Data Engineer

Data Engineer 6 Month Contract Hybrid - 2 days per week onsite Please note: Active SC Clearance is required for this role A leading organisation within the UK financial sector is embarking on a major data transformation programme. They are looking for an experienced Data Engineer to help design and deliver a modern, cloud‑first data platform that will underpin some of the organisation’s most critical functions. Responsibilities: • Design, build and deploy scalable, secure data solutions using Azure Databricks, Data Factory and Data Lake Storage. • Develop and optimise advanced data pipelines with Python, SQL, Spark/PySpark and Delta Lake. • Champion strong data quality, governance and observability practices. • Modernise legacy systems and support large-scale migrations into Azure. • Provide technical leadership, set engineering standards and contribute to architectural decisions. • Mentor engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement. • Work closely with architecture, analytics and business teams to align engineering solutions with organisational needs. Minimum Criteria • Extensive experience with Azure services including Azure Databricks, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure Data Factory. • Advanced proficiency in SQL, Python, and Spark (PySpark), with a strong focus on performance optimization and distributed processing. • Proven experience in CI/CD practices using industry-standard tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps). • Strong understanding of data architecture principles and cloud-native design patterns. Essential Criteria • Demonstrated ability to lead technical delivery, mentor engineering teams and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment between data solutions and business strategy. • Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and shell scripting. • Deep understanding of source control, testing strategies, and agile development practices. • Self-motivated with a strategic mindset and a passion for driving innovation in data engineering. Desirable Criteria • Experience delivering data pipelines on Hortonworks/Cloudera on-prem and leading cloud migration initiatives. • Familiarity with: - Apache Airflow - Data modelling and metadata management • Experience influencing enterprise data strategy and contributing to architectural governance. To apply for this position please submit your CV.