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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Engineer - **Company:** Mott MacDonald - **Location:** Cardiff, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** JavaScript (Programming Language), Geographic Information Systems, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Application Integration Architecture, ArcGIS (Software), Augmented Reality, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, C Sharp (Programming Language), Cyber Security, Computer Programming, Data Validation, Information Engineering, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Database Development, DevOps, Django Web Framework, Python (Programming Language), Metadata, PostGIS, Software Engineering, Spatial Data Infrastructures, SQL Databases, Management of Software Versions, Web Application Frameworks, Digital Twin, Esri GIS (Software), SC Clearance, AngularJS, Data Analytics, Autodesk Autocad, Lidar, Data Pipelines - **Published:** August 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.theguardian.com/job/10172887/principal-data-engineer/ ## About the Role * Proven geospatial, data, automation and digital expertise, with strong UK experience and a client-focused approach * Demonstrated technical leadership across geospatial, data engineering, automation, and innovative digital solution development * Experienced delivering large-scale data, geospatial and automation projects, including budgeting, resource planning, and prioritization * Advanced capability or interest in AI-enabled automations and agent-based workflows, with a strong understanding of emerging AI practices * Qualified in GIS, geospatial, data engineering, data science, software engineering, or a related discipline, supported by ongoing professional development * Deep experience developing orchestration and integration pipelines, automating complex spatial workflows, ETL, analytics, data validation, and application development * Strong FME expertise, including designing and reviewing complex FME Form workspaces and delivering enterprise-scale automations in FME Flow * Highly proficient in ArcGIS technologies, Python, and database development, including PostGIS, schemas, metadata, data versioning, and standards * Excellent communicator and problem-solver, with strong business development capability, a passion for innovation, and a drive to continuously expand technical skills * Willingness and able to undergo BPSS or SC clearance Desirable: * Experience of developing solutions utilising AI and ML * Experience of enhancing spatial data workflows and analytics using cloud native geospatial solutions * Experience of Azure cloud services and DevOps * Experienced in remote sensing data analytics, including, satellite optical and radar imagery, aerial and mobile imagery, and LiDAR data useful * Interest/skills in emerging technologies, AI agents, digital twins, IoT, Augmented Reality * Advanced programming skills (JavaScript; Python; Arcade; C# in conjunction with ArcGIS API and other web frameworks, such as Cesium, AngularJS, Django) * Fellow of RGS (with IBG) and a Chartered Geographer (GIS) UK Immigration ## Description You will be joining an award-winning diverse team of Geospatial, data science, automation, data and software engineering consultants who are passionate about exploring cloud native emerging technologies, thriving on data, AI and developing high value automations and innovative digital solutions. You will have an opportunity to work across sectors including transport, energy, water, buildings and advisory driving digital value in our region's major projects and prospects We are seeking a highly experienced Principal GIS/Data Engineering Consultant to join our Data Engineering & Automation team, based in Bristol, Birmingham, or Cardiff, with other UK locations also considered. In this impactful role, you will lead the design and delivery of cutting-edge geospatial, data and digital solutions, advancing our digital strategy and strengthening our capabilities in data orchestration, automation, AI integration, and geospatial innovation. You will work at the forefront of digital enablement across sectors, on country's most significant projects, helping our clients unlock the full value of their data, modernise their workflows, and achieve outstanding outcomes through intelligent technology. We are looking for someone who brings deep technical expertise in Geospatial, data engineering and digital solution design, a proven track record of winning and delivering complex data-driven and geospatial projects, a passion for innovation, automation, and advancing enterprise-wide digital capability and with the drive to help shape our digital future and champion new ways of working with data and technology. Key responsibilities and duties include: * Design and develop high-value digital solutions, lead the creation of data engineering, automation, and innovative geospatial capabilities that deliver measurable value for major projects and prospects * Scale productivity with AI and automation, develop smart, reusable automation and AI-enabled workflows that become blueprints for sector-wide adoption * Plan and quantify value, co-create Digital Value Plans with project teams to identify high-impact opportunities and clearly evidence Return on Investment * Integrate the digital ecosystem, connect platforms and data using FME, Python, SQL, Azure, APIs, GIS/BIM connectors, and leading software such as Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, and Moata to build interoperable, deployable solutions * Deliver securely at global scale, collaborate across regions and Global Delivery Services to provide a modern, connected environment and champion safe, governed AI with Information & Cyber Security * Lead multidisciplinary delivery, manage complex technical projects end-to-end, translate user needs into outcome-driven solutions, uphold standards, and drive consistency through reusable components and documentation * Grow capability and future services, mentor and line-manage colleagues, share knowledge, support bids and new opportunities, and shape the next wave of software pilots and emerging technology offerings, At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust. Equality, diversity, and inclusion We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute. Accessibility We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you. We offer some fantastic benefits including: Financial wellbeing * We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. * Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary. * Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury. * Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing. * As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes. Employee Ownership * Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success. * Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. * As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution. * Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future. * For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one. Health and wellbeing * Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. * Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments. * Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues. * A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family. * Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too. ## Related Videos - [Tracking vehicles at scale](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1999-tracking-vehicles-at-scale) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [DevOps Maturity Check – a way to balance autonomy and alignment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/58-devops-maturity-check-a-way-to-balance-autonomy-and-alignment) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk) - [Fullstack Developer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/251-fullstack-developer-salary-uk) - [Frontend Developer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/233-frontend-developer-salary-in-the-uk)