Principal Data Engineer

Ronald James Ltd.; North East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking tech organization is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to lead the evolution of its next-generation data platform. This senior role involves designing and implementing high-performance Databricks environments, defining technical roadmaps, and collaborating with teams to shape scalable solutions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with data platforms and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing large-scale data platforms and Databricks infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of Databricks internals, including cost and performance optimization.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure, high-performance Databricks environments.
• Define and own the technical roadmap for the organisation’s data platform.
• Collaborate with teams to shape data solutions.

Skills

Databricks infrastructure

Python

Architecture design

Collaboration

Job description

or call Mieke Van Tonder on:
0191 620 0123

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8BX

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 8BX Salary: £ 70000 - £ 90000 Sector: Data Type: Permanent Posted: 08/01/2025 Principal Data Engineer Ronald James Group 2025-11-01

A forward-thinking tech organisation is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to lead the evolution of its next-generation data platform. This is a senior technical leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of architecture, platform design, and long-term data strategy.

This is not a pure data pipeline role. The position is best suited to individuals passionate about platform architecture, automation, and shaping scalable engineering practices.

Reporting to the Head of Data, the Principal Data Engineer will serve as a key technical authority, owning architectural decisions, defining roadmaps, and ensuring that the data platform is secure, scalable, and aligned with broader business goals. The role involves working closely with engineers, architects, and stakeholders while remaining hands-on enough to prototype and solve complex technical challenges.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure, high-performance Databricks environments including cluster setup, governance, and tuning

• Define and own the technical roadmap for the organisation’s data platform

• Ensure systems meet standards for performance, security, maintainability, and reliability

• Drive progress toward Service Level Objectives (SLOs)

• Collaborate with technical leads and architects to shape data solutions that meet product and business needs

• Support cross-functional teams in removing technical blockers and enabling delivery

• Maintain clear, high-quality technical documentation for data and BI systems

• Act as a visible, collaborative technical voice within the business

• Contribute to estimation and technical planning

• Align all solutions with the wider technical strategy

• Work with Solution Architects and Analysts to design scalable, forward-thinking solutions

• Apply architectural principles such as domain modelling and modular design

• Collaborate with team leads to guide delivery and implementation

• Provide hands-on support through code reviews, prototyping, and pair programming

• Support incident response efforts and assist with resolving critical technical issues

• Rapidly gain deep knowledge of internal BI tools and systems

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including integration guides and data contracts

• Support onboarding and knowledge transfer across teams

• Stay current with modern best practices in data engineering and architecture

What They’re Looking For

• Proven experience designing large-scale data platforms and Databricks infrastructure

• Strong understanding of Databricks internals, including cost and performance optimisation

• Advanced Python skills and software development best practices (e.g. testing, abstraction, modularity)

• Familiarity with modern data architecture (e.g. Lakehouse, domain-driven design, data contracts)

• Experience owning and driving platform-level technical roadmaps

• Active engagement with new technologies and the wider data engineering community

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• A proactive, self-starting mindset with a focus on delivery and ownership

Apply now to find out more!

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QUESTION TO CANDIDATES



A phone call is the quickest & easiest way of contacting a candidate, but would this be your first choice when a new recruiter is wanting to get in touch?



We would love to know what you think...



#recruitment

We are so excited to see @Devhubnorth have announced their first in-person meet-up back since the pandemic



Wednesday 28th September

TusPark, Newcastle



Who's excited to get back to in-person events?



#techtalks #tech