
Principal Data Engineer
- Derby
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Help define and take the lead on the deployment of modern data engineering solutions across the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
- Build, automate, and manage scalable ETL/ELT data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric and Azure Synapse.
- Lead the adoption and implementation of Microsoft Fabric as the core of our unified data platform.
- Integrate diverse data sources across on-premise systems, cloud platforms, and third-party applications using Azure Integration Services (Logic Apps, API Management, Event Grid).
- Drive best practices in data ingestion, transformation, governance, and lineage.
- Support AI Engineers in building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines, including embedding generation, document chunking, and vector database integration.
- Optimise data pipelines that feed LLM-based agents, ensuring high-performance retrieval and timely access to knowledge.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the Data & Analytics Team to ensure reliable, timely access to trusted data.
- Mentor junior engineers and support continuous improvement across the team.
- Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, and performance standards.
- Lead performance tuning, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of critical data processes.
- Contribute to the overall data strategy, architecture roadmap, and technology stack decisions.
- Experience in designing and implementation of an Azure analytical platform including Azure Integration Services, Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks and Logic Apps.
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders to articulate the strategy, objectives and benefits of a central enterprise cloud data platform.
- Experience of DevOps to manage workload.
- Experience of coaching and mentoring data engineers to achieve successful outcomes.
- Understanding of data sciences tools and techniques combined with an understanding of a range of data sources.
- Familiarity with AI-focused data engineering, including RAG systems, vector databases, embedding pipelines, and semantic indexing.
- A proven record of collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Process mapping and supporting documentation production.
- Test plan formulation and managing through to resolution.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders.
- High level of technical proficiency in designing, implementing, and maintaining a quality service.
- Strong research and evaluation skills regarding technological developments.
- Ability to analyse and troubleshoot potential issues within the platform.
- Ability to identify creative solutions to overcome problems.
- Ability to impart knowledge and support the development of team members.
- Ability to support AI workflows by designing high-performance retrieval pipelines and working with AI engineering teams.
- Company Pension
- Discount Scheme
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoptions Scheme
- Free on-site Parking
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
- Life Assurance
- Share Save Scheme
- Volunteering Policy
- Holiday Buy Scheme