Staff Data Engineer (Backend Data Specialist)

Job description.
Staff Data Engineer (Data Specialist / Backend Focus)
Location: Belfast (Hybrid)
Eligibility: UK work authorisation required (no sponsorship available)

We're looking for a high calibre Staff Data Engineer who brings deep expertise in data engineering, but can also operate comfortably across the backend engineering landscape.

This is not a typical data role. It's aimed at someone who can go deep on data pipelines, modelling, and performance, while also contributing more broadly to system design and backend services when needed. If you enjoy working across both worlds, this is where you'll stand out.

Why join?
* High-impact, senior role with real architectural influence
* Work across both data engineering and backend systems
* Modern, scalable platform with complex technical challenges
* Collaborative engineering culture with strong technical ownership
* Clear opportunity to shape standards and direction

What you'll be doing:
* Design and evolve scalable data pipelines and platforms
* Contribute to backend services and system architecture beyond the data layer
* Ensure data systems are reliable, performant, and production-ready
* Work closely with engineering, product, and analytics teams
* Set and drive best practices across data and backend engineering
* Mentor engineers and support technical decision-making
* Troubleshoot complex system and data issues

What you'll bring:
* Deep experience building production grade data systems
* Strong SQL and hands-on experience with modern data tooling and cloud platforms
* Ability to work beyond data into backend engineering (APIs, services, system design)
* Experience with distributed systems and event driven architectures
* Strong software engineering fundamentals (testing, CI/CD, version control)
* Clear communication skills and ability to influence technical direction

Interested?
If you're someone who combines deep data expertise with broader engineering capability, get in touch with Justin Donaldson for a confidential chat.

Skills:
dbt spark sql snowflake apache airflow cloud

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