Principal Data Engineer
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
Our predicted code SOC 2133 (78% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,900, and National Highways is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the published rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
About the role.
As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are strengthening internal digital capability within the Data Team. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network. A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities, and as a result, we are recruiting a Principal Data Engineer. This is a pivotal role within the organisation.
In this role, you will work closely with business stakeholders to design, build, test, and maintain data management systems that meet user needs and business requirements. You will lead the design and implementation of complex data flows, connecting operational systems with analytics and BI platforms, while ensuring data is secure, governed, and compliant across the full lifecycle.
As a Principal Data Engineer, you will drive best practice in data engineering, championing automation, reuse, and the adoption of modern data approaches. You will provide technical leadership and advisory support across projects, helping to improve data reliability and efficiency, while contributing to organisational strategy and supporting the delivery of wider Digital Services objectives.
This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.
- Lead the design and implementation of complex data flows and pipelines
- Define and oversee verification and validation activities, ensuring data flows are designed, managed, maintained, and retired in line with data policies across the full data lifecycle.
- Own the end-to-end lifecycle management of data pipelines, identifying opportunities for reuse and driving efficiency through standardisation and automation.
- Develop and advocate for data engineering best practices and standards - helping to build the discipline and,and championing data engineering across the business, industry and government.
About you.
- A proactive leader who takes initiative, seeks continuous improvement, and drives smarter, more efficient ways of delivering data services, fostering a culture of learning and change.
- A collaborative team player who builds strong, trusted relationships across technical and business stakeholders, confidently challenges assumptions, and creates an inclusive environment that supports delivery of shared objectives.
- Strong decision-making capability, using sound judgement, evidence, and technical expertise to balance risks, protect sensitive information, and deliver secure, sustainable, and high-value outcomes.
- Committed to professional and operational excellence, with the ability to plan, organise, and manage complex data engineering activities to deliver high-quality, reliable, and efficient services using appropriate project and risk management approaches.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to understand the wider organisational and public context, aligning data engineering activities to business goals, long-term strategy, and the delivery of value to the organisation and its customers.
About us.
Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England's motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.
The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real-time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability.
External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.
We are committed to creating a diverse environ
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with National Highways, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2133 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~163k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at National HighwaysAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. National Highways holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2133 going rate of £54,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.