Senior Data Engineer

Optima Partners; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima Partners in Edinburgh is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build, and optimise scalable data pipelines and architectures for a diverse client base.

You will work within multidisciplinary teams, champion best practices in data engineering, and lead technical initiatives while mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of data engineering experience, ideally in consulting or client-facing environments.
• Proven ability to deliver advanced data solutions and architectures.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills for non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with Agile or Scrum is beneficial.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Strong coding skills in Python/Java/Scala for data processing.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable data pipelines and architectures for diverse clients.
• Build data warehouses and data lakes, optimise storage and access patterns.
• Develop robust ETL/ELT workflows with data quality controls.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and stakeholders to meet requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives within cross-functional teams.
• Document technical designs and maintain solution documentation.

Skills

Python

Java

Scala

Databricks

Apache Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

PostgreSQL

SQL

Airflow

CI/CD

Git

Data modelling

5+ years exp

Tools

Databricks

Apache Spark

Hadoop

Airflow

Job description

Senior Data Engineer

Who we are

We are an advanced data and business consultancy headquartered in Edinburgh, UK. We are a practitioner-led organisation that collaborates with top consumer brands to drive transformation and foster customer-centricity through our expertise in customer strategy, innovative design, and advanced data science and engineering.

We work with leading consumer brands to tackle and overcome complex business and customer problems to drive transformation and champion customer-centric agendas. We are proud to include some of the leading UK and global brands among our current clients such as Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Bank of Ireland, Nationwide, Aviva, Biogen, Eon Next, OVO, Virgin Media O2, BT, HMD Global, Centrica, and GSK. We are obsessive about delivering value for our clients and work in a collaborative, engaged, and creative way with our colleagues and clients. We strive to support the transition of knowledge and capability into strategic teams.

The opportunity

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Data Engineer at Optima Partners. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, building, and optimising scalable data pipelines, architectures, and workflows for our diverse client base. You’ll work within dynamic, multi-disciplinary teams to implement advanced data solutions while championing best practices and innovative trends in data engineering. This is a valuable opportunity for an experienced data professional to lead projects and drive technical excellence across a variety of commercial sectors.

At Optima, you’ll collaborate with experts across fields, gaining exposure to varied business challenges in an inclusive environment that fosters continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and clear career development.

What you will be doing

• Data Pipeline Development: Design and implement robust, scalable, and efficient data pipelines to collect, transform, and integrate data from various sources.
• Data Architecture: Develop and optimise data architectures, including data warehouses, data lakes, and other storage solutions.
• ETL/ELT Processes: Create and maintain reliable ETL/ELT workflows to ensure data quality and accessibility.
• Collaborate: Partner with data scientists, analysts, and client stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver impactful solutions.
• Performance Optimisation: Monitor and enhance the performance of data systems to ensure minimal downtime and rapid query responses.
• Automation and Tools: Identify automation opportunities and recommend tools to improve data engineering workflows.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed technical documentation for all solutions and processes.
• Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives within cross-functional teams. Skills and Experience

What skills we would like you to have

• Programming: Proficiency in Python, Java, Scala, or similar languages for data processing.
• Big Data Technologies: Hands-on experience with tools such as Databricks, Apache Spark, and Hadoop.
• Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with AWS, Azure, GCP, or other cloud ecosystems for data engineering tasks.
• Database Management: Expertise in relational databases (e.g. Postgres, SQL Server).
• Data Integration Tools: Knowledge of platforms like Airflow, Apache NiFi, or Talend. Data Storage and Modelling: Experience with data warehousing tools (e.g. Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery) and schema design.
• Version Control and CI/CD: Familiarity with Git, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines for deployment.
• Experience: 5+ years in data engineering or a related role, with a proven track record of delivering advanced data solutions in consulting or client-facing environments.
• Methodologies: Experience with Agile or Scrum practices is beneficial. Personal Qualities
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication abilities to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• A collaborative, adaptable, and team-oriented mindset.