Senior Data Engineer

Grant Thornton UK LLP; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Thornton UK LLP is seeking a Senior Data Engineer in the Data Architecture team to design, build and run data pipelines that are secure, reliable and ready for analytics. You will lead migrations to Microsoft Fabric, enabling analytics, self-service reporting and AI capabilities.

You'll own data ingestion from core systems, shape data structures for Power BI consumption, and ensure strong governance, security and cost controls across pipelines.

Qualifications

• Strong, proven experience delivering solutions on Microsoft Fabric (Data Factory, Lakehouse, Warehouse and Notebooks) or Databricks.
• Proficiency in Python, PySpark and SQL.
• Solid understanding of data modelling, warehousing and ETL/ELT principles.
• Experience delivering a platform or data migration.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and run data pipelines using Fabric Data Factory and Fabric Lakehouse, and set patterns for the team to reuse.
• Own the ingestion of data from core systems (Workday, Dynamics 365, Business World, SharePoint).
• Design data structures in Fabric Warehouse and Lakehouse, deliver curated datasets for Power BI and other reporting.
• Build security, data classification and access controls into pipelines and review work for compliance.
• Redesign legacy ETL/ELT processes for Fabric and plan cut-over to maintain reporting continuity.
• Set up version control, CI/CD and automated testing for data solutions; monitor pipelines for performance and cost.
• Coach and mentor less experienced engineers.

Skills

Microsoft Fabric

Databricks

Python

PySpark

SQL

Power BI

Git

CI/CD

Data governance

Data security

Data modelling

ETL/ELT

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Lake

RAG

MCP

Vector databases

Notebooks

Data lineage

Data catalogue

Professional services

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Power BI

Job description

Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 58,000 people in over 135 countries. We're a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile. That's Grant Thornton.

A look into the role

As a Senior Data Engineer in the Data Architecture team, you’ll design, build and run the pipelines and platform components that make our data secure, reliable and ready to use.

You’ll lead workstreams in our migration to Microsoft Fabric and build the foundations for analytics, self-service reporting and AI. That includes preparing governed data for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and Model Context Protocol (MCP). You’ll set technical direction within the team, coach less experienced engineers and work with colleagues across the Data Office, IT and the business.

Day to day, you’ll:

• Design, build and run data pipelines using Fabric Data Factory and Fabric Lakehouse, and set patterns for the team to reuse


• Own the ingestion of data from our core systems, including Workday, Dynamics 365, Business World and SharePoint


• Design data structures in Fabric Warehouse and Lakehouse, and deliver curated, well-documented datasets for Power BI and other reporting


• Build security, data classification and access controls into every pipeline, and review the work of others against them


• Redesign legacy ETL and ELT processes for Fabric, and plan cut-over so reporting carries on without a break


• Set up version control, CI/CD and automated testing for data solutions, and monitor pipelines for performance and cost


• Coach and mentor less experienced engineers

Knowing you’re right for us

We’ve set ambitious growth targets for the firm, and we need the right people to help us achieve these. We’re looking for people who will bring ambition and drive to their role. In changing markets, we need to be able to work at pace and be adaptable to change and to be curious, asking questions of ourselves, each other and our clients to ensure we are delivering the services and quality we expect.

Joining us as a Senior Data Engineer, the minimum criteria you’ll need is strong, proven experience delivering solutions on Microsoft Fabric (Data Factory, Lakehouse, Warehouse and Notebooks) or Databricks, strong proficiency in Python, PySpark and SQL, a solid understanding of data modelling, warehousing and ETL/ELT principles, and experience of delivering a platform or data migration. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

• Working knowledge of Power BI and how it connects to Fabric datasets


• Experience of version control, for example Git, and of applying CI/CD to data solutions


• Good knowledge of data governance, security and compliance, including access control and data classification


• Experience migrating from Azure Data Factory and Azure Data Lake to Fabric


• Experience preparing data for AI use, for example RAG, vector databases or MCP, and processing unstructured data such as PDFs and documents


• Experience with data catalogue, lineage or classification tools


• Experience in professional services or another regulated environment


• Clear communication with technical and non-technical colleagues, and experience of coaching or reviewing the work of less experienced engineers

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.