We are a Supply Nation Certified recruiting and advisory business specialising in professional talent acquisition and employment solutions across Australia.

Our Philosophy is "Ethical Recruiting, Empowering People"

Our client is seeking a Principal Data Engineer for the technical delivery of scalable data architecture and AI-integrated analytics solutions in a public sector environment.

This is a created opportunity for an experienced Principal Data Engineer to shape enterprise-wide data platforms, optimise engineering workflows, and lead innovation within a major South Australian Government department.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of enterprise-scale data solutions across Azure, Databricks, and PowerBI platforms.
• Provide technical leadership across architecture, engineering standards, and AI integration.
• Manage complex data engineering projects with competing priorities and dependencies.
• Guide a high-performing team of data engineers delivering reusable, high-quality data assets.
• Influence department-wide strategies supporting migration to Microsoft Fabric while retaining Databricks.
• Champion cloud data architecture, DevOps, data lakehouse patterns, and CI/CD automation.
• Collaborate with testers, business analysts, and external vendors to deliver robust, scalable data products.
• Promote metadata management and data governance through evolving Purview frameworks.
• Engage stakeholders across government to support high-impact, data-driven decision-making.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience leading engineering teams delivering complex cloud-native data solutions.
• Deep understanding of Azure Data Services, Databricks, Synapse, and PowerBI.
• Strong technical skills in SQL, Python, and modern data orchestration tools.
• Familiarity with emerging Microsoft Fabric platform and transition strategies.
• Experience working in a structured government environment (preferred).
• Tertiary qualifications in IT, Data Science, or related field (Microsoft certifications desirable).

If your skills and experience match this position and you’re ready for a new role, apply now and send us your CV. Unsure? Want to explore options? Call Sam Bazeley on 0480 002 435 today to start a conversation and hear about the incredible opportunities Rainy Day Recruitment has for you.

Rainy Day Recruitment is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in acquiring talent for our clients. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration of their application without regard to culture, race, nationality, ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. Rainy Day Recruitment is eager to receive applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and invite them to apply.