Data Automation Engineer in Essex

About us

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals and over 600 staff based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

The team you will join

The role is based within the Data Systems Team, part of Birketts’ wider IT Business Solutions function. The team is responsible for delivering and supporting the firm’s data platforms, reporting solutions, integrations, automation capabilities and business-critical systems. Working closely with colleagues across the BI Squad and wider IT teams, the Data Automation Engineer will help design, develop and support automated data processes, integrations and data pipelines that improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort and ensure reliable data movement across cloud and on-premises systems.

The work you will be doing

• Design, develop and maintain automated data integrations between business applications.
• Build, support and optimise ETL/ELT processes and automated data pipelines.
• Develop automation solutions using APIs, scheduled processes and event-driven workflows.
• Monitor, troubleshoot and optimise data automation processes, ensuring reliable service delivery.
• Design, develop and support data integration, orchestration and automation solutions using Microsoft Fabric, including Data Factory and related platform capabilities.
• Ensure reliable data movement between cloud and on-premises systems.
• Develop reusable automation frameworks, standards and repeatable delivery patterns.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Provide 3rd Line support for automation and integration-related incidents.
• Support business-critical operational processes through automation, monitoring and clear escalation.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, support notes and operational procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across IT and the business to deliver sustainable data automation solutions.

What we are looking for

Essential skills and experience:

• 4–6 years’ experience in Data Engineering, Integration Engineering, Automation Engineering or a similar role.
• Strong SQL Server and T-SQL skills.
• Experience developing ETL/ELT processes and data pipelines.
• Experience with APIs, integrations and data exchange technologies.
• Experience using Microsoft Azure services.
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric or similar cloud data platforms.
• Good understanding of cloud-based data solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Experience supporting production systems and business-critical services.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Microsoft Fabric platform architecture and governance.
• Cloud data platform design and strategic architecture.
• AI Agents, Microsoft Copilot Studio and agentic AI solutions.
• Azure AI and Machine Learning technologies.
• Working closely with AI-focused delivery teams and AI initiatives.
• Coaching and mentoring junior engineers.
• Data platform strategy and enterprise data architecture.
• Power BI development and analytics platforms.
• Azure DevOps, CI/CD and Infrastructure-as-Code practices.

Key attributes:

• Passionate about automation and continuous improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to problem solving.
• Able to balance project delivery with support responsibilities.
• Self-motivated, proactive and comfortable taking ownership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across IT and the wider business.

Hybrid Working

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. This role attracts a split of 60% office days and 40% working from home days per week.

We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.

Benefits

As a Birketts colleague, you will be eligible to receive a wide range of benefits:

• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
• Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid CSR Day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Subsidised gym membership
• Electric car scheme
• Dress for your Day Policy

Inclusivity and Culture

At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Birketts is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At Birketts, we recognise the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession and recruitment. We welcome innovation and understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their job applications. However, we expect all applicants to use AI responsibly and ethically.

Our expectations regarding AI use in applications:

• Your application should reflect your own voice, experiences, and insights. AI may assist in structuring or refining your responses, but it must not replace your personal input.
• Do not use AI to misrepresent your qualifications, experiences, or skills. Any form of exaggeration or fabrication may result in rejection from the process.
• If you have used AI tools to assist with your application, be prepared to discuss how and why you used them during the interview process.
• Do not submit content generated by AI tools that may include personal or sensitive data not intended for public disclosure.
• AI-generated content should be reviewed and edited by you to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the role and our firm’s values.

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment practices. The use of AI should enhance, not compromise, your application. We encourage candidates to demonstrate critical thinking, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in our firm.

If you have any questions about our expectations or the use of AI in your application, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team via talent@birketts.co.uk.