Principal Data Engineer

£50,253 - £58,225 per annum

Preston Campus

Ref: 0422-26

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role:

We are looking for a Principal Data engineer to join our Learning and Information Services Team. This is a senior technical leadership role where you’ll shape and lead the University’s data engineering capability, setting the direction for modern, enterprise-scale platforms, pipelines and standards that power secure, scalable and high-performing data services. As the subject matter expert in this space, you’ll drive the design, implementation and evolution of enterprise data solutions; unlocking insight, enabling data‑informed decision making, and playing a key role in delivering our long-term strategic data ambitions.

About you:

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience designing and delivering enterprise‑scale data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes and cloud‑based data solutions, including hands‑on expertise with Microsoft Fabric and Azure data services.
• Advanced technical skills in SQL, data modelling, metadata management and data integration approaches.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with the ability to resolve complex technical challenges and balance strategic priorities with hands‑on delivery
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders
• Deep understanding of data security, compliance and ethical standards
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with emerging technologies
• Relevant degree, professional qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.

Closing date: Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 11.59pm.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we can offer you:

We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.

About us:

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.