Senior Data Engineer
+8 months
+Hybrid in Reading
+Inside IR35
+£80 - £85 ph
+SC cleared role
Skills:
+MOD
+Data Engineer
+Python
We're seeking an adaptable, proactive Senior Data Engineer to build and scale data capabilities within a greenfield environment across critical Defence and Aerospace programmes.
⚠️ Essential Requirement: You must have hands-on experience working with aerospace engineering or operational data-such as aircraft platform data, sensor outputs, test datasets, or other high-volume technical data sources.
This is a key role where you'll help shape secure, scalable data platforms from the ground up, so a can-do attitude, adaptability, and a passion for innovation are vital.
What You'll Be Doing
Design, build, and maintain end-to-end data solutions (ingestion, integration, storage, processing, analysis)
Develop data pipelines, automation, and analytical tools to drive insight
Work with complex aerospace datasets in secure, mission-critical environments
Research and implement emerging data technologies
Collaborate with Data Scientists, DevOps, Analysts, and Cyber teams
Support machine learning workflows and deployment
Work across cloud platforms and secure environments
Lead small work packages and mentor junior engineers
Contribute to architecture and design decisions
What You'll Bring
Proven experience as a Data Engineer, with ownership of deliverables
Essential: Experience working with aerospace engineering or sensor data
Strong Python and SQL skills, including pipeline optimisation
Solid understanding of SQL & NoSQL database architectures
Experience with ETL pipelines and orchestration tools
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Exposure to Docker and APIs
Ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively
Strong problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills