Lead Data Engineer

Talent; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent in Canberra is seeking a lead data engineer to strengthen secure enterprise data platforms and analytical environments. The role blends hands-on data engineering with improving security, reliability and performance across platforms and modelling environments.

You will design, implement and operate data services in Microsoft Azure, develop pipelines and data models, and support analytics tools like SQL Server, SAS, R, Python and Power BI. Hybrid working arrangements apply.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing, implementing and supporting secure, reliable enterprise data platforms or analytical environments.
• Strong SQL and data engineering skills, including database design, data modelling, integration, pipelines and performance improvement.
• Experience supporting analytics technologies such as SAS, R, Python, SQL Server or Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and improve secure enterprise data platforms and analytical environments.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines, data models, integrations and database solutions.
• Support analytics technologies including SQL Server, SAS, R, Python and Power BI.

Skills

SQL

Data modelling

Data pipelines

Azure

Scripting

Automation

Power BI

Tools

PowerShell

Bash

Git

Docker

VMware

WSL

Job description

• Contract: 12 months, with one 12-month extension option; anticipated start November 2026.
• Location: Canberra - Hybrid working arrangements negotiated
• Security clearance: Must have NV1
• Key skills: SQL, data modelling, data pipelines and enterprise analytics platforms, supported by scripting, automation and Microsoft Azure experience.

You will help strengthen the data platforms that support critical government analysis and informed decision-making. This lead level opportunity combines hands-on data engineering with improving the security, reliability and performance of enterprise analytics and modelling environments.

Your duties will include:

• Design, implement and improve secure enterprise data platforms and analytical environments.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines, data models, integrations and database solutions.
• Support analytics technologies including SQL Server, SAS, R, Python and Power BI.
• Deploy and support data services in Microsoft Azure and maintain Windows, Linux, virtualised and container-based environments.
• Develop scripts and automation to streamline deployment, monitoring, testing and operational support.
• Investigate complex platform issues, resolve underlying causes and strengthen access controls and security.
• Produce technical designs, operating procedures and support guidance, sharing knowledge across business and technical teams.

Skills and Experience we are looking for:

• Proven experience designing, implementing and supporting secure, reliable enterprise data platforms or analytical environments.
• Strong SQL and data engineering skills, including database design, data modelling, integration, pipelines and performance improvement.
• Experience supporting analytics technologies such as SAS, R, Python, SQL Server or Power BI.
• Practical experience deploying or supporting data-related services in Microsoft Azure.
• Strong scripting and automation skills, with experience using tools such as PowerShell, Bash, Git, VMware, WSL or Docker.
• Sound troubleshooting skills and the ability to explain technical solutions clearly to business users, infrastructure teams and cyber security specialists.
• Experience with government or enterprise modelling environments, specialist tools such as RStudio/Posit, G-Cubed or PLEXOS, relevant certifications or AI-enabled workplace tools will be highly regarded.