> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1981935-principal-data-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1981935-principal-data-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Engineer - **Company:** Places for People - **Location:** London, UK - **Salary:** £44,000.0 - £84,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Airflow, BigQuery, Cloud Computing, Continuous Integration, Data Dictionary, Information Engineering, Data Fusion, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Data Systems, Data Warehousing, Database Queries, Distributed Systems, Document-Oriented Databases, Data Flow Control, Python (Programming Language), Scrum Methodology, Systems Development Life Cycle, Query Optimization, Cloud Services, Standard Sql, Cloudera, SQL Databases, Google Cloud, Data Ingestion, Data Lakes, Google Cloud Functions - **Published:** August 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5831881222 ## About the Role * We have a proven track record in Data Engineering, ideally in a Lead or Principal Engineer role. * We have experience working with cloud data platforms, particularly Google Cloud Platform. * We have a strong understanding of Data Mesh principles; direct experience is beneficial. * We have technical mentoring and coaching skills. * We have extensive experience with Data Lake and Data Warehouse solutions. * We have strong proficiency in SQL and Python. * We have in-depth knowledge of query optimisation techniques and tuning complex queries. * We have strong understanding of data governance, including data dictionaries, MDM, lineage, data legislation, and PII handling. * We have excellent communication skills and can work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. * We have experience working in Agile, Scrum, and SDLC environments. * We have hands-on experience with GCP tools such as BigQuery, DataFlow, Data Fusion, DataStream, Cloud Functions, DataProc, and Airflow/Composer. * We have a strong understanding of distributed systems, cloud platforms, and modern data stacks. * We have experience leading complex data solutions through design, build, and deployment. * We have experience driving the implementation and adoption of CI/CD. * We are self-motivated, with strong leadership qualities and the ability to drive innovation. * We can formulate plans to deliver a target target state and work closely with managers and engineers to deliver that vision. ## Description * We provide technical leadership across product domains. * We define architecture and design for our data platform and data mesh. * We mentor and build the capability of our data engineering team. * We enable cross-domain interoperability. * We support governance and compliance enablement. * We contribute innovation and strategic influence. * We ensure our data processes on the platform are robust, performant, and compliant. * We oversee data ingestion, data quality and integrity, transformation, security, encryption, batch management, monitoring, alerting, and cost control. * We help design and build our Data Mesh, including data modelling and processing from raw through semantic layers. * We identify opportunities for automation and process improvement. * We coach and mentor data engineers. * We set coding standards and best practices. * We implement and document data integrity and quality checks. * We optimise queries. * We facilitate data engineering collaboration across the team. * We work closely with our Principal Data Platform Engineer and Data Domain Architect to ensure our platform and pipeline design is optimised and reliable. * We document our approach and explain solutions to both engineers and non-technical business users. * We participate in the full development lifecycle of data products. * We direct the work of other data engineers in the design, build, and deployment of complex data solutions. Technologies: * Airflow * Architect * BigQuery * CI/CD * Cloud * Composer * Data Warehouse * GCP * Support * Python * SQL * Security * DDD * Flow ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [Enjoying SQL data pipelines with dbt](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/823-enjoying-sql-data-pipelines-with-dbt) - [Making Data Warehouses fast. 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