Nova Systems plays a vital role in modelling and simulation space by delivering advanced systems engineering and digital technology solutions that help governments and industries make critical decisions. Our work supports mission readiness, system optimisation, and scenario planning across defence, aerospace, and essential services. Future employees can expect to work on cutting-edge challenges that directly impact national safety and global stability, within a collaborative, values-driven culture.
Our Vision - Smart people. Solving complex challenges. Making our world safe and secure.
The Role - Data Engineer
As a Data Engineer in the Modelling & Simulation (M&S) domain, you will help design and build data-driven solutions that underpin experimentation and capability assessment for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). You’ll work closely with software engineers, analysts, and domain experts to collect, transform, and analyse simulation data enabling insight generation and informed decision-making.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your technical expertise in data engineering, analytics, and defence experimentation while contributing to meaningful projects.
Location - This role will primarily be based on the client site in Farnborough, Hampshire for 2-3 days a week.
Key Accountabilities
1. Develop and maintain data pipelines to Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) simulation data for analysis and reporting.
2. Support the design and automation of data workflows for experimentation and analysis.
3. Assist in developing data models and analytical tools to support MOD and related M&S projects.
4. Collaborate with software engineers to integrate data flows between simulation and analytical environments.
5. Conduct data quality checks, validation, and pre-processing of simulation outputs.
6. Contribute to experiment design, execution, and results interpretation.
Essential Experience and Requirements
7. Programming experience in Python
8. Knowledge of data engineering principles and data lifecycle management.
9. Proficiency with SQL ORM for querying, joining, and analysing datasets.
10. Ability to perform data analysis, mathematical computation, and visualisation.
11. Experience or interest in data pipelines, Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes, and automation.
12. Familiarity with data orchestration, workflow design, or scripting automation.
13. Ability to develop in an offline environment.
Desirable Experience
14. Exposure to Defence Experimentation or simulation-based studies.
15. Awareness of Air or Maritime domain systems.
Security Requirements:
16. UK Citizenship (we can not accept dual citizenship due to the nature of the work)
17. Ability to achieve Security Clearance (SC)
Why Join Us
At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects.
Benefits & Perks
18. matched pension
19. Up to £1500-3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance
20. 5 days Development Leave
21. 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays
22. Enhanced Family Friendly Leave
23. Reservist Leave
24. Loyalty Leave
25. Private Medical Insurance
26. Life Insurance
27. Upto 6 Weeks Sick Pay
28. Employee Assistance Program
29. Reward & Recognition Programme
30. Discounts and more
31. Flexible and Hybrid working
32. Free Parking
Location
We support any client/onsite workdays with travel expenses and accommodation when required, this supports you being based anywhere in the UK if you are happy to commute for those days where the team collaborates onsite. This is typically 2-3 days a week with the rest being home or office based. We do try our best to ensure we can be as flexible as possible and offer work from home options to balance the days, however due to the sensitive nature of some of our projects, then onsite is necessary. The client site is located at Hampshire, which is where the work will be based.
Interview Process
33. MS Teams Screen call with Talent Partner
34. MS Teams Interview with Hiring Manager / Snr Team Member
35. Final interview / meet the team - In Person at one of our Offices
36. May include pre briefed case study / research presentation
37. Right to work documents / UK Passport must be provided at this stage if not before.
Please note - Due to the nature of the work Nova is involved in, we are required to comply with government regulations related to background checks and security clearances. Therefore, we must obtain your citizenship and country of birth information at the beginning of the recruitment process.
We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.
At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the . We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business.
We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team.