Principal Data Engineer (Data Practice Lead)
Core
Principal Data Engineer leading the data practice at a consultancy, delivering hands-on data engineering work while building the practice's reputation and guiding client engagements.
Role type
Principal Data Engineer (Data Practice Lead)
Builds
Production data pipelines, transformation layers, models, and infrastructure for diverse client contexts (legacy migrations, greenfield lakehouses).
Domain
Data Engineering / Consultancy
Deliverable
production ML models
Required skills
SQL at scale, Python for data, Data modelling, Transformation architecture, Pipeline design, Data testing, Data observability, CI/CD for data, Data governance, Cost optimization, Platform fluency (Airflow, Snowflake, dbt, Spark), AI Native workflows
Preferred skills
Consulting or agency experience, Technical leadership track record, Public presence in data community
Technologies
SQL, Python, Airflow, Dagster, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, Fivetran, Airbyte, dbt, Spark
Responsibilities
Hands-on delivery of data pipelines and infrastructure; Guiding the wider team and unblocking technical problems; Defining internal standards for data work; Mentoring data engineers; Joining client meetings as technical authority; Shaping proposals and pitches; Acting as escalation point on live engagements; Representing the company at external events; Owning the growth of the data practice.
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with leadership and commercial responsibilities