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