Senior Data Engineer - Defence and National Security

Anson McCade Pty; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Anson McCade Pty is seeking a Senior Data Engineer / Tech Lead to own data engineering delivery across complex defence and national security programmes in London. You will design, build and optimise data pipelines, guiding technical decisions and mentoring engineers.

Working with data architects, scientists and analysts, you will shape data platforms that are secure, reliable and scalable to support mission-critical government projects in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading data engineering delivery on complex defence programmes.
• Proven ability to design and optimise ETL/ELT pipelines.
• Strong Python and SQL programming skills.
• Experience with cloud-based data infrastructure and platforms.
• Knowledge of data modelling, orchestration, data management and security.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and optimise data pipelines and platforms for secure data processing.
• Lead technical delivery and guide architectural decisions.
• Mentor engineers and influence delivery across teams.
• Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to capture requirements.
• Deliver scalable data solutions for national-security programmes.

Skills

Data engineering

ETL/ELT

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

Data modelling

DataOps

CI/CD

Stakeholder comms

Mentoring

Job description

Senior Data Engineer / Tech Lead – Defence & National Security

• Location: London – Hybrid (2–3 days on-site)


• Eligibility: Sole British nationals only

Company Overview

An opportunity to join a leading digital, cyber and intelligence organisation delivering complex technology solutions across UK defence and national security. Working on mission-critical programmes, you'll help transform complex data into actionable insights, supporting government and defence customers operating in some of the most demanding environments.

Role Overview

We're looking for a Senior Data Engineer / Tech Lead to take ownership of data engineering delivery across complex defence and national security programmes.

Working alongside data architects, scientists, analysts and wider engineering teams, you'll design, build and optimise data pipelines and platforms that enable secure, reliable and efficient data processing. This is a hands-on technical leadership position, combining software engineering and DataOps principles with the ability to guide technical decisions, mentor engineers and influence the direction of delivery.

You'll work closely with clients and stakeholders to understand requirements, solve complex data challenges and deliver scalable solutions. The role offers the opportunity to shape engineering best practice, take ownership of technical deliverables and contribute to projects where data is critical to national security.

What We're Looking For

• Strong experience in data engineering, with the ability to lead technical delivery and take ownership of complex solutions.


• Proven experience designing, building and optimising ETL/ELT pipelines and data processing workflows.


• Strong programming skills in Python, SQL or similar languages.


• Experience with cloud-based data infrastructure, data storage and modern data platforms.


• Knowledge of data modelling, orchestration, data management and security principles.


• Experience applying software engineering and DataOps best practices, including version control, testing and CI/CD.


• The ability to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders, translate requirements and influence engineering decisions.


• Experience providing technical guidance, mentoring engineers or leading work across multidisciplinary teams.

If you're an experienced data engineer ready to take on greater technical ownership and contribute to high-impact defence and national security programmes, we'd welcome a conversation.