Data Engineer - Azure / DataBricks (Outside IR35)

This is an exciting contract opportunity for an Azure Data Engineer with a strong focus on Databricks to join an experienced team in a new customer engagement working at the forefront of data analytics and AI. This role offers the chance to take a key role in the design and delivery of advanced Databricks solutions within the Azure ecosystem. Responsibilities: • Design, build, and optimise end-to-end data pipelines using Azure Databricks, including Delta Live Tables. • Collaborate with stakeholders to define technical requirements and propose Databricks-based solutions. • Drive best practices for data engineering. • Help clients realise the potential of data science, machine learning, and scaled data processing within Azure / Databricks ecosystem. • Mentor junior engineers and support their personal development. • Take ownership for the delivery of core solution components. • Support with planning, requirements refinements, and work estimation. Skills & Experiences: • Proven experience designing and implementing data solutions in Azure using Databricks as a core platform. • Hands-on expertise in Delta Lake, Delta Live Tables and Databricks Workflows. • Strong coding skills in Python and SQL, with experience in developing modular, reusable code in Databricks. • Deep understanding of lakehouse architecture, with a solid grasp of data warehousing, data lakes, and real-time data processing. • Familiar with Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Microsoft Fabric. • Good experience with CI/CD practices and tools for data platforms using Azure DevOps. • Good knowledge on how to leverage AI to increase deployment productivity and quality. • Excellent communication skills. • Desirable: certification in Databricks Data Engineer and/or Azure Data Engineer are a plus. Additional Information: • Rate offered: £500-550 per day • Location: Hybrid with travel to client site 1-2 day/ week in London • Start date: October • Duration: 3 months initial sign up with significant opportunity for extension (current roadmap demonstrates 9 months scope of work) • Required: Applicants must have, or be willing to obtain, SC Clearance (minimum 5 years’ residency in the UK).