Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer
Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer

Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer

Hounslow Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data engineering projects and oversee a team of Senior Data Engineers.
  • Company: Join British Airways, a pioneering airline connecting Britain with the world for over 100 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy unlimited staff travel perks, discounted airfares, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of data engineering in a dynamic Agile environment while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in SQL, AWS, and cloud-native technologies; leadership skills are essential.
  • Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

We are looking for talented Principal Data Engineers with deep technical data platform engineering skills including SQL, AWS, Snowflake, Airflow, Git, and Python. As a Principal Data Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead overseeing Senior Data Engineers, driving industry best practices to build a world-class data engineering function and providing direction for engineering a modern data platform. You will lead end-to-end data product development in an Agile environment, contributing to British Airways' renowned service and shaping the future of our business.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Bringing an innovative and creative mindset to data engineering challenges to develop a modern data platform with efficient reusable components
  • Developing the BA Data Engineering community of practitioners
  • Leading or coordinating training and upskilling in the data engineering team
  • Assuring quality and secure engineering practices are being undertaken by the data product teams, and proactively implementing a continuous improvement mindset in both ways of working and data
  • Working with the wider team as well as managing key business stakeholders, explaining complex issues, dealing with ambiguity and prioritisation of business focused outcomes
  • Assuring quality documentation and code is being produced by the teams
  • Presenting data patterns and designs at the data architectural governance forums

Who we’re looking for:

We are seeking experienced individuals capable of developing our future data platform, who are eager to expand their knowledge across the entire data assets lifecycle. Your exceptional leadership skills will enable you to influence and guide team projects while prioritising delivery and business value. With a natural curiosity and adaptability to the ever-changing worlds of business and technology, you will thrive in our dynamic Agile environment.

In addition, you will bring:

  • Expertise in SQL development
  • Expertise in Teradata (preferred)
  • Proficiency in using cloud-native Big Data technologies (preferred)
  • Experience with cloud-based infrastructure, particularly AWS, and PaaS services
  • Strong knowledge of EDW design principles
  • Familiarity with Snowflake and its capabilities
  • Hands-on experience with Windows and Linux servers, as well as container usage (desirable)
  • Flexibility and resilience in the face of change
  • A genuine passion for our brand and commitment to our customers

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family. At British Airways you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress. We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer employer: British Airways

At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll not only lead a talented team in shaping our modern data platform but also enjoy unparalleled benefits such as extensive staff travel perks and opportunities for professional growth across our diverse business. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued, and together, we can continue to connect Britain with the world.
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Contact Detail:

British Airways Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data engineering, especially those mentioned in the job description like SQL, AWS, and Snowflake. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of British Airways on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider insights about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've driven best practices in previous roles. Since this position involves overseeing a team, showcasing your ability to lead and mentor others will be crucial.

✨Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. Being able to articulate your thought process and the impact of your solutions will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer

SQL Development
AWS Cloud Services
Snowflake Proficiency
Data Engineering Best Practices
Agile Methodologies
Data Architecture Design
Teradata Experience
Big Data Technologies
EDW Design Principles
Containerisation
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Management
Documentation Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Change

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with SQL, AWS, Snowflake, and Python. Use specific examples of projects where you've led data engineering initiatives or contributed to building data platforms.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data engineering and how your skills align with British Airways' mission. Mention your leadership experience and ability to drive best practices in an Agile environment.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Include a section in your application that details your technical proficiencies, particularly in cloud-native Big Data technologies and EDW design principles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Highlight Your Soft Skills: British Airways values adaptability and communication. In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholders and dealt with ambiguity in previous roles, showcasing your leadership and problem-solving abilities.

How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Make sure to highlight your expertise in SQL, AWS, Snowflake, and Python during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead data engineering initiatives.

✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll be overseeing teams. Share examples of how you've led projects or mentored others in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can guide and inspire a team towards achieving business goals.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities

Prepare to discuss complex data engineering challenges you've faced and how you approached solving them. Highlight your innovative mindset and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which are crucial for thriving in an Agile environment.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with British Airways' values and commitment to inclusion and diversity. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture and help foster an inclusive workplace, as this aligns with their vision for a better BA.

Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer
British Airways
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