Lead Data Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options - hybrid

Private healthcare cash plan

Holiday buy/sell scheme

Career development programmes

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Lead Data Engineer in Manchester to drive the data development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.

You will own team deliverables, mentor junior developers and collaborate with product, front-end and QA teams in an agile environment. The role offers hybrid working and competitive salary (£60,000 - £86,000) with 10% travel and relocation support where available.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Engineer with Python, NumPy, Spark and Apache Pig.
• Ability to design, develop and deploy scalable data systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation and cloud platforms (AWS).
• Strong SQL/NoSQL database knowledge (e.g., Elasticsearch or MongoDB).

Responsibilities

• Own team deliverables and define the delivery path with the Scrum Master.
• Lead and contribute to the full data development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, front-end and QA.
• Mentor and guide junior developers to grow team capability.

Skills

Python

NumPy

Spark

Apache Pig

Tools

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Job description

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available. TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Lead Data Engineer. Location: Manchester. Salary: £60,000 - £86,000. What’s your possible? At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within our communities.

What You’ll Do

• Own team deliverables, working with the Scrum Master to define the delivery path that meets customer needs.
• Lead and contribute to the full data development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to design, implementation, testing and deployment.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including product, front‑end development and QA.
• Mentor and guide junior developers, supporting team capability growth and development.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Data Engineer with strong skills in areas such as Python, NumPy, Spark and Apache Pig.
• Proven experience in designing, developing and deploying scalable systems.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation, deployment technologies and cloud platforms (such as Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker and AWS).
• Understanding of database technologies, including SQL, Elasticsearch or MongoDB.
• Strong communication, collaboration and problem‑solving skills, ideally within an agile environment.

Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type. You must currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance.

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including hybrid working and an optional compressed fortnight
• Private healthcare Cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes and specialist training
• Performance‑based bonuses

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In Every day we help build a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. What we do together truly matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive Every voice matters. You’ll join an inclusive community supported by employee‑led groups and partnerships that champion diversity, wellbeing and development.

Your Career, Your Way Shape your journey with diverse roles, mentoring and development opportunities. Enjoy flexibility that supports your wellbeing and benefits that help you grow personally and professionally.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.

“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.” – Matthew Bullock, Software Manager, Northrop Grumman UK