Data Expert - AI search & Azure Cloud

Starion; Frascati; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA is seeking a Senior Data Engineer for on-site work at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. You will design and deliver scalable data platforms using Azure Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, Data Vault and SAP technologies, transforming Finance, Procurement and HR data into reliable data products.

You will build ETL/ELT pipelines, implement DataOps practices, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure data quality, governance and performance across on-premises and cloud environments.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in enterprise data engineering.
• Strong knowledge of Data Vault Builder, Azure Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, SQL/T-SQL, Spark/PySpark and Data Lake/Lakehouse architectures.
• Experience with ETL/ELT, SAP data extraction, Theobald Software, Azure DevOps and CI/CD/DataOps practices.
• Proven experience in at least two of Finance, Procurement or Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of data modelling, architecture, warehousing, cloud engineering, governance and performance optimisation.
• Ability to translate business requirements into effective, well-governed technical solutions, with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and enhance scalable enterprise data platforms across on-premises, Azure Synapse and Microsoft Fabric environments.
• Develop robust data solutions, including Data Vault models, lakehouse layers, semantic models, data marts and BI-ready datasets.
• Build and optimise ETL/ELT pipelines, integrating data from SAP, databases, APIs, SaaS applications and legacy systems.
• Drive SAP data integration and platform migrations, ensuring data quality, traceability, performance and reliability.
• Optimise and secure data platforms, covering queries, storage, pipelines, access controls, governance, lineage and compliance.
• Champion CI/CD and DataOps practices, supporting releases, monitoring platform health and resolving operational issues.
• Turn Finance, Procurement and HR needs into valuable data products, working with stakeholders, analysts, architects and tech teams.

Skills

Data modeling

Data architecture

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Azure Synapse

Microsoft Fabric

Azure Data Factory

Data Vault Builder

SAP data extraction

SQL/T-SQL

Spark/PySpark

Data Lake/Lakehouse

Job description

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

We are looking for a Senior Data Engineer to work on site at ESA’s ESRIN centre in Frascati, Italy. You will design and deliver modern, scalable data platforms using Azure Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, Data Vault and SAP technologies, transforming Finance, Procurement and HR requirements into reliable, high-performing data solutions.

Tasks and Activities

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Design, build and enhance scalable enterprise data platforms across on-premises, Azure Synapse and Microsoft Fabric environments.
• Develop robust data solutions, including Data Vault models, lakehouse layers, semantic models, data marts and BI-ready datasets.
• Build and optimise ETL/ELT pipelines, integrating data from SAP, databases, APIs, SaaS applications and legacy systems.
• Drive SAP data integration and platform migrations, ensuring strong data quality, traceability, performance and reliability.
• Optimise and secure data platforms, covering queries, storage, pipelines, access controls, governance, lineage and compliance.
• Champion CI/CD and DataOps practices, supporting releases, monitoring platform health and resolving operational issues.
• Turn Finance, Procurement and HR needs into valuable data products, working closely with stakeholders, analysts, architects and technical teams.

What we’re looking for

• 5–8 years of experience in enterprise data engineering.
• Strong knowledge of Data Vault Builder, Azure Synapse, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, SQL/T-SQL, Spark/PySpark and Data Lake/Lakehouse architectures.
• Experience with ETL/ELT, SAP data extraction, Theobald Software, Azure DevOps and CI/CD/DataOps practices.
• Proven experience in at least two of the following areas: Finance, Procurement or Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of data modelling, architecture, warehousing, cloud engineering, governance and performance optimisation.
• Ability to translate business requirements into effective, well-governed technical solutions, combined with strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, collaborative and service-focused approach, with a commitment to continuous learning.
• Being eligible for ESA Security Clearance is a must
• 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 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.

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

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.