Principal Data Engineer

Principal Data Engineer - Hybrid/Remote - (SC Cleared) THE COMPANY:

A leading organisation undergoing a significant digital transformation is looking to appoint a Principal Data Engineer to play a key role in shaping its enterprise data platform and future analytics capabilities.

Joining a growing Data & Integration function, you'll work alongside architects, product owners, and engineering teams to deliver modern, cloud-based data solutions that support business-critical decision-making. This is an opportunity to influence technical strategy, establish engineering standards, and drive the adoption of modern DataOps and cloud technologies across the organisation.

THE ROLE:

We are hiring a Principal Data Engineer to provide technical leadership across enterprise data engineering initiatives.

You'll be responsible for designing scalable cloud-based data platforms, building modern data pipelines, and defining engineering standards that enable secure, reliable, and high-performing data solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement enterprise-scale cloud data platforms and architectures
• Lead the development of scalable data pipelines, integration frameworks, and reusable data products
• Drive best practice across Data Engineering, DataOps, and DevOps
• Implement CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and automated deployment processes
• Ensure data quality, governance, security, lineage, and compliance across enterprise platforms
• Collaborate with architects, software engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders to deliver high-quality data solutions
• Support cloud migration and modernisation initiatives
• Optimise platform performance, scalability, and operational efficiency
• Mentor Data Engineers and provide technical leadership across the wider engineering function
• Evaluate emerging technologies and help shape the organisation's long-term data strategy

THE CANDIDATE:

We're looking for an experienced Data Engineering leader with a passion for modern cloud technologies and enterprise-scale data platforms.

Essential Experience:

• 7 years' experience in Data Engineering, Data Platform Development, or Software Engineering
• Strong experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data architectures
• Expertise with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud
• Advanced SQL and Python development skills
• Experience building ETL/ELT pipelines and modern data integration solutions
• Strong understanding of DataOps, DevOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience with data modelling, data warehousing, and master data management
• Knowledge of data governance, metadata management, and data quality frameworks
• Hands-on experience with technologies such as Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, Airflow, or similar
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments

Desirable Experience:

• Cloud certifications (Azure, AWS, or GCP)
• TOGAF, DAMA CDMP, or Data Engineering certifications
• Experience with AI/ML platforms or MLOps
• Exposure to Data Mesh or Data Fabric architectures
• Enterprise Architecture experience
• Experience within Aerospace, Defence, Manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries

THE OFFER:

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Opportunity to shape enterprise-wide data strategy and architecture
• Work with cutting-edge cloud technologies including Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and Snowflake
• Technical leadership role with significant influence across the organisation
• Ongoing professional development and certification opportunities
• Collaborative engineering culture with genuine career progression

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

• Multi-stage interview process
• Technical and competency-based assessments
• Fast-moving recruitment process