Data Engineer (Databricks Contractor)

iO Associates; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consultancy in London is looking for an experienced Databricks Engineer to design and deliver strategic data solutions. You will lead platform evaluations and collaborate with professional services to ensure architectural reliability. The ideal candidate has strong experience with Databricks, Python, and SQL, and is familiar with data governance practices. This hybrid role requires working 3 days onsite, with offices in London, Newcastle, or Edinburgh.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks, Fabric, Apache Spark, Delta Lake.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and PySpark.
• Solid understanding of data governance and enterprise architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead Databricks platform evaluation, including performance benchmarking and stress testing.
• Collaborate with Databricks Professional Services for architectural assurance.
• Design and document scalable data models and integration patterns.

Skills

Databricks

Apache Spark

Python

SQL

PySpark

Data governance

Effective communication

Tools

Azure Data Factory

Event Hub

Unity Catalog

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Databricks Engineer to help design and deliver strategic data solutions across enterprise platforms. This role will support both proof-of-concept work and the development of a Strategic Operational Data Store (ODS), with a focus on performance, scalability, and governance. This role is 3 days a week onsite in either Newcastle, London or Edinburgh and falls outside IR35.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Databricks platform evaluation, including performance benchmarking and stress testing
• Collaborate with Databricks Professional Services for architectural assurance
• Design and document scalable data models and integration patterns
• Support enterprise integration, including Salesforce data and unified client ID strategies
• Migrate Azure Data Factory flows to Databricks for improved traceability
• Implement Unity Catalog for automated data lineage
• Deliver backlog items through Agile sprint planning

Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks, Fabric, Apache Spark, Delta Lake
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and PySpark
• Familiar with Azure Data Factory, Event Hub, Unity Catalog
• Solid understanding of data governance and enterprise architecture
• Effective communicator with experience engaging stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience with Salesforce data integration
• Prior involvement in platform PoCs or benchmarking
• Knowledge of Strategic ODS and enterprise integration strategies