Data Engineer

Overview

Would you like to kick start your career in a supportive, collaborative and innovative company? Do you enjoy working as part of an enthusiastic, passionate, and collaborative team? Join our Data Team. Data plays a pivotal role in Softcat\''s success, and the Data Services team delivers the realisation of Softcat\''s data strategy. We provide the engineering, technology, and visualisation expertise that powers and maintains Softcat\''s core data and analytics platforms. Our team is responsible for managing and evolving the cloud and on-premises platforms, data models, core reporting and architecture, while also selecting the most effective technologies to drive Softcat\''s success.Our Partners and CustomersThe Data Services team partners with the wider Internal Technology team and interacts extensively with the business across Sales, Services, Business Operations and Commercial teams as well as with select Vendors and Partners. It ensures that business decisions in the company are made through proactive and right data and analytics solutions and processes.Current StateData and analytics at Softcat are in transformation and acceleration with a focus on cloud technology, automation, reducing technical debt, foundational data management and controlled self-service alongside company-wide strategic initiatives where data plays a major role in its success. To support the exciting Data strategy at Softcat, the Data Services team is continually improving all things related to Data and analytics for the next 3-5 years. To support that, we are looking to expand the team.About the roleAs an Azure Data Engineer, you will play a key role in the development, optimisation, and maintenance of Softcat\''s Azure Data Platform, which will underpin advanced analytics, Large Language Model use cases, machine learning models, and reporting for our Sales and wider business teams.This is a senior hands-on engineering role, working with Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, DBT, and modern Python-based frameworks to deliver high-quality, scalable, and automated data solutions.As Data Engineer, you\''ll be responsible for:Design, develop, test, and maintain robust, reusable data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (orchestration), Azure Databricks (transformations in PySpark/Spark SQL), and DBT (SQL-based modelling)Prepare, clean, and transform unstructured and semi-structured data for LLM training, fine-tuning, and prompt engineering workflowsDevelop Python-based ETL/ELT scripts, data transformation utilities, and automation toolsImplement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and Databricks Asset Bundles for data workflows, promoting automation, reproducibility, and minimal manual interventionCollaborate with Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, and Analysts to optimise the flow of data into ML and LLM modelsApply data quality, governance, and lineage best practices across all datasets and processesWe\''d love you to haveStrong hands-on experience with Azure Data Factory (pipelines, triggers, parameterisation, linked services)Strong hands-on experience with Azure Databricks (PySpark, Spark SQL, Delta Lake, performance tuning)Strong SQL development skills, including performance tuning and working with large datasetsProficiency with Python for data engineering tasks (e.g., Pandas, PySpark, data cleaning, API integrations)Proficiency with DBT (data modelling, macros, testing, documentation)Experience with Azure DevOps for Git-based source control and deployment pipelines for data solutionsWe also acknowledge that the confidence gap and imposter syndrome are a real thing and can get in the way of us meeting fantastic talent, so please don\''t hesitate to apply - we would love to hear from you!Work in a way that works for youWe recognise that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. In this role, we can offer the following flexible working patterns:Hybrid workingWorking flexible hours - flexing the times you start and finish during the dayFlexibility around school pick up and drop offsWorking with usWherever you work, we want you to experience the freedom and autonomy to realise your potential. You will feel supported by a team that celebrates individuality, encourages different perspectives, and embraces every background.Join usTo become part of the success story, please apply now.If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we can provide support or adjustments that you may need throughout our recruitment process or any mitigating circumstance you wish for us to consider. Any information you share on your application will be treated in confidence. You can find out more about life at Softcat and our commitments to diversity and inclusion at jobs.softcat.com/jobs/our-culture/Here at Softcat, we don\''t prohibit the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in our application process, as we understand how far it can go to creating a truly equitable candidate experience. That being said, as a culture-driven organisation, we believe that the genuine essence of each person is what truly matters, so we highly encourage you to be as authentically you as possible when submitting your application to showcase your true and whole self.DocumentsAzure Data Engineer 1.pdf (49.09 ..... full job details .....