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 UK-wide flexibility.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with opportunities 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.
The Role
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.
Locations
Principle Data Engineer in Hampshire, Portsmouth 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 Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 aligns with their goals, especially in areas like AI and modern data platforms. Personalisation can make a huge difference!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Data Engineer role. It shows your commitment and gives us a clear view of your interest in joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Data Engineer in Hampshire, Portsmouth
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 our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data engineering in the defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've influenced technical strategy or led successful projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll be leading teams and shaping strategies. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you've mentored others in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and grow their teams!
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
As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in Python, SQL, and tools like Databricks and Spark. Brush up on these technologies and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. Prepare specific examples that highlight your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in defence technology, especially around AI and data engineering. Research the company’s recent projects and initiatives in this space. This will not only show your interest but also help you engage meaningfully with interviewers about their challenges and opportunities.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your experience leading teams and influencing technical strategy. Think of instances where you've mentored others or driven change within an organisation. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and how you foster innovation.
✨Showcase Your Customer Engagement Skills
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss your experience in customer engagement. Highlight how you've acted as a trusted advisor in previous roles and how you've successfully navigated complex client relationships to deliver impactful solutions.
