At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data engineering initiatives and shape enterprise-scale solutions in defence.
- Company: Innovative defence technology consultancy focused on AI and data capabilities.
- Benefits: Up to £140,000 salary, strong benefits, and flexible UK-wide opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a clear pathway for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while driving innovation in data engineering.
- Qualifications: Extensive data engineering experience, expert in Python, SQL, and cloud technologies.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 140000 £ per year.
The UK's defence landscape is changing. AI, advanced analytics and modern data platforms are becoming mission-critical capabilities across government, defence and national security organisations. As demand continues to accelerate, an innovative defence technology consultancy is investing heavily in its data capability and is seeking a Principal Data Engineering Lead to help drive the next phase of growth. This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced data leader who wants to influence both technology strategy and business growth while working at the forefront of AI-enabled defence programmes.
This position sits at the intersection of technical leadership, customer engagement and capability development. You will be responsible for shaping enterprise-scale data solutions, leading technical teams and helping establish a best-in-class data engineering function capable of supporting some of the most complex challenges within the defence sector. You'll work closely with customers, architects, engineers and leadership teams to deliver innovative solutions while helping grow a high-performing engineering practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing technical leadership across major defence and secure government programmes
- Leading the design and implementation of modern data architectures
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior customer stakeholders
- Building and developing engineering teams and technical capability
- Defining engineering standards, delivery approaches and technical roadmaps
- Supporting business growth through thought leadership and industry expertise
- Driving the adoption of emerging technologies, AI and modern data engineering practices
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an established leader with a strong reputation within the defence, national security or government technology space. You should bring:
- Extensive experience delivering and leading Data Engineering programmes
- Expert-level knowledge of Python and SQL
- Strong experience with Databricks, Spark and distributed data processing technologies
- Cloud expertise across AWS, Azure and/or GCP
- Experience using orchestration tools such as Airflow
- A strong understanding of data platform reliability, scalability and governance
- Proven experience influencing technical strategy and customer decision-making
- The ability to lead, mentor and inspire engineering teams
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This organisation is building something genuinely different. You'll join a highly ambitious business where technical excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged and leadership teams actively invest in new ideas and emerging technologies. Rather than inheriting an established practice, you'll play a significant role in shaping its future direction, helping define how data engineering is delivered across a growing portfolio of defence and AI programmes. This role offers genuine influence, visibility and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on both customers and the wider business.
Location & Travel
This is a UK-wide opportunity, and applications are welcomed from experienced professionals across the country. The organisation operates nationally, with teams supporting customers across multiple locations. Travel to client sites will form a regular part of the role depending on programme requirements.
Package
Up to £140,000 base salary
Strong benefits package
UK-wide opportunities and flexibility
Exposure to cutting-edge Defence, AI and Data programmes
Clear pathway for continued growth and leadership responsibility
If you're a senior data engineering leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, shape capability and deliver meaningful impact across the UK's defence sector, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.
Principle Data Engineer in Bradford employer: ANSON MCCADE
Join an innovative defence technology consultancy that values technical excellence and fosters a culture of innovation. As a Principal Data Engineering Lead, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of data engineering within the defence sector, working on cutting-edge AI and data programmes while enjoying a strong benefits package and a clear pathway for career growth. This UK-wide role offers flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact on national security initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Data Engineer in Bradford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence and data engineering sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! Share your projects, write articles, or even give talks on platforms like LinkedIn. This will help you stand out as a thought leader in data engineering and attract the attention of potential employers.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When reaching out to companies, make sure to tailor your message to their specific needs. Highlight how your experience with AI, Python, and cloud technologies can directly benefit their projects. Personalisation shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply for roles directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our innovative team in the defence sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Data Engineer in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Data Engineer. Highlight your experience with Python, SQL, and any relevant cloud technologies like AWS or Azure. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data engineering in the defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've influenced technical strategy or led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and shaping data solutions, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others or driven projects to success. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANSON MCCADE
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python, SQL, Databricks, and Spark. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, as well as orchestration tools like Airflow. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar but truly knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading teams and influencing strategy, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led data engineering projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing teams, as well as any instances where you’ve driven innovation or change within an organisation.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the defence and national security sectors. Be ready to discuss how modern data solutions can address these challenges and how your expertise can contribute to the organisation's goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the company’s vision for data engineering, their approach to emerging technologies, and how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
