout to Dimos 💚), we spent significant time manually creating new data models using data build tool (dbt) for each new table in our analytics database. Recognizing this drain on our productivity, I started to automate the process using Python. 

With determination and valuable collaboration with Dimos, we developed Python scripts that seamlessly handled the creation of data models, saving us countless hours of manual labor.

This accomplishment not only boosted our efficiency but also paved the way for further improvements within our growing team (Timos & Christina 💙). Moments like these remind me of the power of teamwork and creative problem-solving at Hack The Box.

Tell us about the most enjoyable part of your job!

The most enjoyable part of my job is exploring new open-source tools that will eventually improve our work and help us tackle new challenges. Of course, nothing beats the satisfaction of collaborating with my team to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

What are the key challenges of your work now?

As a data engineer, one of the key challenges I face is ensuring data integrity throughout the entire data pipeline. This involves carefully cleaning and validating the data to eliminate any inconsistencies or errors that may arise. We aim for smooth data ingestion and thorough testing to eliminate any corruptions and ensure the proper operation of downstream processes.

What are your key learnings from your experience so far at HTB?

One of the most valuable lessons from my experience at Hack The Box is the emphasis on fostering a unique and open culture. From day one, I've been surrounded by a team that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

This culture has enriched my professional development and created an environment where ideas thrive and boundaries are pushed! The journey at Hack The Box has been fascinating, offering numerous opportunities for growth in the field of data engineering.

What career advice would you give to someone interested in joining your team?

My best advice to anyone interested in joining our team is to have a genuine passion for what you do and to think outside the box! While technical skills are undoubtedly important, what truly sets individuals apart is their enthusiasm for exploring the field and their drive to continuously improve our team's processes.

You’ve been at HTB for 1+ years now. What makes it a unique place to work?

I've been part of Hack The Box for a year and a half now, but it feels like the journey has just begun. What makes this place truly unique is the incredible teamwork and collaboration that permeate every aspect of our work. The culture here is unlike any other, fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated, ideas are valued, and every voice is heard.

What advice would you give to someone interviewing at HTB?

My advice to anyone interviewing at Hack The Box is simple: embrace the journey and make the most of every moment. Whether the outcome is positive or not, the experience itself is incredibly valuable and enriching.

Be authentic, curious, and passionate about your work. Don't worry—the process is candidate-friendly and rewarding. Enjoy the experience, learn from it, and trust yourself!

Author bio: Asterios Pantousas (J0yb0y), Data Engineer, Hack The Box Asterios is a Data Engineer at Hack The Box, originally from Serres, Greece. He began his journey studying Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he discovered a passion for solving tough problems. He’s the guy who always opts for the most challenging path because it offers the most unique experiences. Currently, he’s wrapping up an MSc in quantum computing—because why not add a little more spice to the mix, right? His ultimate goal? To merge quantum computing with cybersecurity! When not in nerd mode, you can catch him on a tennis court or playing board games. Want to hear more from Asterios? Connect with him on LinkedIn.