Principal Data Engineer / Lead Data Engineer

British Airways; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking airline as a Principal Data Engineer, where your expertise will shape the future of data engineering. In this dynamic role, you'll lead a talented team, driving innovation and best practices to develop a cutting-edge data platform. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, you'll work closely with stakeholders to deliver impactful data solutions. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of data engineering in a prestigious company that values diversity and inclusion, offering you the chance to grow and thrive in your career while enjoying exceptional travel benefits.

Benefits

Unlimited standby tickets on British Airways flights

Discounted 'Hotline' airfares

Career development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Deep technical skills in data platform engineering required.
• Experience in Agile environments and leading data teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Senior Data Engineers and drive best practices.
• Lead end-to-end data product development in an Agile setting.

Skills

SQL

AWS

Snowflake

Airflow

Git

Python

Teradata

Big Data technologies

EDW design principles

Windows and Linux servers

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Cloud-based infrastructure

PaaS services

Container usage

Job description

As the nation’s flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

It’s something we’ve been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world’s first international scheduled air service between London and Paris.

This originality has been in our blood since day one. It’s the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make.

We know great things can happen when you’re inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.

We are looking for talented Principal Data Engineers with deep technical data platform engineering skills including SQL, AWS, Snowflake, Airflow, Git, and Python.

As a Principal Data Engineer, you'll serve as a technical lead overseeing Senior Data Engineers, driving industry best practices to build a world-class data engineering function and providing direction for engineering a modern data platform. You'll lead end-to-end data product development in an Agile environment, contributing to British Airways' renowned service and shaping the future of our business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Bringing an innovative and creative mindset to data engineering challenges to develop a modern data platform with efficient reusable components
• Developing the BA Data Engineering community of practitioners
• Leading or coordinating training and upskilling in the data engineering team
• Assuring quality and secure engineering practices are being undertaken by the data product teams, and proactively implementing a continuous improvement mindset in both ways of working and data
• Working with the wider team as well as managing key business stakeholders, explaining complex issues, dealing with ambiguity and prioritisation of business focussed outcomes
• Assuring quality documentation and code is being produced by the teams
• Presenting data patterns and designs at the data architectural governance forums

Who we're looking for:

We are seeking experienced individuals capable of developing our future data platform, who are eager to expand their knowledge across the entire data assets lifecycle. Your exceptional leadership skills will enable you to influence and guide team projects while prioritising delivery and business value. With a natural curiosity and adaptability to the ever-changing worlds of business and technology, you'll thrive in our dynamic Agile environment.

In addition, you'll bring:

• Expertise in SQL development
• Expertise in Teradata (preferred)
• Proficiency in using cloud-native Big Data technologies (preferred)
• Experience with cloud-based infrastructure, particularly AWS, and PaaS services
• Strong knowledge of EDW design principles
• Familiarity with Snowflake and its capabilities
• Hands-on experience with Windows and Linux servers, as well as container usage (desirable)
• Flexibility and resilience in the face of change
• A genuine passion for our brand and commitment to our customers

What we offer:

We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It’s one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary.

From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you’ll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress.

We never stand still, and we don’t expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity

At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work.

Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.