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- Tasks: Lead data engineering projects, solve complex problems, and deliver production-grade solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at the intersection of data and AI.
- 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 dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in data engineering with strong skills in Spark, ADF, Python/Scala, and cloud technologies.
- Other info: This is a high-impact contract role that encourages innovation and leadership.
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 (London Area) employer: Nicoll Curtin
Contact Detail:
Nicoll Curtin Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer (London Area)
✨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 industry trends that could give you an edge.
✨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 tools and patterns in data engineering, particularly those that intersect with AI and machine learning. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show that you're not just technically proficient but also forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer (London Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 7+ years of experience in data engineering, specifically mentioning your hands-on skills with Spark, ADF, Python, and Scala. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your cloud-first thinking and experience with Azure, AWS, or GCP. Discuss specific projects where you've designed end-to-end pipelines at scale and how you’ve added business value through your work.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Highlight any previous experience where you led a team or mentored others. Provide examples of how you’ve influenced technical direction and solved complex problems, as this role requires a strong leadership presence.
Demonstrate AI/ML Awareness: Mention any collaborations with data scientists or projects involving AI/ML. This will show that you understand the intersection of data and AI, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicoll Curtin
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like Spark, ADF, Python, and Scala. Highlight specific projects where you've designed end-to-end data pipelines and how you approached problem-solving in those scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Cloud Knowledge
Since the role requires cloud-first thinking, make sure to articulate your experience with Azure, AWS, or GCP. Discuss how you've leveraged cloud technologies to enhance data engineering processes and the benefits it brought to your previous projects.
✨Emphasise Business Value
The company is looking for someone with a commercial mindset. Be ready to explain how your technical decisions have positively impacted business outcomes. Use examples that illustrate your understanding of balancing cost and value in data engineering.
✨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, focusing on how you motivated others and drove successful outcomes through collaboration and guidance.
