Data Engineer

Sustainable Energy First; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (at least 2 days per‑wk

Gym contribution

Private Medical Insurance

Long service awards

Birthday off

Simply Health scheme

EV Scheme

Job summary

Sustainable Energy First is seeking a data engineer to join the Data Analytics & Intelligence team. You will design and implement scalable data pipelines and models in Microsoft Fabric, enabling consistent ingestion, processing, and storage across the business.

You will collaborate with the in-house development team and BI professionals to optimise the SQL core database, improve data governance, and automate workflows, moving towards a platform-led data approach.

Qualifications

• Microsoft Fabric experience is required, including building pipelines and storage structures.
• SQL and data modelling for relational data analysis.
• Data pipelines and integration across APIs, databases, and collaboration with development teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines and models in Fabric.
• Automate data processing to improve reliability and reduce manual effort.
• Collaborate with BI developers and software teams to govern and optimise data across the business.

Skills

Microsoft Fabric

SQL

Data modelling

Data pipelines

Power BI

Data architecture

Python

Data governance

Cross-team collaboration

Energy / utilities

Job description

Our purpose

Inspiring and empowering our people to create a positive difference for themselves, our clients and the planet.

Sustainable Energy First is an energy and sustainability consultancy, founded to solve energy management problems in very large, complex commercial estates.

This remains the core of our business driven by a commitment to sustainability and the goal of reducing our clients' carbon footprint.

The Role in a Nutshell

This role will provide dedicated data engineering capability within the Data Analytics & Intelligence team, with a primary focus on developing and optimising our use of Microsoft Fabric. The team has already begun establishing capability in Fabric alongside ongoing delivery. This role will build on that foundation - designing and implementing scalable data pipelines, reusable data models, and robust engineering patterns that support both current delivery and future growth. You will play a key role in moving us from project-based builds towards a more structured, platform-led approach to data.

Alongside platform development, you will also work across the whole business to improve how data is collected, stored, and managed. This includes reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets, supporting the evolution of our SQL-based database in collaboration with the in-house development team, and helping embed more consistent, well-governed data practices across teams. Where new data requirements are identified, you will take ownership of how that data is ingested, structured, and stored - ensuring it is set up in a way that supports scalable, long-term use across the business.

You will be central to strengthening our data foundations, enabling the BI and analytics teams to deliver faster, more reliable insight, and ensuring that data is structured in a way is scalable, maintainable, and aligned with business needs.

Requirements

• Scalable Data Platform in Microsoft Fabric - Design and implement robust, scalable data pipelines and models within Microsoft Fabric that support consistent ingestion, transformation, and storage of data from across the business.
• Efficient and Automated Data Processing - Leverage Fabric capabilities (including notebooks and pipelines) to enable efficient, repeatable, and automated data processing, reducing manual effort and improving reliability.
• Structured and Accessible Business Data - Define and improve how data is collected, stored, and structured across the organisation, ensuring it is consistent, well-organised, and accessible for reporting, analytics, and operational use.
• End-to-End Ownership of New Data Sources - When new data requirements are identified, design and implement the appropriate ingestion pipelines, storage structures, and data models - ensuring new data is captured and integrated in a way that supports scalable, long-term use.
• Reduced Reliance on Manual Processes - Support the transition away from spreadsheet-driven workflows by delivering automated, governed data solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
• Strong and Evolving Data Foundations - Work with the in-house development team to support and enhance the SQL-based core database, ensuring it integrates effectively with the wider data platform.
• Improved Data Governance and Quality - Strengthen data governance, quality, and consistency across the business by embedding good practices in how data is managed, transformed, and used.

About you

• Microsoft Fabric experience is a must - building pipelines, managing storage, and structuring data
• SQL and data modelling - working with relational data and shaping it for analysis
• Data pipelines and integration - building pipelines across APIs, databases, and working with development teams
• Power BI integration - structuring and optimising data for use within Power BI
• Modern data architecture - understanding lakehouse / warehouse approaches
• Python for data processing - transformation and automation
• Data governance awareness - data quality, consistency, and best practices
• Cross-team working - improving data processes with technical teams and stakeholders
• Energy / utilities experience (non-essential) - familiarity with sector data and challenges

Your impact

• Ownership mindset - takes responsibility for delivering and maintaining high-quality data solutions
• Proactive - looks for ways to improve and simplify how data is handled
• Collaborative - works effectively with BI developers, software developers, and business teams
• Big-picture thinking - understands how data fits across the wider business, not just one team/area
• Structured approach - builds solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and well-organised
• Attention to detail - focused on data accuracy, consistency, and reliability
• Curious and adaptable - open to learning and evolving with new tools and approaches
• Pragmatic - balances ideal solutions with real-world constraints and delivery needs

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 dependant on experience
• Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays + your birthday off, increasing to 30 days on length of service
• Hybrid working (at least 2 days per week working from our Fulwood, Preston office)
• Flexible working - including the ability to bank up to to 5 extra days off per year
• Gym contribution
• Long service awards
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced paternity/non-pregnant colleague and maternity/pregnant colleague leave
• Simply Health scheme
• EV Scheme

Inclusion and Belonging

We believe that diversity is more than a commitment, it's at the heart of who we are. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

We celebrate different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences because we know they make us stronger, bolder and more imaginative, which link to our core values. By fostering a culture of belonging, we aim to provide a workplace where every voice is heard, and every individual can thrive.

Our culture has been set up to bring the best out of our people. If we sound like the kind of business where you're ready to take the next step, then we look forward to hearing from you!