Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data architecture and enhance guest experiences at world-class attractions.
- Company: Join Merlin, a global leader in branded entertainment with a fun and friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 33 days holiday, and free access to attractions worldwide.
- Why this job: Shape a modern data platform and make a real impact on unforgettable guest experiences.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in data engineering, leadership experience, and expertise in Databricks and Azure.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Our purpose is to bring joy, create connections, and make memories.
Our vision is to be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play.
Merlin is in the middle of a major Digital and Data Transformation, reshaping how we use data to enhance the end-to-end guest journey across our world-class attractions. As Principal Data Engineer, you’ll sit at the heart of this transformation. This is a true player-coach role: setting the technical direction for our future data estate while remaining hands-on, leading by example and raising the engineering bar across the organisation.
In Phase 1, you’ll lead early-stage architectural decision-making, defining the blueprint for our new data platform in partnership with Enterprise Architecture. You’ll choose the patterns and approaches that will shape Merlin’s data future, then pivot into delivery – turning strategy into resilient, production-ready platforms. You’ll also lead the discovery and stabilisation of our legacy “Lane 1” estate while building the “Lane 2” foundations designed to scale. Just as importantly, you’ll act as the technical face of Data to the business, confidently explaining trade-offs between fixing fast and building right.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Architectural leadership
- Define the directional architecture for Merlin’s new Data Estate
- Lead decision-making on Databricks and Azure usage, setting standards such as Lakehouse, Medallion and event-driven patterns
- Partner with Enterprise Architecture to ensure alignment with the wider technology blueprint
- People leadership
- Line manage the Data Engineering squad, setting the technical culture and standards
- Lead hiring, onboarding, performance management and development planning
- Own engineering feasibility and complexity, working alongside the Delivery Lead who owns value and prioritisation
- Ensure technical debt is intentional, documented and does not undermine long-term architecture
- Engineering standards & culture
- Embed modern engineering practices: CI/CD, automated testing, observability and FinOps
- Drive the shift from scripting to true software engineering
- Discovery & decommissioning
- Lead deep discovery of the legacy data estate
- Decide what to retire, what to retain and how to migrate safely without disrupting the business
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Act as translator between complex data engineering realities and business outcomes
- Work closely with Delivery, Architecture, Data Science, Governance and the wider Engineering community
- Help define global standards for coding, security and DevOps across Merlin
- Shape technical roadmaps aligned to long-term business goals and manage expectations on delivery
Who you’ll work with:
- Enterprise Architecture
- Data Delivery Lead
- Senior business stakeholders
- The wider Engineering community
- Data Science, Governance and Delivery teams
Qualifications & Experience:
- Degree in Data Science, Computer Science or a related field
- Significant hands-on experience in data engineering or data architecture (typically 5–8 years), with typically 3 years leadership experience
- Deep expertise in Databricks, Azure, SQL and Python (GCP / BigQuery experience a plus)
- Proven experience refactoring and modernising legacy data estates while maintaining business continuity
- Track record of owning architectural decisions and defining data platform blueprints
Skills & mindset:
- Player-coach leadership style with a strong hands-on engineering presence
- High EQ and confidence working with non-technical stakeholders
- Pragmatic, resilient approach that balances technical excellence with delivery realities
- Strong software engineering mindset with a passion for quality, reliability and sustainability
How we lead at Merlin:
- Soulfully Curious – always learning and open to new ideas
- Results Focused – accountable, pragmatic and outcome-driven
- Extraordinary Teammates – collaborative, generous and respectful
- Developers of People – coaches who grow talent and capability
Why Merlin?
You’ll have the opportunity to shape a modern data platform from the ground up in a globally recognised, purpose-driven business. This role offers real influence, technical ownership and the chance to build something that will power unforgettable guest experiences for years to come.
Benefits:
We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better. Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!
Pay Range: Competitive
Principal Data Engineer employer: Merlin Entertainments - Corporate
Contact Detail:
Merlin Entertainments - Corporate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your data engineering projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to data engineering. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Merlin. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Merlin team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Data Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with Databricks, Azure, and your leadership in data engineering projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about data engineering and how you can contribute to our digital transformation. Be sure to mention your player-coach leadership style and how you’ve successfully collaborated with non-technical stakeholders.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills. We want to see your deep expertise in SQL, Python, and your experience with modern engineering practices like CI/CD and automated testing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our data future!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments - Corporate
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your deep expertise in Databricks, Azure, SQL, and Python. Brush up on your knowledge of these technologies and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects, especially in refactoring legacy data estates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a player-coach leadership style, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams while remaining hands-on. Highlight your experience in managing data engineering squads and how you foster a technical culture that prioritises quality and collaboration.
✨Communicate with Confidence
You'll be acting as the technical face of Data to the business, so practice explaining complex data engineering concepts in simple terms. Think about how you've successfully translated technical realities into business outcomes in previous roles, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Align with Business Goals
Merlin is looking for someone who can shape technical roadmaps aligned with long-term business goals. Prepare to discuss how you've previously balanced technical excellence with delivery realities, and how you plan to ensure that your architectural decisions support the overall vision of the company.
