Senior Data Engineer

Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 44,241 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

28.97% employer contribution

25 days annual leave

8 bank holidays + Privilege Day

Staff discount portal

Career development opportunities

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working options

Job summary

The Department for Transport is seeking a data engineer to help build and operate production‑level data pipelines in Google Cloud Platform, with hybrid working options. You will work across the organisation to transform data into actionable insights and support policy and decision making.

You’ll use Python, SQL, and GCP tools to deliver robust data services, influence tooling choices, and collaborate with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Hands-on delivery of robust, maintainable data pipelines in Google Cloud Platform or other cloud providers.
• Proficient in Python and SQL with experience using GCP tools like BigQuery and Cloud Functions.
• Experience with CI/CD (e.g. Github Actions), logging and testing, and Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g. Terraform).
• Contributes to engineering standards and best practices to improve quality across codebases and services.
• Experience delivering data engineering work in Agile environments and working with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to build and operate DfT’s production‑grade data pipelines and platforms in Google Cloud Platform.
• Manage live data services and resolve issues quickly to maintain high‑quality data delivery.
• Lead efforts to modernise legacy systems and ensure scalable data infrastructure.
• Support innovation by adopting new tools and GCP capabilities to improve data quality and efficiency.
• Translate technical concepts for both technical and non‑technical stakeholders and respond to business needs.

Skills

Data pipelines

Python

SQL

GCP

CI/CD

Terraform

Stakeholder communication

Tools

BigQuery

Cloud Functions

GitHub Actions

Job description

Location: Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, London, Swansea (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

National base salary - £44,241

London base salary - £48,581

With an allowance up to £14,756

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Join a collaborative and forward-thinking data team focused on delivering high-impact solutions that enable better decision-making across the organisation. Working within a modern cloud-based environment, you'll be part of a department that values innovation, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. The team brings together a range of technical expertise to solve complex challenges, transform data into actionable insight, and drive meaningful change.

You'll have the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders from across the business, contributing to strategic initiatives while helping shape the future of our data capabilities. With a strong emphasis on learning, quality and teamwork, this is an exciting environment for individuals who enjoy solving problems, embracing new technologies and making a tangible impact through data.

Top Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to build and operate DfT’s production‑grade data pipelines and platforms, ensuring reliability and security across our Google Cloud Platform environment.


• Manage live data services; resolving issues at pace to maintain high‑quality data delivery for analysts, policy teams and external commitments.


• Take a leading role in developing and improving legacy systems, ensuring our data infrastructure is modern and meets ongoing needs.


• Support innovation within data engineering, identifying opportunities to modernise tooling, adopt emerging GCP capabilities and introduce new approaches that improve efficiency and data quality.


• Work closely with technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating technical concepts, shaping data‑related decisions, and responding to business need.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here


• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).


• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.


• Access to the staff discount portal.


• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.


• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.


• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.


• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Hands‑on delivery of robust, maintainable data pipelines in Google Cloud Platform or alternative cloud providers. Including building reusable components, optimising performance and cost, and applying engineering standards and high‑quality coding practices.


• Proficient user of data engineering tools, including relevant languages (e.g. Python and SQL) and GCP or equivalent cloud tooling (e.g. BigQuery, Cloud Functions). Experience working with or knowledge of CI/CD (e.g. Github Actions), logging and testing, and Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g. Terraform).


• Contribution to engineering standards and best practice, supporting the development of maintainable, consistent technical approaches and improving quality across codebases and services.


• Experience delivering data engineering work in Agile environments, independently managing components of delivery while contributing to wider team objectives.


• Working across technical and non‑technical teams to understand requirements, communicate solutions, and support delivery of change and improvement within the data landscape.

Additional Information

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £44,241 (National) £48,581 (London). In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,756.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 9th August 2026