Zaizi is looking for a Senior Data Engineer to design, build and operate modern data pipelines and analytics platforms for digital services across the UK public sector.
You will work as part of multidisciplinary, agile teams to enable organisations to collect, process and use data effectively, supporting operational reporting, analytics and insight.
The role is hands-on and delivery-focused, with responsibility for applying sound data engineering practices rather than promoting any single technology or cloud provider.
This role suits someone who can work independently on well-defined problems, exercise judgement in selecting appropriate tools and approaches, and contribute to the continuous improvement of data platforms and ways of working in line with GDS standards, government data principles, and secure-by-design practices.
Requirements
We are happy to discuss these further during the interview process and jointly agree them with the successful candidate.
- Design, build and maintain reliable data pipelines to ingest, transform and serve data from multiple sources.
- Develop analytics-ready data models that support reporting, operational insight and downstream analysis.
- Support the full data lifecycle, including data retention, archiving and decommissioning, in line with data policy and statutory obligations.
- Apply data quality, testing and monitoring practices to ensure data is trustworthy and fit for purpose.
- Understand user and business needs and translate them into practical, well-engineered data solutions.
- Contribute to shared data standards, documentation and data dictionaries.
- Work collaboratively with delivery teams and customers to identify opportunities where better use of data can improve outcomes.
Technical
You will have strong commercial experience in a number of the following areas:
- Building and operating data pipelines using modern data engineering patterns (batch and, where appropriate, event-driven).
- Strong SQL skills and experience with at least one programming language commonly used in data engineering (e.g. Python).
- Experience with data integration, transformation and orchestration tools.
- Designing and working with analytical data stores (e.g. data warehouses, lakehouse-style architectures).
- Applying software engineering and DevOps practices to data (version control, automated testing, CI/CD).
- Working with cloud platforms, while remaining technology- and vendor-agnostic.
- Using and contributing to open-source tools and frameworks.
Competencies
- Able to work effectively in cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
- Operates at senior level: works independently on defined tasks, applies judgement, and supports others through good engineering practice.
- Strong communication skills, able to explain data concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Committed to continuous improvement in data engineering practices and platform maturity.
- Comfortable in customer-facing environments, building trust and credibility.
- Understands and respects UK Government Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT / GDAT) standards, including security, privacy and governance expectations.
You don’t meet all the requirements?
Studies show that women and black, Asian and minority ethics people are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every qualification. So if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we’d love you to still apply. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role here at Zaizi.
We actively welcome applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, parents, carers, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
If you need any accommodations to support your specific situation, please feel free to let us know. For candidates who are neurodiverse or have disabilities, we are happy to make any adjustments needed throughout the interview process—just ask!
SC Clearance:
Zaizi works with UK Central Government departments on a range of projects. To be able to work on our customer projects, employees must be Security Cleared to a standard acceptable to our Government customers. Due to this restriction we can currently only recruit candidates who have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and who have lived in the UK for the last 5+ years continuously.
Benefits
Compensation
Purpose & Culture
Work / Life Balance
Development & Growth
Health & Balance
For further information contact: [email protected]
Nat Hinds: Head of Talent
Kayla Kirby: Talent Acquisition Specialist
All roles are 100% remote for the foreseeable future. We will accept applications from anywhere in the UK.We design, build and operate great digital services that has user needs at the centre. Our mission is to "realise potential" - whether that's unleashing the potential of our clients or our employees.As a digital consultancy that works on large and complex central government projects using the latest methods and technologies, our people are the key to our success. To attract, engage and retain diverse, passionate and able people, we’ve established a great culture and close knit community of people who work hard but also play hard too. Watch our video: Our culture is inclusive, modern, friendly, smart and innovative – we seek to employ bright, positive thinking individuals with a can-do attitude. Our people enjoy challenging themselves to be the best at what they do – if that sounds like you, you'll fit right in!
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