Principal Data Engineering Lead
UK Wide | Defence & National Security | Up to £140,000 + Package
The UK's defence landscape is changing.
AI, advanced analytics and modern data platforms are becoming mission-critical capabilities across government, defence and national security organisations. As demand continues to accelerate, an innovative defence technology consultancy is investing heavily in its data capability and is seeking a Principal Data Engineering Lead to help drive the next phase of growth.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced data leader who wants to influence both technology strategy and business growth while working at the forefront of AI-enabled defence programmes.
The Role
This position sits at the intersection of technical leadership, customer engagement and capability development.
You will be responsible for shaping enterprise-scale data solutions, leading technical teams and helping establish a best-in-class data engineering function capable of supporting some of the most complex challenges within the defence sector.
You'll work closely with customers, architects, engineers and leadership teams to deliver innovative solutions while helping grow a high-performing engineering practice.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing technical leadership across major defence and secure government programmes
- Leading the design and implementation of modern data architectures
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior customer stakeholders
- Building and developing engineering teams and technical capability
- Defining engineering standards, delivery approaches and technical roadmaps
- Supporting business growth through thought leadership and industry expertise
- Driving the adoption of emerging technologies, AI and modern data engineering practices
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an established leader with a strong reputation within the defence, national security or government technology space.
You should bring:
- Extensive experience delivering and leading Data Engineering programmes
- Expert-level knowledge of Python and SQL
- Strong experience with Databricks, Spark and distributed data processing technologies
- Cloud expertise across AWS, Azure and/or GCP
- Experience using orchestration tools such as Airflow
- A strong understanding of data platform reliability, scalability and governance
- Proven experience influencing technical strategy and customer decision-making
- The ability to lead, mentor and inspire engineering teams
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This organisation is building something genuinely different.
You'll join a highly ambitious business where technical excellence is valued, innovation is encouraged and leadership teams actively invest in new ideas and emerging technologies.
Rather than inheriting an established practice, you'll play a significant role in shaping its future direction, helping define how data engineering is delivered across a growing portfolio of defence and AI programmes.
This role offers genuine influence, visibility and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on both customers and the wider business.
Location & Travel
This is a UK-wide opportunity, and applications are welcomed from experienced professionals across the country.
The organisation operates nationally, with teams supporting customers across multiple locations. Travel to client sites will form a regular part of the role depending on programme requirements.
Package
- Up to £140,000 base salary
- Strong benefits package
- UK-wide opportunities and flexibility
- Exposure to cutting-edge Defence, AI and Data programmes
- Clear pathway for continued growth and leadership responsibility
If you're a senior data engineering leader looking for a role where you can influence strategy, shape capability and deliver meaningful impact across the UK's defence sector, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.
Please contact
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