Lead Data Engineer

Kainos; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth IT services company in Belfast is seeking a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) to design and develop systems for data processing. You will lead team development practices, ensure code quality, and be responsible for the implementation of data-intensive system components. Applicants should have strong software development skills in Java, Scala, or Python and experience with data processing platforms. This role emphasizes teamwork, and the ability to coach others while adhering to best practices.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive work culture

Support for career development

Opportunity to work on impactful projects

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team of engineers in data systems.
• Proficient in software development using Java, Scala, or Python.
• Expert understanding of distributed data stores and processing frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop data processing software components.
• Drive development practices and coach team members.
• Ensure compliance with legal and security requirements.

Skills

Leadership in data-intensive systems

Software development in Java, Scala, or Python

Expertise in SQL

Communication skills

Designing data models

Tools

Informatica

Azure Databricks

ETL tools

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

As a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) at Kainos you will be responsible for designing and developing data processing and data persistence software components for solutions which handle data at scale. Working in agile teams, Lead Data Engineers provide strong development leadership for team members and take responsibility for the quality of the codebase as well as the match to user needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for the development of whole components or subsystems within a team. Development incorporates design, code, test and defect resolution.
• Focusing on hands‑on design and development, using open source and commercial platforms.
• Defining and enforcing development best practice and coaching team members to ensure consistency.
• Working with project architects, taking responsibility for non‑functional needs of ETL/ELT data processing pipelines such as robustness and performance.
• Taking responsibility for standards and execution of unit and integration testing done within the team.
• Taking responsibility for software product due diligence and integration.
• Leading troubleshooting and tuning of activities.
• Working with Operations teams to ensure the application software is operationally ready.
• Working with Security Architects and accreditors to ensure compliance with relevant legal and security requirements.
• Advising customers and managers and other team members of the estimated effort and technical implications of user stories and user journeys.
• Contributing to technical proposals as part of the sales process.
• Managing, coaching and developing a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You’ll also provide direction for your team as you solve problems together.

Minimum (essential) requirements:

• Experience of leading a team of engineers in the implementation of data‑intensive system components
• Experience of applying standards for design (patterns), development, (style guides) and operational readiness (automation, deployment)
• Proficient software development experience in one of J ava, Scala, or Python
• Software development experience withdata‑processing platforms from vendors including Informatica, Azure Databricks or any relevant ETL tools
• Expert in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use case
• Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data processing frameworks
• Ability to simply and clearly communicate technical design both written and verbally
• Proficient in designing analytical and operational data models
• A keen interest in AI technologies

Desirable:

• Comfortable with Data Warehouse methods and techniques
• Actively shares their thoughts and views on data practices
• AWS/Azure/GCP Certified in Data Services
• Expertise in continuous improvement and sharing input on data best practice
• Participation in development and/or technology communities
• Practical experience with AI technologies, tools, processes and delivery

Who you are

Our vision is to enable outstanding people to create digital solutions that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Our values aren't abstract; they are the behaviours we expect from each other every day, and underpin everything that we do. We expect everyone to display our values by being determined in how obstacles are overcome; honest when dealing with others; respectful of how you treat others; creative to find solutions to complex problems and cooperative by sharing information, knowledge and experience.

These values, applied collectively, help to produce an outstanding Kainos person, team and culture.

About us

Kainos is a high‑growth IT services company providing digital technology solutions and agile software development to enterprise customers. Across our 30‑year history, we have worked on transformational projects across government, NHS and a myriad of private sector clients.

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.