Lead Data Engineer

1610 BioMed Central Limited; London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

1610 BioMed Central Limited is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to enhance data capabilities within the SN Data team. This role involves leading data engineering efforts, mentoring team members, and collaborating across departments to innovate solutions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in data and software engineering, proficiency in SQL, and a strong understanding of data systems. The position is based in London, featuring a hybrid work model that fosters collaboration and innovation with a diverse team.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in Data/Software engineering on a cloud platform.
• High proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java).
• Experience with Data Mesh and Data Product architecture principles.

Responsibilities

• Proactively lead data engineering streams and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Work with data producers and consumers to optimize data products.
• Mentor and develop less experienced team members.

Skills

Data engineering

Software engineering

SQL

Python

Data Mesh principles

User-Centric Design

Job description

We’re looking for a Lead Data Engineer to join SN Data – Data Competence Centre within Springer Nature Operations.

Springer Nature is a leading publisher of scientific books, journals, and magazines with over 3000 journal titles and one of the world’s largest corpora of peer-reviewed scientific text data. You would be joining a new programme of work to transform how Springer Nature uses its data: building data capabilities, creating a data platform, and engineering capability (technology, people, and process) to create a foundation for the future, adding value to cross-organisation initiatives and kick-starting data-driven innovation.

Across the programme, our teams are cross-functional, diverse, and made up of different experience levels. All team members collaborate to deliver solutions that satisfy our customers’ needs.

We are committed to growing and nurturing our people for the long term. We attend conferences, explore new technology relevant to our work, and host data engineering community-of-practice sessions to share knowledge.

We work in a supportive environment, valuing face-to-face co-working, with an expectation of two days per week in the office on average.

The position is based in London (UK) or Berlin (Germany), with some travel (3-4 times a year). You will be part of a small, autonomous team, expected to impact our work and processes, which are kept light and bureaucratic.

About you:

Role responsibilities:

• Proactively lead streams of data engineering work, collaborating with stakeholders and other roles to develop creative solutions.
• Work with data producers and consumers to optimize data products and meet evolving business needs.
• Collaborate with engineers using pair and ensemble programming to foster collective ownership and upskill team members.
• Mentor and develop less experienced team members, providing positive role modeling.
• Guide technology choices, adopting standard tech stacks while exploring innovative tools and services.

Skills & experience:

• Several years of experience in Data/Software engineering on a cloud platform.
• Understanding of data and distributed systems concepts.
• Knowledge of data quality concepts and experience using related tools.
• Experience with iterative software development, including automated testing.
• Ownership of data pipelines and systems, with responsibility for operation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• High proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language such as Python or Java.
• Experience with Data Mesh and Data Product architecture principles.
• Experience building/testing data pipelines with DBT.
• Understanding of User-Centric Design principles.

What you will be doing:

1 month: Contribute to codebase, familiarize with tech stack, understand data landscape, engage with stakeholders, participate in discussions.

3 months: Lead a work stream, support support queries, set technical direction, improve architecture, ensure GDPR compliance.

6 months: Manage multiple streams, assist in recruitment, foster feedback culture, mentor engineers, break down work scope for iterative delivery.

At Springer Nature, we value diversity and inclusion, building an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We empower our colleagues and value diverse perspectives.

Application deadline: August 4, 2025 (10 days left).

We are an ambitious organization, home to well-known brands in research, education, and professional publishing, committed to quality and innovation.

About Us

We are a global business with trusted brands like Springer, Macmillan, and Nature, progressing science and education for nearly two centuries, fostering discovery through innovative products and services.