Principal Geospatial Data Engineer in Reading)

We are searching for a Principal Geospatial Data Engineer to join our clients high-performing Data Engineering Team. This role is ideal for an experienced, hands-on professional who thrives on technical leadership, innovation, and delivery. As a 100% data-driven company, our customer prides itself on engineering excellence and delivering impactful solutions and services to their clients.

Please note, this role is being offered on a 3-year fixed term contract basis – it is full-time and fully remote with very occasional trips to the office. You will also receive an extensive benefits package and a competitive salary.

Reporting directly to the Head of Data Engineering, you will play a crucial role in driving the team\’s vision and objectives to completion. You will be expected to provide technical leadership, own the solution, ensure the reliability of data products, and collaborate closely with your team and customers to optimise data solutions.

To be considered for this role you MUST have Geospatial Data experience, good knowledge of QGIS & FME, programming/coding abilities in at least two (2) languages and considerable experience of AWS.

This really is a unique opportunity for a highly skilled, energetic and motivated Principal Data Engineer/Senior Lead Data Engineer with deep hands-on expertise in data engineering and architecture.

* Technical Leadership: Assist the Head of Data Engineering in overseeing the design, development, and optimisation of data software, data infrastructure and pipelines.

* Team Technical Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of talented data experts, both permanents and contractors, to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring that best practices in data engineering and software development are followed. Lead by example- happy to be hands-on.

* Hands-On Delivery: Lead by example – contribute directly to technical challenges, write high-quality code, and guide architectural decisions.

* Data Strategy, Solutions & Ownership: Own the technical roadmap, aligning engineering efforts with business goals and ensuring timely delivery, quality control, and innovation. Inspire the team by providing a sharp vision for technical excellence and innovation in the data engineering strategy.

* Cloud: Optimise cloud-based data solutions, storage and processing systems, with hands-on experience in AWS and on-prem services.

* Collaboration: Work closely with the customers, PMO, and business stakeholders to deliver high-impact, cost-effective solutions.

* First Major Engagement: You will contribute to one of the UK Government\’s largest and most ambitious digital data transformation initiatives across England and Wales. You will empower the engineering team to deliver innovative solutions while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. As a mentor, you will support Data Engineers and Data Analysts in overcoming technical challenges and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.

About You

We are looking for a passionate, technically strong leader who can inspire and elevate those around them. You will bring:

* Depth of Expertise: Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing data solutions, supported by a history of successfully managing technical teams and delivery of data projects.

* Exceptional coding skills.

* Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or similar (applied to Data or with a Data Specialisation).

* Extensive experience in Data Engineering and Data Analytics.

* Expert knowledge in data technologies and data transformation solutions and tools.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

* Good understanding of Quality and Information Security principles.

* Effective communication, ability to explain technical concepts to a range of audiences.

* Able to provide coaching and training to less experienced members of the team.

* Essential skills:

* Programming Languages such as Spark, Java, Python, PySpark, Scala or similar (minimum of 2)

* Extensive Data Engineering and Data Analytics hands-on experience

* Significant AWS hands-on experience

* Technical Delivery Manager skills

* Geospatial Data experience (including QGIS)

* FME

* Advanced Database and SQL skills

* Certifications: AWS or FME certifications are a real plus.

* Experience with ETL tools such as AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, Databricks or similar is a bonus.

The role comes with excellent benefits to support your well-being and career growth.

KEYWORDS

Principal Geospatial Data Engineer, Geospatial, GIS, QGIS, FME, AWS, On-Prem Services, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Analytics, Spark, Java, Python, PySpark, Scala, ETL Tools, AWS Glue.

Please note, to be considered for this role you MUST reside/live in the UK, and you MUST have the Right to Work in the UK long-term without the need for Company Sponsorship.Bowerford Associates Limited is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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