Principal Data Engineer

Ippon Australia is a team of true technologists who leverage contemporary thinking and tools to enhance the way our clients drive value. Whether it’s a bespoke platform to improve employee engagement within a national retail chain, or developing an app that provides next level direct customer interaction; value is delivered to our clients when we begin by understanding the business outcomes they desire and then apply our technical expertise to make these a reality.

We are expanding our market offering through the development of a Data Driven Architecture practice and are searching for passionate Data Engineers to join us. The Data practice complements our capabilities in Experience Design and Delivery, as well as Software Engineering and Cloud, further enhancing our ability to deliver comprehensive business outcomes to our clients.

The Principal Data Engineering Consultant will serve as an advisor to our clients. This person will need to seamlessly transition between pre-sales meetings, delivering complex technical architectures, and defining strategic goals and roadmaps for the business. We are looking for someone to help improve our data management offerings, leveraging the capabilities of Snowflake, and position our organization for long-term success with our data-driven clients.

Competencies we are looking for::
• Degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience

• Preferred Data Engineering Certification including certifications in Snowflake, Azure, or Databricks

• 3+ years hands-on Snowflake experience

• Deep expertise in designing and delivering cloud-based data architectures, with a strong focus on modern data warehousing

• Advanced proficiency in Snowflake, including data modelling, performance tuning, security and data sharing

• Strong capability in building and managing ETL/ELT pipelines using tools such as Apache Airflow, dbt, or similar

• Proven consulting capability—translating client needs into scalable, value-driven data solutions

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset

• Adaptable and forward-looking, with a passion for evolving technologies and practices in data engineering

• Collaborative approach, working effectively across multidisciplinary teams

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities

• Demonstrated leadership in guiding teams and influencing stakeholders

• High attention to detail, ensuring data quality, integrity, and accuracy across solutions

Roles & Responsibilities::
• Drive end-to-end delivery of modern, scalable data platform and warehouse solutions for clients.

• Design and architect robust data ecosystems using technologies such as Snowflake, AWS, Azure, and Databricks, ensuring performance, scalability, and maintainability.

• Provide strong hands-on technical leadership—guiding teams, setting engineering standards, and mentoring consultants to uplift capability across projects.

• Engineer, optimise, and govern data pipelines, models, and storage layers to support high-quality, reliable data outcomes.

• Partner closely with Data Governance and Reporting Principals to align architecture with enterprise data strategy and best practices.

• Contribute to solution design, scope technical engagements, and support pre-sales activities by shaping pragmatic, value-driven client proposals.

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions.

• Translate complex technical concepts into clear, meaningful insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Present confidently to clients and internal stakeholders through structured, concise reports and storytelling.

• Collaborate with project managers to ensure delivery remains on track, within scope, and aligned to budget expectations.

At Ippon, we see things differently both in terms of how we work with our clients and how we engage with our people. As we are a relatively small team, albeit part of a global consultancy, we are focussed on quality, not quantity, when it comes to both our clients and our people. From a client perspective, we work with a select group of enterprises that genuinely value the innovation and value that we deliver.

From a people perspective we pay market leading salaries. But we also understand that professional fulfilment is not just about money. We actively support ongoing development in the form of training, attendance at conferences, etc, and we provide staff with the opportunity to contribute to the development and strategic direction of the business. Work life balance is key and we are a flexible organisation, offering 4 day a week option to support your personal and professional development.

Ippon is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, celebrates and supports our diversity everyday.