Lead Data Engineer

Salary: £28,000 - 51,000 per year

Requirements:

• Experience of leading a team of engineers in the implementation of data-intensive system components
• Experience of applying standards for design (patterns), development (style guides) and operational readiness (automation, deployment)
• Proficient software development experience in one of Java, Scala, or Python
• Software development experience with data-processing platforms from vendors including Informatica, Azure Databricks or any relevant ETL tools
• Expert in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use case
• Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data processing frameworks
• Ability to simply and clearly communicate technical design both written and verbally
• Proficient in designing analytical and operational data models
• A keen interest in AI technologies
• Comfortable with Data Warehouse methods and techniques
• Actively shares thoughts and views on data practices
• AWS/Azure/GCP certified in Data Services
• Expertise in continuous improvement and sharing input on data best practice
• Participation in development and/or technology communities
• Practical experience with AI technologies, tools, processes and delivery

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop data processing and data persistence software components for solutions that handle data at scale
• Take responsibility for the development of whole components or subsystems within a team, including design, code, test and defect resolution
• Focus on hands-on design and development using open source and commercial platforms
• Define and enforce development best practice and coach team members to ensure consistency
• Work with project architects and take responsibility for non-functional needs of ETL/ELT data processing pipelines such as robustness and performance
• Take responsibility for standards and execution of unit and integration testing within the team
• Take responsibility for software product due diligence and integration
• Lead troubleshooting and tuning activities
• Work with Operations teams to ensure the application software is operationally ready
• Work with Security Architects and accreditors to ensure compliance with relevant legal and security requirements
• Advise customers, managers and team members on the estimated effort and technical implications of user stories and user journeys
• Contribute to technical proposals as part of the sales process
• Manage, coach and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on employee performance and career development
• Provide direction for the team as problems are solved together

Technologies:

• AI
• AWS
• Azure
• Data Warehouse
• Databricks
• ETL
• GCP
• Informatica
• Support
• Java
• Python
• SQL
• Scala
• Security
• Cloud

More:

At Kainos, we are problem solvers, innovators and collaborators driven by a shared mission to create real impact. We are a people-first, high-growth IT services company providing digital technology solutions and agile software development to enterprise customers. Across our 30-year history, we have worked on transformational projects across government, NHS and private sector clients. We offer a diverse, ambitious and inclusive culture where ideas are valued, growth is supported and contributions make a difference. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. Our friendly talent acquisition team can support candidates who require accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process. This is a full-time role in our Data & Artificial Intelligence profession.

last updated 35 week of 2026