Big Data Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and aerospace company is looking for a Big Data Systems Engineer to design and maintain large-scale data systems supporting machine learning and AI workloads. The successful candidate will develop automation scripts and troubleshoot technical issues while ensuring GDPR compliance. Familiarity with tools like NiFi, Airflow, and big data platforms such as Hive and Elasticsearch is required. The role offers flexible working options and focuses on building a mission-oriented career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Private healthcare

Performance-related bonuses

Career development programmes

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with integration testing.
• Experience designing scalable big data systems with a strong security and compliance focus.
• Familiarity with big data platforms such as Hive and Impala.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation scripts for data processing and workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across big data systems.
• Design secure, scalable systems with a focus on GDPR compliance.

Skills

Troubleshooting skills

Linux internals knowledge

Understanding of TCP/IP and OSI models

Data science tools familiarity

Communication and collaboration skills

Tools

NiFi

Airflow

Hadoop

Tableau

Elasticsearch

Job description

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Highest Level of Government Clearance

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

The Opportunity

As a Big Data Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing and maintaining large‑scale data systems that support data science, machine learning and AI workloads. You will optimise data pipelines, ensure GDPR and privacy compliance, and work hands‑on with modern tools across hybrid cloud environments.

Working in our Cyber and Intelligence business, you will help deliver technology at scale for customers with complex and sensitive data requirements. Your work will directly support mission‑critical programmes and help protect national security.

What You Will Do

• Develop and maintain automation scripts for data processing and workflows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across big data systems, pipelines and integrations.
• Conduct integration testing to support the introduction of new tools and technologies.
• Apply strong Linux internals knowledge to improve reliability and system performance.
• Use your understanding of TCP/IP and OSI models to design and troubleshoot networked systems.
• Manage, optimise and support data pipelines using NiFi, Airflow or similar orchestration tools.
• Design secure, scalable systems with a strong focus on GDPR and privacy compliance.
• Support hybrid cloud environments, including on‑premise and AWS resources.
• Support data science and AI workloads using tools such as Jupyter, Spacy, Transformers and NLTK.
• Work with big data platforms such as Hive, Impala and Elasticsearch.
• Implement and maintain BI and visualisation tools including Tableau, Kibana and PowerBI.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve complex technical issues.
• Hands‑on experience with integration testing.
• In‑depth Linux internals knowledge.
• Understanding of TCP/IP and OSI networking models.
• Experience with NiFi, Airflow or similar orchestration tools.
• Experience designing scalable big data systems with a strong security and compliance focus.
• Hybrid cloud experience, particularly with AWS.
• Familiarity with data science, machine learning and AI tools.
• Experience with big data platforms such as Hive, Impala and Elasticsearch.
• Proficiency with Tableau, Kibana or PowerBI.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred

• AWS or other cloud certifications.
• Experience with additional orchestration tools.
• Experience with Cloudera, Hadoop, CDSW or CML.

If you meet most of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply. You may be exactly who we need.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be able to meet the nationality and residency requirements for the highest level of UK Government security clearance. You must also be able to gain. For questions, you can contact our recruitment team at [e-mail]

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including an optional compressed fortnight with every other Friday off
• Private healthcare
• Cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell options
• Career development programmes, mentoring and training
• Performance‑related bonuses

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day, we contribute to building a safer, more secure and more connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters at Northrop Grumman UK. You can bring your authentic self to work and be part of an inclusive, supportive community.

Your Career, Your Way

Shape your journey with diverse roles, professional development, mentoring and support for your long‑term growth and wellbeing.

Ready to apply?

Yes – Submit your application online.

Possibly – Contact us for more information at [e-mail]

Not right now – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.