Principal Data Engineer

What you'll bring to the team Principal Data Engineer

Merlin Technology London / Hybrid B2

Our purpose

Bring joy, create connections, and make memories.

Our vision

To be the global leader in branded entertainment destinations and the greatest place to work and play.

The role

Merlin is in the middle of a major Digital and Data Transformation, reshaping how we use data to enhance the end-to-end guest journey across our world-class attractions.

As Principal Data Engineer, you'll sit at the heart of this transformation. This is a true player-coach role: setting the technical direction for our future data estate while remaining hands-on, leading by example and raising the engineering bar across the organisation.

In Phase 1, you'll lead early-stage architectural decision-making, defining the blueprint for our new data platform in partnership with Enterprise Architecture. You'll choose the patterns and approaches that will shape Merlin's data future, then pivot into delivery - turning strategy into resilient, production-ready platforms.

You'll also lead the discovery and stabilisation of our legacy "Lane 1" estate while building the "Lane 2" foundations designed to scale. Just as importantly, you'll act as the technical face of Data to the business, confidently explaining trade-offs between fixing fast and building right.

What you'll be responsible for

Architectural leadership

• Define the directional architecture for Merlin's new Data Estate

• Lead decision-making on Databricks and Azure usage, setting standards such as Lakehouse, Medallion and event-driven patterns

• Partner with Enterprise Architecture to ensure alignment with the wider technology blueprint

People leadership

• Line manage the Data Engineering squad, setting the technical culture and standards

• Lead hiring, onboarding, performance management and development planning

• Own engineering feasibility and complexity, working alongside the Delivery Lead who owns value and prioritisation

• Ensure technical debt is intentional, documented and does not undermine long-term architecture

Engineering standards & culture

• Embed modern engineering practices: CI/CD, automated testing, observability and FinOps

• Drive the shift from scripting to true software engineering

Discovery & decommissioning

• Lead deep discovery of the legacy data estate

• Decide what to retire, what to retain and how to migrate safely without disrupting the business

Cross-functional collaboration

• Act as translator between complex data engineering realities and business outcomes

• Work closely with Delivery, Architecture, Data Science, Governance and the wider Engineering community

• Help define global standards for coding, security and DevOps across Merlin

• Shape technical roadmaps aligned to long-term business goals and manage expectations on delivery

Who you'll work with

• Enterprise Architecture

• Data Delivery Lead

• Senior business stakeholders

• The wider Engineering community

• Data Science, Governance and Delivery teams

Qualifications & Experience What we're looking for

Experience

• Degree in Data Science, Computer Science or a related field

• Significant hands-on experience in data engineering or data architecture (typically 5-8 years), with typically 3 years leadership experience

• Deep expertise in Databricks, Azure, SQL and Python (GCP / BigQuery experience a plus)

• Proven experience refactoring and modernising legacy data estates while maintaining business continuity

• Track record of owning architectural decisions and defining data platform blueprints

Skills & mindset

• Player-coach leadership style with a strong hands-on engineering presence

• High EQ and confidence working with non-technical stakeholders

• Pragmatic, resilient approach that balances technical excellence with delivery realities

• Strong software engineering mindset with a passion for quality, reliability and sustainability

How we lead at Merlin

Our leaders are:

• Soulfully Curious - always learning and open to new ideas

• Results Focused - accountable, pragmatic and outcome-driven

• Extraordinary Teammates - collaborative, generous and respectful

• Developers of People - coaches who grow talent and capability

Why Merlin?

You'll have the opportunity to shape a modern data platform from the ground up in a globally recognised, purpose-driven business. This role offers real influence, technical ownership and the chance to build something that will power unforgettable guest experiences for years to come.

Benefits

We're growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects - ideal if you're already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days' holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!

Pay Range Competitive