Lead Python Developer (Active SC)

Sanderson Government & Defence; Greater London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanderson Government & Defence is seeking a Lead Python Engineer for a data-focused programme centred on data anonymisation, obfuscation and sanitisation. The role combines strong Python development with governance, architecture influence and hands-on delivery.

The position involves leading a small delivery team, engaging stakeholders, and driving best practices across multiple parties. Hybrid work with on-site days is expected.

Qualifications

• Expert-level Python development experience.
• Strong experience leading engineering teams.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience contributing to governance and architecture discussions.
• Hands-on delivery along with technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and enhancement of Python-based tooling.
• Remain actively involved in software engineering and delivery.
• Engage with governance forums and architecture stakeholders.
• Produce technical guidance, standards and documentation.
• Support initiatives on data privacy, governance and secure data usage.
• Work with stakeholders to drive adoption of recommendations.
• Mentor engineers within the team.

Skills

Python

Django

PostgreSQL

AWS

Tools

Containerised deployments

Job description

Lead Python Engineer

£450/day Outside IR35 | 3-Month Contract | Hybrid Working | Active SC Clearance Required

An experienced Lead Python Engineer is required to join a data-focused programme aimed at improving the safe use of production data within development environments. The project is centred on data anonymisation, obfuscation and sanitisation, helping to establish the tooling, governance and technical standards needed to support secure software delivery.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an engineer who can combine strong Python development skills with stakeholder engagement, technical governance and architectural influence. Working within a small delivery team, you will play a key role in both technical delivery and the wider adoption of best practices across multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and enhancement of Python-based tooling.
• Remain actively involved in software engineering and delivery.
• Engage with governance forums and architecture stakeholders.
• Produce technical guidance, standards and supporting documentation.
• Support initiatives relating to data privacy, governance and secure data usage.
• Work closely with stakeholders to build consensus and drive adoption of recommendations.
• Mentor and support engineers within the wider team.

Essential Experience

• Expert-level Python development experience.
• Previous experience operating at Lead Engineer level.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience contributing to technical governance and architecture discussions.
• Ability to combine technical leadership with hands‑on delivery.
• Active SC Clearance that can be transferred prior to commencement. Applications cannot be considered without active SC clearance.

Technology Stack

• Python
• Django
• PostgreSQL
• AWS
• Containerised deployments

Desirable Experience

• Technical architecture.
• Data governance and data quality.
• Data anonymisation and obfuscation solutions.
• Security-focused software development.
• Government or wider public sector environments.
• Mentoring and coaching engineering teams.

Working Arrangement

Hybrid working with an expectation of approximately two days per week on site. Initial contract running until November 2026.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.