Data Engineer

Rural Payments Agency; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Gateshead is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to lead the design and delivery of large-scale data pipelines. You will mentor junior engineers and work on innovative solutions that utilize AI and automation within the organization. The role provides a competitive salary, hybrid working flexibility, and extensive opportunities for professional development. With a strong focus on data governance and compliance, you will play a key role in fostering a collaborative work culture recognized for its diversity.

Benefits

Competitive salary with pension contribution

Hybrid working model with flexible hours

Generous holiday allowance starting at 26 days

Access to industry conferences and training resources

Professional development and career progression opportunities

Inclusive and award-winning work culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading data engineering teams and delivering large-scale data pipelines.
• Deep expertise in data standards, governance and compliance across teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in incident management.
• Leadership experience in team development and capacity building.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee enterprise-scale ETL pipelines and data processes.
• Lead investigations into complex data-related incidents.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers.
• Collaborate with software engineers, DevOps teams, and service managers.
• Maintain data engineering standards and governance.

Skills

Data engineering leadership

ETL pipeline development

Data standards and governance

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Job description

Senior Data Engineer – DWP Digital / The Garage

Pay up to £73,517, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance. Join The Garage as a Senior Data Engineer and help drive data engineering strategy, mentor a talented team, and build robust pipelines that power cutting‑edge AI and automation solutions.

Working with modern tools and collaborating across disciplines, you’ll deliver high‑impact data solutions that transform real‑world processes. Your work will directly support innovative solutions using AI and automation throughout the DWP ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee enterprise‑scale ETL pipelines and data processes, translating complex customer requirements into scalable, robust solutions.
• Lead investigations into complex data‑related incidents, including pipeline failures and platform‑level problems, applying strategic and operational solutions.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering a strong data engineering culture and continuous improvement practices.
• Collaborate with software engineers, DevOps teams, and service managers to deliver reliable data solutions.
• Maintain data engineering standards and governance, ensuring consistency, compliance and adherence to organisational best practices.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience leading data engineering teams and delivering large‑scale data pipelines.
• Deep expertise in data standards, governance and compliance across teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with experience in incident management.
• Leadership experience in team development and capacity building.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with pension contribution.
• Hybrid working model with flexible hours.
• Generous holiday allowance starting at 26 days, rising to 31 days with over‑time, plus up to 3 additional days off per month on flexi‑time.
• Access to industry conferences, comprehensive training, and digital learning resources.
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
• Inclusive and award‑winning work culture recognised by multiple diversity and public‑sector awards.