Simpson Associates
Microsoft Fabric Principal Engineer
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Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.
Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.
Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Cloud & AI Platforms and Security, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure and Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure. Previously, Cloud & AI platforms were individual pillars for Data & AI, Digital & App innovation and Infrastructure.
But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.
With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.
The Role
The Principal Engineers are the primary contact between us and the customer in as much as they provide assurance to the customer that we are capable of providing a solution to their business problem. Whilst the Account Manager has a key role, the Principal Engineer is the person that the customer sees providing designs that comprehensively address the needs and, perhaps most crucially, responding to change and issues calmly and coherently.
Our Principal Engineers deliver data strategy work, engaging with the customer to understand their data maturity, defining a road map and supporting business case creation. A Principal Engineer is expected to support a team of engineers delivering a project, often delegating to and supporting a Lead Engineer with the full life cycle delivery.
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Key Responsibilities
Technical Expertise and Delivery
- Lead full Lifecycle of Analytics Projects from design, estimation and implementation from a technical and quality assurance perspective.
- Gather project requirements through situation assessments, workshops, or interviews.
- Produce clear and accurate Initiation Packs, Functional Specifications, Technical Specifications, or Situation Assessments.
- Establish and maintain standards for technical design documentation within your specialist area.
- Select and apply appropriate documentation formats based on project needs (e.g. process flows, ERDs, test plans, data mappings).
Project Accountability and Escalation
- Hold overall accountability for the delivery of client projects, either with direct ownership or acting as an escalation point for others.
- Oversee multiple projects concurrently, providing guidance and leadership to the delivery teams.
- Provide leadership on project governance and technical execution, ensuring that the technical approach delivers to best practice.
- Ensure project estimates include sufficient time for full project management responsibilities.
- Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and surrounding context.
- Apply Agile principles to plan and manage proactively and in line with agreed methodologies.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage client relationships and handle challenging conversations confidently but with sensitivity.
- Maintain strong connections with the customer, project team, and internal stakeholders.
- Use appropriate levers to drive project outcomes while maintaining quality, time, and cost tolerances.
- Work with the Sales and Pre-Sales teams to reflect complex and/or larger project requirements in terms of estimates for work outlining both the effort and anticipated duration.
- Provide development support alongside other project team members.
- Mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional growth.
- Support the Graduate Recruitment and Development Programme.
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Skills & Attributes Required
A Principal Engineer will have a broad awareness relative to their field but within the context of our business. They will have:
- Recognised industry expertise, with the ability to apply and share this knowledge.
- Proven experience in a consultancy environment at a similar level, or with readiness to step up to this level.
- Confidence and experience in public speaking, with an interest in contributing to the wider data community.
- Project or programme management experience, with formal accreditations (Agile, Prince2 Practitioner) desirable but not required.
- Product vendor certification where it exists.
- A genuine passion for technology, with an awareness of trends and best practice in their field.
- Proactive in ensuring that they are aware of changes in their field.
Technical Competencies
It is expected that Principal Engineers will be technically excellent in their technologies and products. The exact technical skills will be agreed with the Principal Engineer as part of their objectives and career development.
A Principal Engineer will have experience of multiple technologies ranging from Microsoft on-premises technology through to the cloud. This is likely to include Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft PowerBI and ETL tools such as SSIS. Experience in Databricks is also desirable, and there is a core expectation that you will develop your technical knowledge as the landscape changes.
Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates will be required to obtain relevant security clearance.
Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the advert at anytime.
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