Lead Data Engineer in London

Lead Data Engineer in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Tilt

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the evolution of our data platform and optimise data architecture.
  • Company: Join Tilt, a mission-driven tech company transforming online shopping.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 29 days off, hybrid work, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on how millions shop online with innovative data solutions.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in data engineering and modern data stacks.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with autonomy and growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.

About Tilt

Tilt’s mission is simple: Make Commerce Alive. From static store website builders to impersonal marketplaces, today's ecosystem is ageing fast. It was built for transactional experiences, not for the new generation of merchants who grow through attention, community and personality. In the UK alone, millions of shoppers, from sneakerheads and Y2K girlies to collectors and parents, have signed up to Tilt. Our platform has helped sellers go from zero to £1M+ in earnings, and hundreds more earn above the UK median income. And we are just getting started.

Your Mission

We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer to own and evolve our end-to-end data platform. This is a hands‑on, high ownership role. You will be responsible for the architecture, reliability, and scalability of our data warehouse, transformation layer, orchestration, and analytics stack. You will navigate and improve our existing systems across Snowflake, Dagster, dbt, Postgres, Metabase, and ContextFlow, while defining standards that allow us to scale intelligently. We are not looking for someone who just writes SQL. We are looking for someone who understands data deeply, thinks structurally, and can design systems that last.

What You’ll Do

  • 0–3 months
  • Deeply understand our current Snowflake warehouse architecture
  • Audit and improve existing dbt models for clarity, performance, and correctness
  • Review and stabilise Dagster orchestration pipelines
  • Identify data quality gaps and implement testing standards
  • Ensure key dashboards in Metabase are built on reliable, well‑modelled datasets
  • Document the current system and define architectural standards
  • 3+ months
    • Redesign and optimise warehouse architecture where needed
    • Implement scalable data modelling patterns across domains
    • Improve cost efficiency and performance in Snowflake
    • Introduce stronger observability, testing, and lineage practices
    • Enable AI and product features by structuring high‑quality, production‑ready datasets
    • Establish clear version control and deployment workflows for data changes
    • Partner with product and engineering to define data contracts and ownership

    Who You Are

    • Strong technical background in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or similar. Equivalent practical experience is equally valued
    • Deeply comfortable navigating modern data stacks, especially Snowflake, dbt, and orchestration tools
    • Rare combination of analytical rigour and pragmatic execution
    • You genuinely understand data modelling, not just SQL queries
    • Highly autonomous. You do not need hand‑holding or micromanagement
    • First principles thinker who questions assumptions and improves systems
    • Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building structure where none exists
    • Clear communicator who can explain complex data decisions to non‑technical stakeholders
    • You care about clean systems, reproducibility, and long‑term maintainability

    Nice to have

    • Experience with Dagster in production
    • Familiarity with Postgres operational databases
    • Experience working with Metabase or similar BI tools
    • Exposure to AI workflows or tools like ContextFlow
    • Strong Git habits and version control discipline
    • Understanding of software development lifecycle and engineering best practices
    • Experience in fast‑moving startup environments

    Why Tilt

    • You’ll be joining a mission‑driven team backed by world‑class investors (TechCrunch)
    • You’ll own meaningful systems from day one, with real scope and autonomy
    • You’ll work alongside curious, kind, and wickedly smart teammates
    • You’ll help redefine how millions of people shop online

    Location: Hybrid (3 days a week, including Tuesday and Thursday, in our King's Cross office).

    Perks & Benefits ➕29 days off, plus UK

    Lead Data Engineer in London employer: Tilt

    Tilt is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and autonomy, offering Lead Data Engineers the opportunity to shape and enhance our cutting-edge data platform. With a hybrid work model based in the vibrant King's Cross area, employees enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises personal growth, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to a mission-driven team. Our generous benefits, including 29 days off, empower you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about redefining online shopping experiences.
    Tilt

    Contact Detail:

    Tilt Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Lead Data Engineer in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know Tilt inside out! Research their mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Lead Data Engineer can help them make commerce alive. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your conversations.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry meetups. Ask them about their experiences at Tilt and share your passion for data engineering. Personal connections can really give you an edge.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Snowflake, dbt, and orchestration tools. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled challenges in data architecture. Show them you’re the hands-on engineer they need!

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Tilt team. Let’s get you that Lead Data Engineer role!

    We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Engineer in London

    Snowflake
    dbt
    Dagster
    Data Modelling
    Data Quality Assurance
    Data Architecture
    Analytics Stack Management
    Postgres
    Metabase
    Version Control (Git)
    Software Development Lifecycle
    Communication Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Autonomy
    Adaptability

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion for Data: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for data shine through! We want to see how much you love working with data and how you've tackled challenges in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your experience with data stacks like Snowflake and dbt.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate complex ideas simply!

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Lead Data Engineer role. Highlight relevant experiences that align with our mission at Tilt and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!

    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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Tilt

    ✨Know Your Data Stack

    Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Snowflake, dbt, and Dagster. Brush up on your understanding of how these tools interact within a data pipeline, as this will show that you can hit the ground running.

    ✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

    Prepare to discuss past experiences where you’ve navigated ambiguity or improved existing systems. Think of specific examples where you’ve designed scalable solutions or optimised data architectures, as this aligns perfectly with what Tilt is looking for.

    ✨Communicate Clearly

    Since you’ll need to explain complex data decisions to non-technical stakeholders, practice articulating your thought process in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams, which is crucial for the role.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about Tilt’s current data challenges or future projects. This not only shows your genuine interest in the company but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your analytical thinking and curiosity about their mission.

    Lead Data Engineer in London
    Tilt
    Location: London

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