Lead Data Engineer

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

Job summary

Kainos is seeking a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) to design and develop data processing software components. You will lead agile teams, ensuring quality in code and meeting user needs.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership qualities, proficient in programming languages like Java, Scala, or Python, and an interest in AI technologies. Responsibilities include development, coaching team members, and ensuring operational readiness.

This position offers a chance to work in a collaborative environment that values creativity and respect among team members.

Qualifications

• Experience of leading a team in data-intensive implementations.
• Proficient software development skills required.
• Expert understanding of distributed data stores.

Responsibilities

• Develop whole components within a team.
• Enforce development best practices and coach team members.
• Lead troubleshooting and tuning activities.
• Work with Operations teams for operational readiness.

Skills

Leadership in data system implementation

Proficient in Java, Scala, or Python

Expert in SQL

Communicating technical designs

Designing analytical data models

Experience with data processing platforms

Interest in AI technologies

Tools

Informatica

Azure Databricks

ETL tools

Job description

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 Java, Scala, or Python
• Software development experience with data‑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.