At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement scalable data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric to optimise data management.
- Company: Join a sustainable energy consultancy committed to making a positive impact on the planet.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holidays, and gym contributions.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values every voice and perspective.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of data engineering and drive meaningful change in sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Fabric, SQL, and data modelling is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Our purpose 🌍 Inspiring and empowering our people to create a positive difference for themselves, our clients and the planet. Sustainable Energy First is an energy and sustainability consultancy, founded to solve energy management problems in very large, complex commercial estates. This remains the core of our business driven by a commitment to sustainability and the goal of reducing our clients’ carbon footprint.
This role will provide dedicated data engineering capability within the Data Analytics & Intelligence team, with a primary focus on developing and optimising our use of Microsoft Fabric. The team has already begun establishing capability in Fabric alongside ongoing delivery. This role will build on that foundation - designing and implementing scalable data pipelines, reusable data models, and robust engineering patterns that support both current delivery and future growth. You will play a key role in moving us from project-based builds towards a more structured, platform-led approach to data.
Alongside platform development, you will also work across the whole business to improve how data is collected, stored, and managed. This includes reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets, supporting the evolution of our SQL-based database in collaboration with the in-house development team, and helping embed more consistent, well-governed data practices across teams. Where new data requirements are identified, you will take ownership of how that data is ingested, structured, and stored - ensuring it is set up in a way that supports scalable, long-term use across the business.
You will be central to strengthening our data foundations, enabling the BI and analytics teams to deliver faster, more reliable insight, and ensuring that data is structured in a way that is scalable, maintainable, and aligned with business needs.
Requirements
- Scalable Data Platform in Microsoft Fabric - Design and implement robust, scalable data pipelines and models within Microsoft Fabric that support consistent ingestion, transformation, and storage of data from across the business.
- Efficient and Automated Data Processing - Leverage Fabric capabilities (including notebooks and pipelines) to enable efficient, repeatable, and automated data processing, reducing manual effort and improving reliability.
- Structured and Accessible Business Data - Define and improve how data is collected, stored, and structured across the organisation, ensuring it is consistent, well-organised, and accessible for reporting, analytics, and operational use.
- End-to-End Ownership of New Data Sources - When new data requirements are identified, design and implement the appropriate ingestion pipelines, storage structures, and data models - ensuring new data is captured and integrated in a way that supports scalable, long-term use.
- Reduced Reliance on Manual Processes - Support the transition away from spreadsheet-driven workflows by delivering automated, governed data solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
- Strong and Evolving Data Foundations - Work with the in-house development team to support and enhance the SQL-based core database, ensuring it integrates effectively with the wider data platform.
- Improved Data Governance and Quality - Strengthen data governance, quality, and consistency across the business by embedding good practices in how data is managed, transformed, and used.
About you
- Microsoft Fabric experience is a must – building pipelines, managing storage, and structuring data
- SQL and data modelling – working with relational data and shaping it for analysis
- Data pipelines and integration – building pipelines across APIs, databases, and working with development teams
- Power BI integration – structuring and optimising data for use within Power BI
- Modern data architecture – understanding lakehouse / warehouse approaches
- Python for data processing – transformation and automation
- Data governance awareness – data quality, consistency, and best practices
- Cross-team working – improving data processes with technical teams and stakeholders
- Energy / utilities experience (non-essential) – familiarity with sector data and challenges
Your impact
- Ownership mindset – takes responsibility for delivering and maintaining high-quality data solutions
- Proactive – looks for ways to improve and simplify how data is handled
- Collaborative – works effectively with BI developers, software developers, and business teams
- Big-picture thinking – understands how data fits across the wider business, not just one team/area
- Structured approach – builds solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and well-organised
- Attention to detail – focused on data accuracy, consistency, and reliability
- Curious and adaptable – open to learning and evolving with new tools and approaches
- Pragmatic – balances ideal solutions with real-world constraints and delivery needs
Benefits
- Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 dependant on experience
- Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays + your birthday off, increasing to 30 days on length of service
- Hybrid working (at least 2 days per week working from our Fulwood, Preston office)
- Flexible working - including the ability to bank up to 5 extra days off per year
- Gym contribution
- Long service awards
- Private Medical Insurance
- Enhanced paternity/non-pregnant colleague and maternity/pregnant colleague leave
- Simply Health scheme
- EV Scheme
Inclusion and Belonging
We believe that diversity is more than a commitment, it’s at the heart of who we are. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We celebrate different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences because we know they make us stronger, bolder and more imaginative, which link to our core values. By fostering a culture of belonging, we aim to provide a workplace where every voice is heard, and every individual can thrive. Our culture has been set up to bring the best out of our people. If we sound like the kind of business where you’re ready to take the next step, then we look forward to hearing from you!
Data Engineer employer: Sustainable Energy First
Sustainable Energy First is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees while making a positive impact on the planet. With a strong commitment to sustainability, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including hybrid working, flexible hours, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, we empower our Data Engineers to thrive in their roles. Join us in our Fulwood, Preston office, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of data management in a supportive environment that values innovation and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Sustainable Energy First!
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Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Sustainable Energy First.
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We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Sustainable Energy First, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Sustainable Energy First. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sustainable Energy First
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Sustainable Energy First!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
