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, mentor teams, and develop a modern data platform.
  • Company: Join British Airways, a pioneering airline connecting Britain with the world for over 100 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy unlimited flight perks, discounted airfares, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of data in a renowned company.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in SQL, AWS, and data engineering principles; 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. So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.

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'll 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’ll 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 focussed 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’ll thrive in our dynamic Agile environment.

In addition, you’ll 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.

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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 in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

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

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and projects, so think of specific examples that highlight your skills in this area.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your problem-solving abilities by preparing for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would approach common challenges in data engineering and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

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
Leadership and Team Management
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Stakeholder Management
Documentation and Code Quality Assurance
Big Data Technologies
Teradata Knowledge
Windows and Linux Server Experience
Containerisation 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 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 Adaptability: British Airways values flexibility and resilience. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully adapted to changes or overcame challenges in a fast-paced environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in SQL, AWS, Snowflake, and Python. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully applied these technologies, and consider bringing examples of your work to illustrate your capabilities.

✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving best practices in data engineering. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects, as British Airways values strong leadership skills that can influence and guide team dynamics.

✨Prepare for Agile Discussions

Since the role involves working in an Agile environment, be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies. Talk about how you've contributed to Agile teams, managed sprints, and adapted to changing requirements while maintaining focus on business outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Mindset

British Airways is looking for candidates who can tackle complex data engineering challenges creatively. Prepare to discuss specific problems you've solved in previous roles, focusing on your innovative approaches and the impact of your solutions on the overall project.

Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer
British Airways
B
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