Lead Data Engineer (National Security)

Forward Role Recruitment; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Role Recruitment is seeking a Lead Data Engineer (National Security) to shape the technical direction of data solutions on strategic programmes. The role combines senior ownership with hands-on capability, collaborating with senior customer stakeholders, including C-level contacts, to deliver cloud-native data platforms.

Hybrid/secure-site work is available, with an active eDV clearance required. The role operates at SFIA 5-6 level with genuine ownership and high-impact influence on

Qualifications

• Senior-level data engineering experience with data platforms and cloud-based architectures.
• Active security clearance (eDV) is required or in place.
• Hybrid working model with secure-site options depending on programme.

Responsibilities

• Shape technical direction and ownership of data solutions.
• Work directly with senior customer stakeholders, including C-level contacts.
• Collaborate across SFIA 5-6 level responsibilities while remaining hands-on.

Skills

Python

AWS

CI/CD

Data modelling

ETL/ELT pipelines

Distributed processing

Cloud-native data services

Infrastructure as Code

Tools

Terraform

Job description

Lead Data Engineer (National Security)

Salary: £80,000-£120,000
Clearance: Active eDV required
Location: Key National Security hubs | Hybrid / secure-site working depending on programme

There comes a point where another pipeline isn't enough.

You want to shape the technical direction, influence the customer and have a say in what actually gets built.

I'm supporting a specialist Data & Geospatial SME that has recently secured strategically important National Security work ahead of significantly larger competitors — largely on the strength of its technical capability and credibility in the space.

This is a senior role, operating around SFIA 5-6, with genuine ownership.

You won't be disappearing into a large delivery team. You'll be expected to shape solutions, guide technical direction and work directly with senior customer stakeholders, including C-level contacts.

What you'll be working across

• Python
• AWS and cloud-native data services
• Modern data platforms
• ETL / ELT and scalable pipelines
• Data modelling and architecture
• Distributed data processing
• CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code
• Technical design and solution ownership

The role is still hands-on, but the value is in the influence you'll have around it.

You'll be close enough to the customer to understand the real problem, senior enough to challenge the approach, and technical enough to help shape the solution properly.

Why it's worth a look

This should appeal if you want:

• Greater technical ownership
• Direct access to senior customer stakeholders
• More influence over architecture and delivery
• A specialist engineering environment rather than a huge prime
• Strong learning and development
• The chance to work on strategically important National Security programmes

The business is in a genuine growth phase, and this role sits close to that expansion rather than being another hire into an established delivery machine.