Principal Data Engineer - AWS

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting practice is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to deliver transformative cloud-based data solutions. The role combines technical expertise with strategic leadership, overseeing large delivery teams and engaging with client stakeholders. This hybrid position offers flexibility across various UK locations and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Generous bonus built into contract

Hybrid working model

UK base flexibility

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on AWS data engineering expertise.
• Demonstrated leadership within a consultancy or delivery-focused organization.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design and delivery of end-to-end AWS-based data solutions.
• Providing consulting leadership across delivery engagements.
• Engaging closely with client stakeholders to understand business objectives.

Skills

AWS Data Engineering

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Tools

S3

Redshift

Glue

Lambda

Matillion

DynamoDB

Job description

Job Description

Role: Principal Data Engineer

Salary: £90,000 - £105,000

Location: Hybrid (Leeds, Bristol, London – Client Site Travel Required)

Join a rapidly growing consulting practice delivering transformative cloud-based data solutions across major public and private sector organisations. As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll combine deep hands-on engineering expertise with strategic leadership, guiding complex engagements from RFI and RFP through to successful delivery.

This is an opportunity for a highly capable AWS Data Engineer who has operated at Senior Manager or upper-level Manager grade within a leading consultancy. You will bring robust stakeholder engagement skills, experience overseeing large delivery teams, and a genuine passion for cloud- solutions.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading the design and delivery of end-to-end AWS-based data solutions (S3, Redshift, Glue, Lambda, Step Functions, Matillion, DynamoDB, etc.).
• Acting as a senior technical SME in RFI and RFP response activity for complex data-led programmes.
• Providing consulting leadership across delivery engagements while remaining deeply technical and hands-on.
• Building, shaping, and mentoring delivery teams within an ambitious and growing practice.
• Engaging closely with client stakeholders to understand business objectives, technical constraints, and guide architectural decisions.
• Supporting practice growth initiatives and contributing to reusable assets and accelerators.

What We're Looking For:

• Extensive hands-on AWS data engineering expertise including experience with S3, Glue, Redshift, Lambda, and Matillion.
• Demonstrated leadership within a consultancy or delivery-focused organisation at SM/Manager level or above.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale teams and managing multiple client engagements concurrently.
• Significant exposure to RFI/RFP processes and involvement in client pre-sales activity.
• Familiarity with data architecture patterns and infrastructure-as-code (CI/CD, Terraform, CloudFormation).
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities, particularly across CxO and programme leadership level.
• Eligible for UK government security clearance (prior public sector experience a plus)

Why Join?

• Base salary between £90,000 – £105,000 + guaranteed generous bonus built into contract.
• Hybrid working model with occasional travel to client site (typically 2–4 days per month).
• UK base flexibility: Work from Leeds, Bristol, or London offices as needed.
• Work in a high-calibre, fast-growing data consulting practice alongside industry leaders.

Ready to take on a leadership role where hands-on engineering meets large-scale strategic impact? Apply today to be considered for this Principal Data Engineer position.

Reference: AMC/JWH/PDE1