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- Tasks: Build and maintain robust data systems that power analytics and operations.
- Company: Join Twinkl, a forward-thinking company transforming education through data.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with a focus on learning, growth, and fun.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educators worldwide while working with cutting-edge data technologies.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in Data Engineering, experience with Databricks and SQL.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: Remote with Sheffield HQ visits a minimum of twice a month
Annual Salary: £85,000 - £110,000
Twinkl is on an exciting journey to redefine how we serve our global teaching community through data. We're building a world-class data engineering function to power the next generation of our data platform, with modern tools and practices at our core.
As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll build and maintain the robust data systems that power our analytics and operational needs. You'll work across our entire data platform, from batch processing to real-time event streams, ensuring our solutions are scalable, maintainable, and deliver real value to our users.
Data Engineering Team
You'll have the opportunity to work with modern data engineering tools and practices, while learning from experienced engineers. We offer the freedom to work in whatever way suits you best - whether that's remote, in our Sheffield office, or a mix of both. You're encouraged to contribute to architectural decisions, take ownership of key platform components, and develop your skills across the full data engineering spectrum. With our focus on impact over hours worked, you'll be part of a team that values pragmatic solutions and continuous learning, working on projects that make a real difference to educators worldwide.
- We embrace modern data engineering practices and tools
- We champion learning and development
- We believe in empowering engineers to drive technical decisions
- We focus on impact and outcomes over process
What will you be doing?
As our Principal Data Engineer, you will:
- Work with stakeholders to scope out new high impact projects
- Design, build and maintain scalable data pipelines
- Implement event streaming solutions
- Design and optimize data models from ingestion to presentation layers
- Set and implement the standards for code quality, testing practices, CI/CD workflows
- Design solutions and make architectural decisions that serve the long term needs of the organization
- Work closely with data scientists and analysts to identify and deliver high impact projects
- Manage stakeholders across the business from both technical and non-technical domains
- Help build and maintain our data catalog and documentation
- Implement comprehensive data quality frameworks and standards that contribute to confidence in our data
- Turn complex data problems into maintainable solutions
- Identify opportunities for the use of AI across the development lifecycle
- Build an awareness of data industry trends and opportunities that Twinkl can leverage
- Mentor and coach existing team members, sharing knowledge and experience, investing in the growth of the whole team
What do we need from you?
- Minimum 7 years experience working in Data Engineering/Analytics Engineering or within data teams
- Minimum 2 years of experience with Databricks
- Minimum 2 years of experience with DBT or similar data modelling framework
- Knowledge of different data architecture patterns and how and when to implement them
- Knowledge of data modeling and warehouse design
- Minimum 5 years experience with SQL and Python
- Experience with version control and CI/CD
- Experience with infrastructure as code such as Terraform
- Experience implementing data quality and testing approaches in a modern data platform
- Experience implementing testing and deployment patterns for modern data pipelines
Most importantly, you should:
- Be curious about how things work and always looking to learn more
- Care about building reliable systems that make other people's jobs easier
- Understand that sometimes "boring" technology is the right choice
- Get satisfaction from cleaning up messy data problems
- Want to work somewhere where you can have real impact, not just maintain the status quo
What’s in it for you?
- A friendly, welcoming and supportive culture. We believe work should be fun and always put people before process
- 33 days annual leave per year, pro rata. You decide which public holidays to recognise. After 2 years of employment, your annual leave entitlement will accrue year on year up to 38 days annual leave
- An additional day of annual leave, a Me Day, to take time for yourself
- Charity day to volunteer and support a registered charity of your choice
- Westfield Health (including Health Club discount and Westfield Rewards discount and cashback)
- Learning and Development opportunities, with opportunities for internal mobility across various departments / areas of the business
- 4 x annual salary death in service life assurance
- Enhanced pension after long service
- Enhanced parental and adoption leave after long service
- Quarterly awards designed to reward and recognise our wonderful Twinkl employees
- Seasonal events for all UK employees so you can catch up with your new colleagues in person
- Twinkl Subscription
How do we make it happen?
We like to keep things simple and clear, after an initial chat with our TA Partner the process is:
- Initial 30 minute chat with one of our Head of Data Engineering so you can get to know more about the role.
- 60 minute technical interview - we’ll go over your tech test and talk about it in more detail. Then we’ll do a few competency based questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the role and Twinkl and get to know why the data team is a really exciting place to work.
- 60 minute behaviours interview - where we'll do some competency based questions and you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the role and Twinkl and get to know why the data team is a really exciting place to work.
That’s it, we’ll review everything and let you know, either way you’ll be given feedback about your interview because we believe constructive feedback is always important.
At Twinkl, we encourage diversity, and our doors are open to everyone. We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. If you need any adjustments during the application process to showcase your abilities, please let us know. We're here to support you on your journey.
Principal Data Engineer (Databricks) in Sheffield employer: Twinkl Educational Publishing
Contact Detail:
Twinkl Educational Publishing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Engineer (Databricks) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data engineering field, especially those who might have insights into Twinkl. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with Databricks and data modelling frameworks. We want to see how you can turn complex problems into maintainable solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for learning! During interviews, share examples of how you've kept up with industry trends or improved your skills. We love candidates who are curious and eager to grow.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Twinkl.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Engineer (Databricks) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Databricks, SQL, and Python, and show how your skills align with our focus on building scalable data systems.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past projects, emphasise the impact you've made. We love to see how you've turned complex data problems into maintainable solutions and contributed to high-impact projects that made a difference.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value curiosity and a genuine passion for data engineering, so don’t hesitate to share what excites you about the field and why you want to join 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’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact at Twinkl.
How to prepare for a job interview at Twinkl Educational Publishing
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to be well-versed in Databricks, DBT, SQL, and Python. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools. Prepare to explain your thought process behind architectural decisions and how you’ve tackled complex data problems.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Twinkl values pragmatic solutions, so come prepared with examples of how you've turned messy data issues into maintainable solutions. Think about times when you've implemented data quality frameworks or optimised data models, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be managing stakeholders from both technical and non-technical backgrounds, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with different teams in the past and how you can bridge the gap between technical jargon and business needs.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Twinkl is all about learning and development, so express your curiosity and desire to grow. Share any recent courses, certifications, or industry trends you've explored. This shows that you're not just looking to maintain the status quo but are eager to contribute to the team's growth and innovation.