Data Engineer

Thorn SDS; Hereford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology organisation in Defence sector is looking for a Senior Data Engineer to design and deliver data pipelines and manage storage solutions. Ideal candidates should have strong SQL skills, be proficient in a programming language, and have knowledge of cloud data services. This role contributes to mission-critical projects, requiring UK National Security clearance. Benefits include group life insurance and training opportunities.

Benefits

Group Life Insurance

Dental & Health cashback plans

Well-being support

Cycle to Work scheme

Dedicated training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Data Engineer.
• Strong skills in SQL plus a programming language (Python, Scala, or Java).
• Deep understanding of ETL/ELT, data warehousing, and data modelling.
• Hands-on experience with big data platforms (Spark, Hadoop).
• Knowledge of cloud data services (AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, or GCP Dataflow).
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy, and security best practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication skills for working with both technical and non-technical teams.
• Certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP) – highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver robust data pipelines to move and transform data efficiently.
• Build and optimise ETL/ELT processes for both batch and real-time systems.
• Champion data quality with validation, cleansing, and enrichment techniques.
• Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and stakeholders to shape data solutions.
• Manage storage solutions for performance and scalability.
• Embed security, compliance, and governance into every solution.
• Drive automation with scripting and orchestration tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and play a key role in team growth.

Skills

SQL

Python

ETL/ELT

Data warehousing

Data modelling

Spark

Hadoop

Cloud data services

Data governance

Problem-solving

Tools

AWS Glue

Azure Data Factory

GCP Dataflow

Job description

At Thorn SDS, we specialise in enabling technology organisations to thrive in the Space, Defence, and Security sectors. We're trusted to deliver excellence where it matters most, and we're now looking for a Senior Data Engineer (SFIA Level 5) to help us unlock the power of data in one of the UK's most secure environments. If you're passionate about data engineering and want your skills to directly support mission‑critical projects, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What You’ll Do

• Design and deliver robust data pipelines to move and transform data efficiently.
• Build and optimise ETL/ELT processes for both batch and real‑time systems.
• Champion data quality with validation, cleansing, and enrichment techniques.
• Collaborate with analysts, scientists, and stakeholders to shape data solutions.
• Manage storage solutions – from databases to data lakes – for performance and scalability.
• Embed security, compliance, and governance into every solution.
• Drive automation with scripting and orchestration tools.
• Stay ahead of the curve by adopting the latest tools and techniques in data engineering.
• Mentor junior engineers and play a key role in team growth.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Data Engineer.
• Strong skills in SQL plus a programming language (Python, Scala, or Java).
• Deep understanding of ETL/ELT, data warehousing, and data modelling.
• Hands‑on experience with big data platforms (Spark, Hadoop).
• Knowledge of cloud data services (AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, or GCP Dataflow).
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy, and security best practices.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication skills for working with both technical and non‑technical teams.
• Certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP) – highly desirable.

Benefits

• Group Life Insurance
• Dental & Health cashback plans
• Well‑being support (GP, Physio, savings benefits & more)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Dedicated training & development opportunities

Ready to make an impact? This is your chance to elevate your career and use your skills in a role where data engineering meets national security. Apply now to join Thorn SDS and play a key role in shaping the future of secure data solutions.

All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Due to the nature of this role, you must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a high level of UK National Security clearance – for more information see GOV.UK. Occasional travel to UK sites, with overnight stays, may also be required.