Senior Data Engineer

UKTL; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UKTL is seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, build and maintain end-to-end data pipelines, turning complex data into actionable insights that shape testing priorities.

You will work closely with test and research teams on telecoms systems, cybersecurity and national infrastructure, delivering reports and dashboards to stakeholders while staying aware of evolving industry trends and regulatory changes. This role offers challenging, impactful work in a national context.

Qualifications

• Demononstrable experience in building data pipelines.
• A Software Engineering or related background.
• Experience in data preparation and structuring data from multiple sources.
• Confidence with large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights.
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including threat actors and TTPs.
• Knowledge of machine learning and modelling, with ability to build predictive/automated solutions.
• Strong data exploration skills and curiosity for trends, anomalies, opportunities.
• Proficiency in Python and Bash; familiarity with other languages.
• You are a critical thinker, problem solver, and take ownership of your work.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised and able to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• SC clearance required with no restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and maintain data pipelines end-to-end.
• Turn complex datasets into actionable insights shaping research and testing priorities.
• Explore telecoms systems and infrastructure to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with test and research teams to solve challenges with data-driven approaches.
• Create reports, dashboards and presentations communicating insights to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to system development, operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Stay informed on industry trends, cybersecurity developments and regulatory changes.
• Build analytical tools and outputs supporting investigations and decision-making.
• Continuously refine data and insights to stay accurate and valuable.

Skills

Data pipelines

Software background

Data preparation

Large datasets

Cybersecurity concepts

Machine Learning

Data exploration

Python

Bash

Critical thinking

Discretion

Ownership

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisation

Stakeholder relations

Security clearance

Education

Software Engineering background

Tools

Bash

E2E

Support

Machine Learning

Python

Security

3D

Job description

Salary: £50,000 - 70,000 per year

Requirements

• Demononstrable experience in building data pipelines
• A Software Engineering or related background
• Experience in data preparation – collecting, cleaning, and structuring data from multiple sources
• Confidence working with large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including threat actors and TTPs
• Knowledge of machine learning and modelling, with the ability to build predictive or automated solutions
• Strong data exploration skills, with a curiosity for identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities
• Proficiency in multiple programming/scripting languages such as Python, Bash and others.
• Youre a critical thinker and problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges
• You handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion
• You take ownership of your work and show initiative
• You have a strong attention to detail and care about quality
• You communicate confidently and collaborate well across multidisciplinary teams
• Youre organised and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• You build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• You will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions

Responsibilities

• Design, Build and maintain Data pipelines E2E.
• Turn complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that shape research and testing priorities
• Dive into telecoms systems, technologies, and infrastructure, exploring how they operate and where improvements can be made
• Work closely with test and research teams to solve challenges using data-driven approaches
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Contribute to system development, operational improvements, and wider strategic initiatives
• Stay on top of industry trends, cybersecurity developments, and regulatory changes
• Build analytical tools and outputs that support investigations and decision-making
• Continuously refine data and insights to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and valuable

Technologies

• Bash
• E2E
• Support
• Machine Learning
• Python
• Security
• 3D

More

About the Role

Salary for UKTL specialist roles are benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in-demand technical expertise.

At UKTL, youll be part of a team strengthening the UKs telecoms ecosystem through cutting-edge testing, research, and innovation. As a Senior Data Engineer, youll play a key role in supporting and collaborating with our Test and Research teams, turning complex data into meaningful insights that influence real-world decisions.

This is your opportunity to work at the intersection of telecoms, cybersecurity, and national infrastructure, contributing to work that genuinely matters.

Your impact

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.

About Us

UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UKs world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors. As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure were creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page. We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, were always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.