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- Tasks: Design and build a robust data infrastructure for a high-growth startup.
- Company: Join a dynamic Series A startup at the forefront of eCommerce and Fintech.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, hybrid working, and exposure to leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence decisions and work in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data in a scaling business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong SQL skills and experience with modern data tools required.
We’re working with a high-growth Series A startup operating at the intersection of eCommerce and Fintech, building a product that is redefining how people shop online. Their proposition removes friction from the buying experience — allowing customers to try before they buy, without upfront payment — bringing a more natural, in-store experience into the home. The business is scaling quickly, with strong commercial traction and increasing complexity behind the scenes. And that complexity is now centred around data.
Data sits at the heart of the business — spanning customer behaviour, payments, returns, and partner performance. As the company has grown, the volume and importance of that data has outpaced the underlying infrastructure. Multiple sources, evolving definitions, and increasing reliance from across the business have created the need for a more robust, scalable foundation. They are now looking to hire a Founding Data Engineer to take ownership of that foundation. This is a pivotal hire — someone who can design, build, and define how data is structured, trusted, and used across the company.
This is not a role focused purely on pipelines or reporting. You will own the data environment end-to-end — shaping the architecture, defining standards, and enabling the wider business to make better decisions through reliable, well-structured data. You’ll work closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, helping translate real-world business questions into clean, usable data models. The company has also introduced an AI-assisted querying layer to make data accessible across the organisation. A key part of your role will be ensuring the outputs from that layer are accurate, well-defined, and trustworthy.
They’re interested in individuals who have taken ownership of data infrastructure in a production environment and are comfortable designing for scale. Strong SQL and experience with modern data tooling (e.g. orchestration, warehousing, ETL/ELT) are expected. Beyond that, the key differentiator is mindset. They are looking for someone who:
- Thinks beyond implementation and understands the commercial impact of data
- Is naturally curious and engaged in how data is used across a business
- Is comfortable working in an environment where not everything is defined
- Takes ownership and is motivated by building things properly
You’ll be joining a business at a stage where:
- The product is established and scaling
- The data challenges are real and increasingly complex
- The foundations are still being defined
This offers a balance of ownership and stability — the opportunity to shape something meaningful, without the uncertainty of a true greenfield environment.
A modern, cloud-based data stack including a mix of structured and unstructured data sources, orchestration tooling, and distributed storage. RDS Postgres, MongoDB, AWS Athena, Parquet, AWS Glue, Airflow, Python, Docker, S3, GraphQL, REST. You won't know all of it, you’ll be strong in your core area and curious about the rest.
Nice to have: Python proficiency, CI/CD for data workflows, graph database experience (Neo4j), startup or early-stage background. Depth in your core area is more important than experience across every tool.
Package:
- Competitive salary + equity
- Hybrid working (London-based)
- Strong exposure to leadership and decision-making
- Opportunity to play a foundational role in a scaling business
The process is designed to assess both technical capability and how you think about problems:
- Initial application + 3 short competency questions
- Introductory conversation
- Technical discussion
- In-person working session based on a real-world scenario
- Offer
The role requires more than technical delivery. The team is specifically looking for individuals who show curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in how data drives business decisions — not just how it is built.
If you’re looking for a role where you can build, own, and genuinely influence, this is worth a conversation. Apply or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
EHS Partners Limited, Edison Hill Search & Edison Hill Scale are operating and advertising as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and as an Employment Business for interim / contract / temporary positions. EHS Partners Limited are an Equal Opportunities employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Please apply below at your earliest convenience.
Founding Data Engineer employer: Edison Hill Search
Contact Detail:
Edison Hill Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their product, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those technical discussions! Brush up on your SQL skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled data challenges in the past. Real-world examples will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for data and how it drives business decisions.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to customise your answers to the competency questions. Highlight your experience with data infrastructure and how it relates to the role. Show us that you understand the commercial impact of data!
Show Your Curiosity: We love candidates who are naturally curious! In your application, mention any projects or experiences where you explored data beyond just implementation. This will help us see your engagement with data in a business context.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edison Hill Search
✨Understand the Business Impact of Data
Before your interview, take some time to research how data influences decision-making in eCommerce and Fintech. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive business outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Brush up on your SQL and any modern data tooling you’re familiar with. Prepare to discuss your experience with orchestration, warehousing, and ETL/ELT processes. Don’t just list your skills; explain how you’ve applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Curiosity and Ownership
During the interview, express your curiosity about how data is used across different areas of a business. Share instances where you took ownership of a data project and how you navigated challenges to deliver results.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect to engage in a working session based on a real-world scenario. Practice articulating your thought process and problem-solving approach. This will help you showcase your ability to translate business questions into actionable data models.