At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data engineering projects, solve complex problems, and deliver production-grade solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of data and AI innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data engineering while working with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in data engineering with expertise in Spark, ADF, Python/Scala, and cloud platforms.
- Other info: This is a high-impact contract role that encourages leadership and innovation.
We're looking for a hands-on, technically heavyweight Lead Data Engineer to step into a high-impact contract role — shaping both the technical direction and the way the team works. This isn't a ticket-taking role. You'll lead from the front: spotting the problems worth solving, identifying better tools or patterns, and delivering well-justified, production-grade solutions.
We're working at the intersection of data and AI, solving both greenfield and brownfield challenges with modern cloud tooling.
You’ll need:
- 7+ years in data engineering
- Spark, ADF, Python/Scala – solid hands-on skills
- Cloud-first thinking (Azure preferred, but AWS/GCP welcome)
- Experience designing end-to-end pipelines at scale
- A commercial mindset – you think in terms of business value and cost
- AI/ML awareness — you’ve worked alongside data scientists
- A pragmatic, fail-fast, iterate-forward attitude
- Confidence to lead, influence, and mentor
If you're the kind of contractor who doesn't just do the work, but defines it — let's talk.
Data Engineer (City of London) employer: Nicoll Curtin
Contact Detail:
Nicoll Curtin Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer (City of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data engineering field, especially those who have experience with Azure and Python/Scala. Attend meetups or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and tools in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience by contributing to open-source projects related to data engineering. This not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your ability to collaborate and lead within a team setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've designed end-to-end data pipelines at scale. Be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest AI and ML trends, as well as how they intersect with data engineering. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will set you apart and show that you understand the broader context of your role.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer (City of London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in data engineering, particularly with Spark, ADF, Python, and Scala. Emphasise your hands-on skills and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to design end-to-end pipelines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the company's needs. Mention your cloud-first thinking and any experience you have with AI/ML, as well as your leadership capabilities.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide specific examples in your application that illustrate your ability to identify problems worth solving and deliver production-grade solutions. This could include challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them.
Highlight Commercial Mindset: Discuss your approach to balancing technical solutions with business value. Include any experiences where you’ve had to consider cost implications while delivering data engineering solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicoll Curtin
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like Spark, ADF, Python, and Scala. Bring examples of projects where you've designed end-to-end data pipelines and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Cloud Knowledge
Since the role requires cloud-first thinking, make sure to highlight your experience with Azure, AWS, or GCP. Discuss specific instances where you've leveraged cloud technologies to solve data engineering problems, focusing on scalability and efficiency.
✨Emphasise Business Value
The company is looking for someone with a commercial mindset. Be ready to talk about how your work has contributed to business outcomes in previous roles. Use metrics or examples to illustrate how your data solutions have driven value.
✨Exhibit Leadership Qualities
As a Lead Data Engineer, you'll need to influence and mentor others. Prepare to share experiences where you've led a team or project, highlighting your approach to problem-solving and how you foster collaboration among team members.