Lead Data Engineer

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture
, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark?
Join us and be part of something bigger.

As a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) at Kainos you will be responsible for designing and developing data processing and data persistence software components for solutions which handle data king in agile teams, Lead Data Engineers provide strong development leadership for team members and take responsibility for the quality of the codebase as well as the match to user needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for the development of whole components or subsystems within a team. Development incorporates design, code, test and defect resolution.
• Focusing on hands‑on design and development, using open source and commercial platforms.
• Defining and enforcing development best practice and coaching team members to ensure consistency.
• Working with project architects, taking responsibility for non‑functional needs of ETL/ELT data processing pipelines such as robustness and performance.
• Taking responsibility for standards and execution of unit and integration testing done within the team.
• Taking responsibility for software product due diligence and integration.
• Leading troubleshooting and tuning of activities.
• Working with Operations teams to ensure the application software is operationally ready.
• Working with Security Architects and accreditors to ensure compliance with relevant legal and security requirements.
• Advising customers and managers and other team members of the estimated effort and technical implications of user stories and user journeys.
• Contributing to technical proposals as part of the sales process.
• Managing, coaching and developing a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You’ll also provide direction for your team as you solve problems together.

Minimum (essential) requirements:

• Experience of leading a team of engineers in the implementation of data‑intensive system components
• Experience of applying standards for design (patterns), development, (style guides) and operational readiness (automation, deployment)
• Proficient software development experience in one of J
  ava, Scala, or Python
• Software development experience withdata‑processing platforms from vendors including Informatica,
  Azure Databricks or any relevant ETL tools
• Expert in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use case
• Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data processing frameworks
• Ability to simply and clearly communicate technical design both written and verbally
• Proficient in designing analytical and operational data models
• A keen interest in AI technologies

Desirable:

• Comfortable with Data Warehouse methods and techniques
• Actively shares their thoughts and views on data practices
• AWS/Azure/GCP Certified in Data Services
• Expertise in continuous improvement and sharing input on data best practice
• Participation in development and/or technology communities
• Practical experience with AI technologies, tools, processes and delivery

Our vision is to enable outstanding people to create digital solutions that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Our values aren't abstract; they are the behaviours we expect from each other every day, and underpin everything that we do. We expect everyone to display our values by being determined in how obstacles are overcome;
honest when dealing with others;
respectful of how you treat others;
creative to find solutions to complex problems and cooperative by sharing information, knowledge and experience.

These values, applied collectively, help to produce an outstanding Kainos person, team and culture.