Senior Data Engineer

RTÉ; Dublin; On-site; EUR 51,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

RTÉ is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design and build its next-generation data platform. You will own end-to-end data pipelines, lakehouses, and data models, collaborating with analytics teams to deliver trusted datasets across the organisation.

Reporting to the Head of Data Engineering, you will implement best practices, governance and security while mentoring peers in a fast-paced environment. The role requires strong SQL/Python, cloud data engineering experience and a passion for modern

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience in data engineering.
• 5+ years of enterprise data engineering experience.
• Strong experience building and managing cloud-based data platforms.
• Hands on experience with Microsoft Fabric or closely related tools (Azure Data Factory, ADLS, Synapse. Azure Databricks).
• Strong programming skills in SQL and Python, with Spark/PySpark a bonus.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data pipelines, lakehouses and data warehouses.
• Good understanding of modern data architecture patterns (e.g. ELT, Medallion architecture).
• Experience working with large, complex datasets, including structured and unstructured data.
• Familiarity with version control, CI/CD and agile development best practices.

Responsibilities

• Build and optimise end to end data pipelines (batch and streaming).
• Develop and maintain Lakehouse architectures and data models to support analytics and reporting.
• Work closely with analytics teams to deliver high quality, trusted datasets.
• Contribute to the design of RTÉ’s data platform architecture, including standards and tooling.
• Implement best practices across data engineering, including testing, performance optimisation, monitoring and documentation.
• Contribute to improving data quality, governance and security standards.
• Support project teams with the design and delivery of data engineering solutions.
• Mentor and support other engineers to foster learning and ownership.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and bring innovation to the team.

Skills

SQL

Python

Spark/PySpark

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Data Factory

ADLS

Synapse

Azure Databricks

Job description

RTÉ is Ireland's national public-service media organisation. We are embarking upon an ambitious and exciting 5-year transformation strategy to update the way we run the organisation. Our mission is to serve as an independent source of stories, news, information and entertainment for Ireland, reflecting the diversity of its people and providing experiences that enrich the lives of all.

This sense of purpose motivates us to deliver to the highest standards in an environment that is collaborative, supportive and engaging. Attracting and retaining the best talent is key in delivering to our audiences. We want our people to thrive in an environment that values their output.

Meet the team

RTÉ’s Technology division manages all technology for the organisation. As part of our recently approved data strategy, we are building a modern, cloud-based data platform to enable more informed, data-driven decision making across the organisation.

A key pillar of this strategy is the establishment of a high performing data engineering team. This team will deliver scalable, cloud-based data solutions that support analytics teams embedded across the business, as well as wider organisational reporting, governance and innovation initiatives.

Reporting to the Head of Data Engineering, we are looking for a Senior Data Engineer to play a key role in designing and building RTÉ’s next generation data platform. This is an opportunity to work with modern technologies, shape architectural decisions and have a real impact on how data is used across one of Ireland’s most recognised organisations.

About the role

• Build and optimise end to end data pipelines (batch and streaming), ensuring reliability, performance and maintainability
• Develop and maintain Lakehouse architectures and data models to support advanced analytics and reporting
• Work closely with analytics teams to deliver high quality, trusted datasets
• Contribute to the design of RTÉ’s data platform architecture, including standards, tooling and best practices
• Implement best practices across data engineering, including testing, performance optimisation, monitoring and documentation
• Contribute to improving data quality, governance and security standards across the organisation
• Support project teams with the design and delivery of data engineering solutions as required
• Mentor and support other engineers, helping to build a strong engineering culture of learning, ownership and continuous improvement
• Stay current with emerging technologies and bring innovation and new ideas into the team

About you

• A bachelor's degree or master’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience in data engineering
• 5+ years of enterprise data engineering experience
• Strong experience building and managing cloud-based data platforms
• Hands on experience with Microsoft Fabric or closely related tools (Azure Data Factory, ADLS, Synapse. Azure Databricks)
• Strong programming skills in SQL and Python, with Spark/PySpark a bonus.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data pipelines, lakehouses and data warehouses
• Good understanding of modern data architecture patterns (e.g. ELT, Medallion architecture)
• Experience working with large, complex datasets, including structured and unstructured data
• Familiarity with version control, CI/CD and agile development best practices

Nice to have

• Experience with real-time or streaming data pipelines
• Experience with implementing data governance, data lineage or data quality frameworks
• Microsoft Certifications (DP-700/DP-600 or DP-203)
• Experience in media, broadcast or digital content organisations

Abilities

• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on practical, high impact solutions
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to take ownership and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality and standards
• Proactive, adaptable and motivated to learn new technologies
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• A positive contributor to team culture and knowledge sharing

This appointment will be made at Manager Grade 3 and is being offered on a full-time ongoing contract basis. The salary band for this grade is from €51,039 to €85,647 gross per annum.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 3rd September 2026.

Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó daoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge. Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to Irish.

Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of what we do – both on-air and behind the scenes. We are committed to building a more inclusive environment and tackling under-representation while embedding inclusion at every stage of the employee journey.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, social experience, race and ethnicity, disability, civil and family status, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community.

We are eager to provide reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with any kind of disability. Should you wish to request an accommodation for your interview, we encourage you to let us know when you apply.