Principal Data Engineer in Reading

Job DescriptionPrincipal Data Engineer – Hybrid/Remote - (SC Cleared)THE COMPANY:\n

A leading organisation undergoing a significant digital transformation is looking to appoint a Principal Data Engineer to play a key role in shaping its enterprise data platform and future analytics capabilities.

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Joining a growing Data & Integration function, you'll work alongside architects, product owners, and engineering teams to deliver modern, cloud-based data solutions that support business-critical decision-making. This is an opportunity to influence technical strategy, establish engineering standards, and drive the adoption of modern DataOps and cloud technologies across the organisation.

THE ROLE:\n

We are hiring a Principal Data Engineer to provide technical leadership across enterprise data engineering initiatives.

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You'll be responsible for designing scalable cloud-based data platforms, building modern data pipelines, and defining engineering standards that enable secure, reliable, and high-performing data solutions.

Key Responsibilities:\n

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  Design and implement enterprise-scale cloud data platforms and architectures

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  Lead the development of scalable data pipelines, integration frameworks, and reusable data products

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  Drive best practice across Data Engineering, DataOps, and DevOps

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  Implement CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and automated deployment processes

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  Ensure data quality, governance, security, lineage, and compliance across enterprise platforms

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  Collaborate with architects, software engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders to deliver high-quality data solutions

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  Support cloud migration and modernisation initiatives

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  Optimise platform performance, scalability, and operational efficiency

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  Mentor Data Engineers and provide technical leadership across the wider engineering function

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  Evaluate emerging technologies and help shape the organisation's long-term data strategy

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THE CANDIDATE:\n

We're looking for an experienced Data Engineering leader with a passion for modern cloud technologies and enterprise-scale data platforms.

Essential Experience:\n

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  7 years' experience in Data Engineering, Data Platform Development, or Software Engineering

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  Strong experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data architectures

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  Expertise with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud

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  Advanced SQL and Python development skills

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  Experience building ETL/ELT pipelines and modern data integration solutions

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  Strong understanding of DataOps, DevOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure as Code

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  Experience with data modelling, data warehousing, and master data management

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  Knowledge of data governance, metadata management, and data quality frameworks

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  Hands-on experience with technologies such as Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, Airflow, or similar

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  Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

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  Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership

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  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

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  Experience working within Agile delivery environments

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Desirable Experience:\n

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  Cloud certifications (Azure, AWS, or GCP)

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  TOGAF, DAMA CDMP, or Data Engineering certifications

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  Experience with AI/ML platforms or MLOps

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  Exposure to Data Mesh or Data Fabric architectures

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  Enterprise Architecture experience

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  Experience within Aerospace, Defence, Manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries

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THE OFFER:\n

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  Competitive salary

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  Hybrid and flexible working options

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  Opportunity to shape enterprise-wide data strategy and architecture

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  Work with cutting-edge cloud technologies including Azure, Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and Snowflake

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  Technical leadership role with significant influence across the organisation

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  Ongoing professional development and certification opportunities

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  Collaborative engineering culture with genuine career progression

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INTERVIEW PROCESS:\n

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  Multi-stage interview process

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  Technical and competency-based assessments

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  Fast-moving recruitment process

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Interested?\n

Please apply ASAP with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.

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For more information, contact george@pearsoncarter.com or call 0191 406 6111.

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Pearson Carter connects top-tier technology professionals with world-class organisations.

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