Principal Data Engineer

Principal Data Engineer

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WRK digital

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop secure, scalable data platforms using Azure technologies.
  • Company: Join a leading UK organisation at the forefront of cloud-first data strategies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to lead innovative projects.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving modernisation and mentoring future data engineers.
  • Qualifications: Extensive Azure data engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

WRK digital is excited to be partnering exclusively with a high-profile, UK-leading organisation, currently shortlisting for a Principal Data Engineer on a permanent basis. This role sits at the heart of a cloud-first data strategy, helping to build scalable, secure, and high-quality data platforms that support critical, real-world decision-making.

Looking for a strong Principal Data Engineer who’s hands-on with Azure (ADF, Databricks, Lakehouse), has led big modernisation/migration projects, and knows how to build secure data platforms. You need to be a genuine leader - someone who can coach the team, communicate well, and drive best practices!

Role Requirements
  • Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable, cost-effective, and secure distributed architectures using Azure services such as Azure Data Factory and Azure Databricks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business and technical requirements into innovative, automated solutions.
  • Continuously innovate and evolve data ingestion and transformation framework design and implementation to meet modern data platform needs while providing comprehensive guidelines for customers.
  • Manage the technical relationship with one or more Azure Data product groups, identifying common solution patterns and developing reusable frameworks.
Key Criteria
  • Extensive experience in data engineering on an Azure data platform, with a strong background in modernization and large-scale migration projects.
  • Proven ability to coach and mentor others effectively in a senior capacity.
  • Demonstrable experience designing and managing metadata-driven frameworks using Azure Data Factory and Azure Databricks.
  • Competence in and hands-on experience managing Databricks environments and developing lakehouse architectures with a focus on automation, performance tuning, cost optimisation, and system reliability.
  • Proven proficiency in programming languages such as Python, T-SQL, and PySpark, with practical knowledge of test-driven development.
  • Demonstrated capability in building secure, scalable data solutions on Azure with an in-depth understanding of data security and regulatory compliance, using tools like Microsoft Purview and Unity Catalog.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please DM, comment below, or apply via the job ad in the comments for immediate consideration. Unfortunately this role does not offer sponsorship at this time.

Principal Data Engineer employer: WRK digital

WRK digital is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the tech industry. With a focus on employee growth, we offer ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration across internationally distributed teams. Our commitment to best practices in frontend engineering ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and encourages creativity.

WRK digital

Contact Details:

WRK digital Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Data Engineer

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data engineering field, especially those who work with Azure. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Azure Data Factory and Databricks. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common data engineering scenarios. Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale migrations and how you've tackled challenges in past projects. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Engineer

Azure Data Factory
Azure Databricks
Lakehouse Architecture
Data Engineering
Modernisation Projects
Migration Projects
Metadata-Driven Frameworks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Azure services, especially ADF and Databricks, and any big migration projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role requires a genuine leader, don’t forget to showcase your coaching and mentoring experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams in the past and driven best practices. We love seeing that leadership flair!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showing off your skills!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to review your application quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – hit that apply button!

How to prepare for a job interview at WRK digital

Know Your Azure Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Azure knowledge, especially around Azure Data Factory and Databricks. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools, focusing on how you designed and deployed scalable data solutions.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor. Prepare examples of how you've coached team members in the past and how you’ve driven best practices in your previous roles.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that dive deep into your experience with data engineering and cloud architecture. Brush up on your programming skills in Python, T-SQL, and PySpark, and be ready to explain your approach to test-driven development.

Understand Business Needs

Be prepared to discuss how you translate business requirements into technical solutions. Think of examples where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to create innovative, automated solutions that meet real-world needs.