Senior Data Engineer (Machine Learning (ML))

Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Maritime and Coastguard Agency is hiring a Senior Data Engineer (ML) to transform data science prototypes into secure, scalable, production-ready ML solutions in a hybrid environment.

You will lead MLOps, CI/CD and model development, optimise pipelines, champion responsible AI and set engineering standards for the Agency’s expanding data capability.

Qualifications

• Experience applying Python to data science and data engineering products.
• Productionising complex data science solutions using Databricks and Azure.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and act as data champion.

Responsibilities

• Work with data science to deliver rapid prototypes for new solutions.
• Translate prototypes into scalable production-grade ML systems with robust engineering practices.
• Design scalable ML pipelines using modern MLOps tools and automation pipelines.
• Ensure data quality, lineage and reproducibility in data engineering practices.
• Maintain CI/CD workflows for ML models with automated testing and monitoring.

Skills

Python

MLOps

CI/CD

Machine Learning

Tools

Databricks

Azure

Job description

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Location: Cardiff, Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Base salary £44,241, and role is eligible for additional allowance from DDAT (Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework). Allowance of up to £14,756 per annum subject to a capability assessment.

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract Type: Fixed term 24 months – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

As our Senior Data Engineer (ML), you’ll transform data science prototypes into secure, scalable, production-ready solutions. Working alongside data scientists, you’ll lead MLOps, CI/CD and model development and drift practices, optimise machine learning pipelines, champion responsible AI, and establish engineering standards that will support the Agency’s growing data and AI capability

Top Responsibilities

• Work within the data science team to deliver rapid prototypes for new solutions, developing new solutions using cutting-edge techniques.
• Collaborate with and translate data science prototypes into scalable, production-grade machine learning systems using robust engineering practices and automation pipelines.
• Design and implement scalable machine learning pipelines using modern MLOps tools and frameworks. Utilising Prototype-to-Production engineering.
• Apply internal data engineering best practices to ensure data quality, lineage, and reproducibility.
• Maintain continuous integration and deployment workflows for machine learning models, including automated testing, validation, and monitoring. Use tools such as MLflow, Databricks, and infrastructure-as-code to ensure reproducibility and reliability.

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:

• Applied knowledge of Python programming to deliver data science and data engineering products.
• Experience in productionising complex data science solutions using a Databricks and Azure.
• Ability to influence stakeholders internally and externally, building stakeholder relationships and acting as an ambassador and champion for data.

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. 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 Monday 31st August 2026