Data Platform Engineer

Arden University

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Data Platform Engineer sits within Arden University's Analysis, Insights & Performance department. This role is key in shaping and evolving the university's data platform, driving improvements in student experience, outcomes, and operational efficiency. The engineer will work within the Data Platform squad to develop and optimize core data infrastructure, including the data lake and medallion architecture, ensuring the platform is robust, scalable, and reliable. They will provide guidance on cloud data technologies like Power BI and Microsoft Fabric, support the development of a forward-looking data platform strategy, and identify opportunities for platform enhancements to deliver business impact. The role also involves supporting and coaching the wider data team, promoting best practices, and ensuring the platform evolves with the university's ambitions. This is a hands-on role focused on platform engineering, architecture, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Familiarity with big data technologies and ecosystems such as Microsoft Synapse/Fabric/Databricks, Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and others.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, R or SQL
• Solid understanding of database design and theory, including SQL and NoSQL technologies
• Knowledge of data engineering principles, including ETL design and data lifecycle management
• Familiarity with data pipeline and integration tools such as Data Factory, Airflow or similar
• Understanding of CI/CD, DevOps practices and version control (e.g. Git)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience delivering business value through data and analytics

Nice To Haves

• Formal Data & Analytics certifications (e.g. Certified Analytics Professional, Azure Data Engineer or Data Scientist Associate)
• Experience with big data technologies such as Spark, Kafka, or Hadoop ecosystems
• Familiarity with agile delivery methodologies such as Scrum
• Experience across multiple data disciplines such as data warehousing, BI, data governance, data architecture or data strategy
• Knowledge of lakehouse architecture and modern data platform patterns
• Experience working within the Higher Education sector
• Understanding of data science tools and techniques within Azure
• Awareness of data governance, security and regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR)

Responsibilities

• Shape and evolve Arden University’s data platform.
• Drive improvements in student experience, student outcomes, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the development and optimisation of the University’s core data infrastructure, including the data lake and medallion architecture.
• Ensure the platform is robust, scalable and reliable, meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on the effective use of modern cloud data technologies, including platforms such as Power BI and Microsoft Fabric.
• Support the development of a forward-looking data platform strategy, leveraging modern engineering patterns and technologies.
• Identify opportunities where enhancements to the data platform can deliver meaningful impact.
• Support and coach the wider data team, promoting best practice and ensuring the platform continues to evolve.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays on-top, and even a Christmas closure!
• A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
• SimplyHealth plan option
• Private Medical Insurance coverage (applies to certain job roles)
• Access to Perkbox benefits
• Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
• Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed