Data Platform Engineer

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service; Exeter; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire and rescue service in England seeks a Full Stack Data Platform Engineer to join their Data Platform Architectural Services team. This full-time role offers a competitive salary starting at £48,226 (gross) and supports the development and optimization of key data platforms. Candidates should possess cloud technology experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to data integrity. Opportunities for flexible working arrangements are available, making this a dynamic role in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in data engineering or similar technical role.
• Strong understanding of ETL processes and data warehousing principles.
• Proactive in designing and delivering data solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support development, maintenance, and optimization of data platforms.
• Manage ETL processes, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data needs.

Skills

Data development experience

Data architecture understanding

ETL processes knowledge

Cloud-based data platforms

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Data integrity focus

Education

Relevant degree in computer science or related field

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are looking for an experienced, Full Stack Data Platform Engineer to join our existing Data Platform Architectural Services team, working within our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) department. You will join us on a full time, 2‑Year Fixed Term Contract working 37 hours per week. In return, you will receive a competitive salary starting at £48,226 (gross) per annum. The role is office based, but there is the availability of flexible and/or home working, which can be discussed and agreed with the successful applicant. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non‑metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection, and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset. Our vision is that together we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.

About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to join our Digital, Data and Technology department as a Data Platform Engineer supporting our Data Platform Architectural Services function. This is a rewarding role allowing you to support the department in providing exemplary customer service and delivering knowledge and expertise in this exciting field. This position is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and optimisation of key data platforms and solutions within the service catalogue. This includes building and managing ETL processes, ensuring data quality and integrity, and contributing to the continuous improvement of data systems. The role promotes a customer‑first approach by collaborating with stakeholders to understand data needs and deliver robust, scalable solutions. It also involves maintaining and enhancing data warehouse solutions, ensuring they are well‑documented, reliable, and aligned with the organisation's overall data architecture and strategy. We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual with a passion for data and a drive to deliver high‑quality, reliable solutions. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping and supporting data systems within a collaborative and forward‑thinking team. You will contribute to meaningful projects that enhance data capabilities across the organisation, with opportunities to share your expertise and develop your skills through ongoing professional development.

• Relevant experience in a data development, data engineering, or similar technical role.
• Solid understanding of data architecture, ETL processes, and data warehousing principles.
• Practical experience with cloud‑based data platforms and services, ideally within Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric.
• The ability to understand business needs and translate them into effective, scalable data solutions.
• Strong stakeholder focus, demonstrated by:
• A commitment to continuous improvement through user feedback and performance insights.
• The ability to interpret and respond to stakeholder data needs with clarity and empathy.
• The ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritise tasks across multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• A broad knowledge of data platforms, tools, and technologies (e.g. SQL, data modelling, scripting languages, Power BI).
• Experience working with cloud technologies and modern data platforms, particularly within Microsoft's data ecosystem.
• Proactive approach, with the confidence to take a lead role in designing and delivering data solutions when required.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and a focus on data integrity.
• The ability to promote a data‑driven culture within the team, actively supporting continuous improvement and innovation.
• Able to produce clear technical documentation, including data flows, solution designs, and validation processes.
• A commitment to developing and delivering data solutions that are reliable, secure, and aligned with organisational strategy, displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improvement; develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously; deliver expected outcomes and effectively overcome barriers to change.
• Ability to work to and deliver to deadlines.
• Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work with ambiguity with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to create clear technical documentation and workflows for completed work.