Principal Data Analyst (SC Cleared - Aerospace/Defence)
Location: Reading (Hybrid - 2-3 days onsite, flexibility available)
Clearance: SC Cleared (Active)
Contract Type: Inside IR35
Rate: £80 - £83 per hour
Overview
Are you an experienced SC Cleared Data Analyst with a strong background in aerospace or defence?
We are looking for a Principal Data Analyst to join a cutting-edge programme within the Edgewing business, supporting a greenfield site where you'll play a critical role in shaping data capability from the ground up.
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment where your expertise will directly influence how aircraft sensor data is analysed, optimised, and transformed into actionable insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics solutions across a greenfield data environment
- Analyse and interpret aircraft sensor data to drive performance improvements and operational insights
- Improve data quality, optimise performance, and reduce false positives in analytical outputs
- Develop and maintain dashboards, reporting, and automated data workflows using SQL and modern tools
- Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders within the Edgewing ecosystem
- Define and implement robust data governance, security, and compliance standards
- Influence strategic decisions through clear, data-driven storytelling
- Mentor junior analysts and contribute to building a high-performing data team
- Operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, adapting to changing priorities
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Data Analyst within aerospace, defence, or similar high-assurance environments
- Strong understanding of aircraft systems and sensor data
- Experience working in or with the Edgewing business (highly desirable)
- Advanced SQL and data warehousing expertise
- Strong data visualisation skills (Power BI, Tableau)
- Demonstrated ability to improve data performance and analytical accuracy
- Experience reducing false positives and enhancing data reliability
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with both engineers and analysts
Core Expertise (Must-Have)
- MOD experience
- Active SC Clearance
- Strong background in aerospace data and systems
- Data modelling and dashboard design for scalable, future-proof solutions
- Expertise in data validation, QA, and data quality improvement
- Experience in cloud or hybrid data environments and data warehousing
- Deep understanding of data security, ethics, and privacy
- Experience managing workloads across multidisciplinary teams
- Familiarity with Agile and/or DevOps methodologies
Why Apply?
- Join a greenfield programme with real influence over data strategy and architecture
- Work on cutting-edge aerospace and defence projects within the Edgewing environment
- Play a key role in improving mission-critical data performance and accuracy
- Flexible hybrid working with potential for reduced onsite requirements