Senior Data Engineer - AI & Analytics

Are you passionate about harnessing data to drive innovation? We're looking for a talented and driven Senior Data Engineer to join our growing AI & Analytics team within SMART Metering. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of smart energy by enabling groundbreaking analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions that support critical business and operational decisions. In this role, you will be at the heart of our data engineering efforts, designing and delivering scalable data pipelines, optimising data workflows, and collaborating with data scientists, ML engineers, and stakeholders across the organisation. With a solid foundation in software engineering and cloud technologies (ideally Azure), you will play a pivotal role in building the data infrastructure that powers advanced analytics and AI at scale.

Note: This is a permanent full-time position based in Leeds within Virgin Media O2.

The UK's fastest broadband network. The nation's best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we're building a more connected future for everyone.

We're a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person. That doesn't just mean time in the office, it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days - anywhere meaningful collaboration happens. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we\'re working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience:

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• Previous demonstrable experience in a similar Senior Data Engineer role focusing on AI and analytics
  
• Deep technical expertise with data formats (Delta Lake, Parquet, Arrow) and real-time streaming platforms such as Kafka or Azure Event Hubs
  
• Practical experience in DevOps/DataOps and MLOps, including CI/CD, version control, testing frameworks, and ML model operationalisation
  
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to optimise complex data systems and collaborate effectively across multi-functional teams
  
• Proven experience of liaising with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels of the business
  

We\'d also love you to bring;

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• Experience working with Dask or similar distributed computing frameworks for large-scale data processing
  
• Familiarity with IoT data platforms or smart metering technologies in a cloud-native environment
  
• Strong interest in applied data science and AI innovation, with a focus on delivering real-world business value
  

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you\'d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you\'re covered no matter what life throws your way.

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we\'d love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. The next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a personality profile assessment followed by a competency based interview. When you apply, you\'ll be asked about adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we\'ll discuss it with you. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, so we may bring the closing date forward. If you\'re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.