Senior Data Engineer

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) helps businesses invest, innovate, export and grow across the UK. The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) directorate helps to deliver this by designing, building and running the services, platforms and technology that businesses and colleagues rely on every day. 

Our teams work on a wide range of services and technologies, including: 

• digital services that help businesses access government support, guidance and opportunities 
• data and AI products that support decision making and enable innovation 
• internal tools and services that help colleagues work more effectively 
• secure technology and platforms that support critical government services 
• cyber security services that protect systems, data and users 

By joining DDaT, you'll work on services used by businesses, colleagues and citizens across the UK. You'll be part of multidisciplinary teams focused on improving services, solving complex problems and delivering better outcomes for users. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. In recognition of this, we were named Best Public Sector Employer at the Women in Tech Employer Awards 2025! 

Data engineers at BIST are pivotal to our mission of driving economic growth by placing data at the heart of decision-making. We leverage leading cloud and open-source technology to build scalable, business-critical data pipelines, products and services, ensuring our users—whether within BIST, across government, or the public— have access to the right data in the optimal format.   

This could include:  

Using Apache Airflow andvarious AWS tools to build robust, scalable pipelines  

Using Terraform to deploy and maintain our Postgres-backed data platform  

Our cross-functional, agile teams work collaboratively on a range of projects from implementing AI tools, to our data science and analytics platform, to our system for managing the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICs), and beyond. Data Engineers also belong to a vibrant community (both within DBT and across government) who share and promote best practice.   

We are seeking a collaborative and innovative problem-solver to help us deliver better outcomes for our users. You will use your expertise in SQL, Python and AWS to build robust data products, develop scalable data products. You will also have experience in supporting and developing more junior members of the team. 

Main responsibilities  

You will: 

• Lead the design, build, and testing of data products: Develop robust data products by integrating feeds from multiple systems, utilising a variety of storage technologies and access methods 
• Ensure the delivery of resilient and scalable solutions: Select and deploy the most suitable technologies to create data solutions that are resilient, scalable, and future proof 
• Have problem-solving expertise: Understanding of common issues in databases, data processes, products, and services, and apply standard solutions effectively 
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders to understand their requirements, establish project goals, and define deliverables.  
• Support users and solve issues: Assist users in utilising data tools, resolve issues promptly, and escalate when necessary 
• Promote best practices: Develop and advocate for best practices within the team.  
• Encourage team building and development: Organise initiatives to foster team building and professional development 
• Provide line management and support to junior team members, guiding their growth and development 
• Drive continuous improvement: Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in data engineering to drive continuous improvement 

It is essential that you have: 

• Expert Python and SQL skills: design and build reusable software, performance optimisation, automated testing, and troubleshooting complex production systems (Lead Criteria) 
• Experience leading teams to develop resilient Python data pipelines, including testing, automation, performance tuning and troubleshooting 
• Proven ability to lead the design and delivery of secure, resilient AWS infrastructure, applying effective networking, access control, monitoring and secrets management through Infrastructure as Code using Terraform 
• Experience building Docker and container-based workflows  
• Broad experience developing and maintaining enterprise-level data solutions  
• Experience defining and implementing data quality and automated testing strategies, including validation, monitoring and controls across complex data pipelines 

It is desirable that you have: 

• Experience of line management including setting objectives, managing performance and coaching and developing others  
• Experience using agile methodologies on data projects 

This role requires Security Check (SC) clearance.