Principal Data Platform & AI Engineer

As part of our growing Data & AI practice in the Benelux, we are looking for a Principal Data Platform & AI Engineer to lead the design, architecture, and delivery of modern enterprise data platforms and AI solutions.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of architecture, engineering, customer engagement, and innovation. You will work closely with leading enterprises, public sector organizations, and regulated industries to modernize their data ecosystems and unlock business value through cloud-native platforms, analytics, and AI.

Your Role

As a Principal Data Platform & AI Engineer, you will act as both trusted advisor and technical leader, helping customers define and implement scalable, secure, and future-ready data architectures.

You will lead initiatives spanning:

• modern cloud data platforms,
• lakehouse and data mesh architectures,
• enterprise AI enablement,
• advanced analytics,
• governance and security,
• and intelligent automation.

You are equally comfortable discussing enterprise strategy with executives as you are designing scalable pipelines, reviewing code, or mentoring engineering teams., Architecture & Platform Leadership

• Define and lead target-state architectures for modern data platforms using technologies such as Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, Snowflake, and cloud-native services.
• Design scalable data lakehouse environments, ingestion frameworks, semantic layers, and analytics architectures.
• Architect secure, governed, and high-performing enterprise data solutions aligned with customer strategy, compliance, and European data regulations.
• Lead the adoption of modern architectural frameworks including Medallion Architecture, Data Mesh, and AI-ready data platforms.Collaborate with enterprise architects and customer stakeholders to align technical roadmaps with business objectives.

Engineering & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end implementation of data platforms and AI solutions from advisory and proof-of-concept through production deployment.
• Build and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines, streaming solutions, and transformation frameworks using Python, PySpark, SQL, and cloud-native technologies.
• Implement best practices for CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, DevOps, automation, monitoring, and platform lifecycle management.
• Establish standards for data quality, metadata management, governance, observability, and security.Support and mentor engineering teams while contributing hands-on when needed.

AI & Advanced Analytics

• Help customers operationalize AI and machine learning capabilities on top of modern data platforms.
• Enable enterprise AI use cases including generative AI, intelligent search, forecasting, and advanced analytics.
• Guide customers in creating AI-ready architectures with trusted and governed data foundations.Stay ahead of emerging trends in Data & AI and contribute thought leadership internally and externally.

Customer Engagement & Consulting

• Act as a strategic advisor to customers on data modernization, cloud transformation, and AI adoption.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business value and actionable outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with both technical and executive stakeholders.
• Contribute to proposals, workshops, customer presentations, and strategic initiatives.

Do you have experience in Scrum?, Do you have a Master's degree?, You are a senior Data & AI professional with strong architectural vision, consulting capabilities, and hands-on engineering expertise.

You enjoy solving complex challenges, working collaboratively across teams, and creating long-term value for customers., * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of experience in data engineering, platform architecture, analytics, or AI-related roles.
• 3+ years of deep hands-on experience with Databricks in enterprise environments.
• Strong experience designing and implementing enterprise data platforms in Azure, AWS, or GCP environments.
• In addition to Databricks, deep expertise in one or more modern data platform technologies such as:

• Microsoft Fabric,
• Azure Synapse,
• Snowflake,

• Strong programming skills in Python, PySpark, and SQL.
• Experience with ETL/ELT frameworks, Delta Lake, data lakes, and cloud-native architectures.
• Solid understanding of data modelling techniques including dimensional modelling and Data Vault.
• Experience implementing CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code, Git-based workflows, and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of data governance, metadata management, security, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in customer-facing environments.Professional proficiency in Dutch and English, spoken and written., * Databricks certification(s): Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional , Databricks Certified Solutions Architect .
• Certifications within Azure, Microsoft Fabric, AWS, or GCP.
• Experience with Power BI, DAX, and Power Query M.
• Experience with AI/ML platforms, MLflow, or generative AI solutions.
• Previous consulting experience or leadership in enterprise transformation programs.
• Experience working in agile environments such as Scrum or Kanban.

• The opportunity to shape enterprise-scale Data & AI transformations.
• Work with leading organizations across commercial and public sectors.
• Exposure to innovative cloud and AI technologies.
• A flexible hybrid working environment.
• A strong focus on personal growth, certification, and continuous learning.
• A people-first culture built on collaboration, diversity, and long-term partnerships.
• The opportunity to contribute to sustainable and responsible digital transformation.

If you are passionate about building modern data platforms and enabling the next generation of AI-driven organizations, we would love to hear from you.