Lead Data Engineer

Descriptiona { text-decoration: none; }tr th, tr td { }tr th { }We are easyJet – a FTSE listed, multi-billion low-cost airline that serves tens of millions of customers every single year. If you’re reading this, you have probably already been an easyJet customer, and you’ll know that there is no more iconic (or Orange!) travel brand in Europe.We fly more than 1,207 routes, connecting 38 countries across Europe, and employ more than 18,000 colleagues. We’re on a mission to make low-cost travel easy – and whatever your role here, you’ll connect millions of people to what they love using Europe’s best airline network, great value fares, and friendly service.What makes us easyJet? Our Promise Behaviours - we are Safe, Bold, Welcoming and Challenging. Four Behaviours. One Spirit. One easyJet.READ ON IF YOUHave strong experience designing and delivering cloud-based data solutions at scaleEnjoy leading and developing high-performing data engineering teamsThrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy solving complex technical challengesAre passionate about modern data platforms, big data technologies and continuous innovationCan be in our fantastic Luton head office 3 x per weekTHE TEAMYou’ll join a dynamic Data Engineering function at the heart of easyJet’s ambition to become a truly data-driven airline. Working closely with Data Science, Analytics, Architecture and wider IT teams, you’ll help shape and deliver enterprise data capabilities that power decision-making across the business.THE ROLEAs Lead Data Engineer, you will combine deep technical expertise with inspiring leadership to design, build and scale production-grade data solutions across easyJet’s IT estate.Lead the design, delivery and implementation of robust, scalable data solutions across a wide range of business use casesChampion the evolution and adoption of our distributed data platform and data productsManage and develop a team of Data Engineers and Analytics Engineers, supporting their growth and ensuring high-quality deliveryCollaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver enterprise-level data initiativesPartner with Data Science and Analytics teams to unlock new opportunities and deliver end-to-end data productsEnsure solutions meet functional and non-functional requirements and align with wider IT standardsDrive continuous improvement through automation, optimisation and enhanced ways of workingStay at the forefront of emerging technologies and bring innovation into the organisationProvide technical leadership, manage technical debt and shape implementation and QA approachesAct as a deputy for the Data Engineering Technology Manager when requiredWHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORProven leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and develop technical teamsStrong experience designing and building cloud-based, distributed data platformsAdvanced Python and SQL skills, with experience in modern engineering practices such as CI/CD and TDDExperience with big data frameworks such as Apache Spark or similar technologiesSolid understanding of data modelling, data warehousing, OLTP and data lake architecturesExperience working with cloud ecosystems such as AWS, Azure or GCPFamiliarity with tools such as Kafka, Airflow, Hive, Delta, or similar technologiesStrong understanding of software engineering principles and production supportExperience with Linux, containerisation and enterprise scheduling toolsKnowledge of data governance, security and data privacy principles including GDPRConfident communicator, able to present complex technical concepts to varied audiencesA proactive, self-directed mindset with strong problem-solving skillsDesirable:Experience within the airline or travel industryExposure to AI/ML solutions and productionisationExperience with Databricks, Snowflake or modern lakehouse platformsInfrastructure-as-code and serverless pipeline experienceData lake migration and solution architecture experienceWHAT YOU’LL GET IN RETURNUp to 20% maximum bonusPrivate Medical Insurance7% pension contributionsExcellent staff travel benefits25 days of annual leave + bank holidaysAnnual credit towards an easyJet holidayVarious flexible benefits and extrasPRACTICALITIESThis full-time role will be based in Luton and will be 40 hours per week. We support hybrid working and we spend 60% of our time per month in the officeREASONABLE ADJUSTMENTSAt easyJet, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse customers we serve across Europe. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. If you require specific adjustments or support during the application or recruitment process, such as extra time for assessments or accessible interview locations, please contact us at ma.recruitment@easyjet.com. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility and accommodationQualifications.Job Field: Information Technology (IT)Organization: Information Technology (IT)Schedule: Full-time