Principal Azure Data Engineer (Databricks)

Principal Azure Data Engineer (Databricks)

Location: London (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology & Engineering | Type: Permanent

Lead the architecture of data platforms driving the future of financial services.

The Role

As a Principal Azure Data Engineer (Databricks) at Capco, you'll architect and lead the delivery of enterprise-grade data solutions using the Databricks platform within the Azure ecosystem. You'll drive the design and implementation of streaming and batch data pipelines, helping our clients modernise their data capabilities. Working with cross-functional teams, you'll guide clients on technical strategy and best practices while ensuring quality, security, and governance standards are maintained across deployments. You'll also champion AI-enabled ways of working, using approved AI and automation tools where appropriate to improve engineering productivity, accelerate delivery, and enhance solution quality while applying sound engineering judgement and responsible AI practices.

What You'll Do

• Architect and lead the end-to-end delivery of Databricks-based data platforms across Azure environments.
• Design secure, scalable data pipelines using Delta Lake, Spark Structured Streaming, Unity Catalog, and Azure-native services, applying AI-enabled engineering approaches where appropriate.
• Establish and promote engineering best practices across the data lifecycle, ensuring robust governance, quality, and operational excellence.
• Partner with clients to define technical strategy, data architecture, and governance frameworks that align with business objectives.
• Mentor engineering teams, develop internal capability, and encourage the responsible use of approved AI tools and automation to enhance delivery and collaboration.

What We're Looking For

• Proven expertise with the Databricks platform, including Unity Catalog, Delta Lake, orchestration, and enterprise-scale Azure deployments.
• Strong technical skills in Python, PySpark, and distributed data processing frameworks, with experience building production-grade data platforms.
• Extensive experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or equivalent DevOps tooling.
• Deep understanding of Data Lakehouse architecture, data modelling, security, and GDPR-compliant solution design.
• Experience using AI-enabled tools responsibly to improve engineering efficiency while maintaining appropriate human oversight, governance, and delivery quality.

Bonus Points For

• Strong client-facing consulting and commercial experience supporting pre-sales, solution shaping, and RFP responses.
• Experience coaching and mentoring engineering teams while fostering engineering excellence.
• Development experience with Scala or Java.
• Knowledge of sensitive data management, PII handling, and regulatory frameworks within financial services.
• Active contribution to technical communities, thought leadership, and the exploration of responsible AI and automation to improve engineering practices.

Why Join Capco

• Deliver high-impact technology solutions for Tier 1 financial institutions.
• Work in a collaborative, flat, and entrepreneurial consulting culture.
• Access continuous learning, training, and industry certifications.
• Be part of a team shaping the future of digital financial services.
• Help shape the future of digital transformation across Financial Services & Energy.

Benefits

We offer a competitive, people-first benefits package designed to support every aspect of your life:

• Core Benefits: Discretionary bonus, competitive pension, health insurance, life insurance and critical illness cover.
• Mental Health: Easy access to CareFirst, Unmind, Aviva consultations, and in-house first aiders.
• Family-Friendly: Maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, plus paid leave for sickness, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and bereavement.
• Family Care: Eight complimentary backup care sessions for emergency childcare or elder care.
• Holiday Flexibility: Five weeks of annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days based on your needs.
• Continuous Learning: Your growth, your way-minimum 40 hours of training annually through workshops, certifications, and e-learning. You'll also be assigned a Business Coach from day one to support your career development.
• Healthcare Access: Convenient online GP services.
• Extra Perks: Wellhub (Gympass), travel insurance, Tastecard, season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, and dental insurance.

Inclusion at Capco

We're committed to making our recruitment process accessible and straightforward for everyone. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know-we'll be happy to help. We value each person's unique perspective and contribution. At Capco, we believe that being yourself is your greatest strength. Our #BeYourselfAtWork culture encourages individuality and collaboration-a mindset that shapes how we work with clients and each other every day.