At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative data engineering projects in the defence sector and shape enterprise-scale solutions.
- Company: Dynamic defence technology consultancy focused on AI and advanced analytics.
- Benefits: Up to £140,000 salary, strong benefits, and flexible UK-wide opportunities.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with a clear pathway for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while driving technological innovation.
- Qualifications: Extensive data engineering experience and expertise 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 Bristol 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 Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the defence and data engineering space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Data Engineer role!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with Python, SQL, and any cool projects you've led. Let them see how you can drive innovation in their data engineering practices.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity. Make sure to tailor your discussions to highlight how your expertise aligns with their needs in defence and national security. Show them you understand their challenges and can provide solutions.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Data Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Data Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in Python, SQL, and any relevant cloud technologies like AWS or Azure. We want to see how you can bring value to our innovative defence technology consultancy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data engineering and how your leadership experience can help shape our data capabilities. Be sure to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Leadership:In your application, emphasise your experience leading technical teams and influencing strategy. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive the adoption of emerging technologies, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
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.
