Data Engineer

Starion; Frascati; Remote; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Starion is seeking a Data Engineer to work on site at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, helping to build a secure, enterprise-scale data platform that transforms official documents into AI-ready knowledge.

You will design ingestion pipelines, implement Azure AI Search and embeddings, and deliver Python-based retrieval APIs with robust security using Entra ID and Azure services. Collaboration with architects and security teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of data engineering experience, including hands-on exposure to AI Search or RAG
• Strong experience with Microsoft Azure data and AI services, especially Azure AI Search and OCR technologies
• Knowledge of vector/hybrid search, embeddings and RAG patterns
• Strong Python skills for data processing and API development
• Experience with Entra ID, Azure security and security-by-design principles
• Hands-on with Terraform, Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience in enterprise document management or regulated environments
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills; proactive and collaborative
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize secure ingestion pipelines for documents including OCR, parsing, and embeddings
• Build intelligent hybrid search solutions using Azure AI Search
• Deliver secure Python-based retrieval APIs for AI applications
• Strengthen data security and access control with Entra ID and Azure security services
• Streamline testing, deployment and monitoring with Terraform, Azure DevOps, and CI/CD
• Assist in go-live planning and provide thorough technical documentation
• Collaborate with architects, security teams and developers to translate complex requirements into solutions

Skills

Python

Azure AI Search

Azure Data Services

REST APIs

Security-by-design

Terraform

Azure DevOps

Vector Search

RAG

Entra ID

Tools

Terraform

Azure DevOps

Job description

Data Engineer

Location: Frascati , Italy Application deadline: 6 November 2026 Reference number: 0595

Your Mission

Join us in shaping the future of secure and innovative technologies across space and cybersecurity.

We are looking for a Data Engineer to work on site at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. You will help build a secure, enterprise-scale data platform that transforms large collections of official documents into searchable knowledge for AI applications, using Microsoft Azure, Azure AI Search and Microsoft Entra ID.

Tasks and activities

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Design and enhance secure document ingestion pipelines, covering OCR, parsing, chunking, metadata enrichment and embeddings.
• Create intelligent hybrid search solutions using Azure AI Search.
• Deliver secure Python based retrieval APIs for AI applications and agents.
• Strengthen data security and access control using Microsoft Entra ID and Azure security services.
• Streamline testing, deployment and monitoring with Terraform, Azure DevOps, Azure Monitor and Application Insights.
• Drive successful go-live and operational handover, supported by clear technical documentation.
• Collaborate with architects, security teams, system owners and developers to turn complex requirements into effective technical solutions.

What we’re looking for

Ideally, you will have;

• At least 3 years of experience in Data Engineering, including hands‑on experience with an AI Search or RAG solution.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Azure data and AI services, particularly Azure AI Search and Azure AI Document Intelligence or similar OCR technologies.
• Practical knowledge of vector/hybrid search, embeddings and RAG patterns.
• Strong Python skills for data processing and API development, including REST APIs.
• Experience with Microsoft Entra ID, Azure security and security‑by‑design principles.
• Hands‑on experience with Terraform, Azure DevOps and CI/CD.
• Knowledge in enterprise document management, regulated environments or projects with strict data protection requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Why make the move?

• Make an impact where it matters. Contribute to high profile projects supporting organisations such as ESA, EUMETSAT, the European Commission, NATO and national defence programmes.
• Work alongside some of Europe’s brightest minds. Join an international team of experts who thrive on collaboration, innovation and solving complex challenges that deliver real‑world results.
• Grow beyond a single project. Join a growing international organisation and broaden your experience across a variety of projects and technical disciplines.
• Invest in your future. Benefit from ongoing training, mentoring and professional development opportunities designed to support both your personal and professional growth.
• Join a company that puts people first. Guided by our values of Integrity, Inspiration, Care and Collaboration, we offer a supportive culture, flexible working arrangements.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and responsibilities within the role. For positions based in Italy, employment terms and classification will be determined in accordance with the applicable CCNL framework, with the corresponding level assigned based on qualifications, professional experience, and role requirements.

The advertised salary and level range is intended based on the requirements as advertised here. We welcome applications from candidates with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, and any offer will be considered on an individual basis, taking into account qualifications, expertise, and overall suitability for the role.

Salary – €40,000.00 – €60,000.00 gross per year

CCNL Level: Level2

CCNL Type : Commercio

Equal Opportunities

This position is open to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99 (Rules for the Right to Work of Disabled People).

Questa posizione è aperta alle categorie protette ai sensi della Legge 68/99.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer,committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.