Principal Software Engineer - Python with Azure

Role Overview

Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Act as a technical architect, ensuring alignment between the work of multiple development teams in data engineering and data science.
• Design scalable, high-performance data processing solutions within

  Azure and Databricks

  , considering factors such as governance, security, and maintainability.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in software development, including CI/CD, testing strategies, and cloud-native architecture.
• Work closely with Product Owners and Engineering Managers to translate business needs into technical solutions.

Hands-on Development & Technical Excellence

• Lead by example through high-quality coding, code reviews, and proof-of-concept development.
• Solve complex engineering problems and contribute to critical design decisions.
• Ensure effective use of

  Azure services

  ,

  Databricks

  , and data processing frameworks such as

  Apache Spark, Delta Lake, and Airflow

  .
• Develop and optimise

  data pipelines, data transformations, and ML workflows

  in a cloud environment.

Line Management & Team Development

• Provide line management to engineers, ensuring their professional growth and development.
• Conduct performance reviews, set development goals, and mentor team members to enhance their skills.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing engineering culture, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and career development initiatives within the engineering team.

Collaboration & Cross-Team Coordination

• Act as the technical glue between

  data engineers, data scientists, and software developers

  , ensuring smooth integration of different components.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to developers, helping them level up their skills and technical understanding.
• Work with DevOps teams to improve deployment pipelines, observability, and infrastructure as code.
• Engage with stakeholders across the business, translating technical concepts into business-relevant insights.

Governance, Security & Data Best Practices

• Champion

  data governance, lineage, and security

  across the platform.
• Advocate for and implement scalable

  data architecture patterns

  , such as

  Data Mesh, Lakehouse, or event-driven pipelines

  .
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Requirements & Experience

• 10+ years of strong software development experience required
• Strong software engineering background with experience in designing and building production-grade applications in

  Python, Scala, Java, or similar languages

  .
• Proven experience with

  Azure-based data platforms

  , specifically

  Databricks, Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse, and Azure Functions

  .
• Expertise in

  Apache Spark

  and

  Delta Lake

  , with experience building large-scale distributed data pipelines.
• Experience with

  workflow orchestration tools

  like

  Apache Airflow

  .
• Cloud experience in

  Azure

  , including

  containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)

  and

  infrastructure as code (Terraform, Bicep)

  .
• Strong knowledge of modern software architecture, including

  microservices, event-driven systems, and distributed computing

  .
• Experience leading teams in an

  agile

  environment, with a strong understanding of

  CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevOps practices

  .
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Previous experience in

  data engineering, data science, or analytics-heavy environments

  is highly desirable.
• Proven

  line management experience

  , including mentoring, career development, and performance management of engineering teams.

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

About NIQ

NIQ is the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights-delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms-NIQ delivers the Full View. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world's population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the