Software Engineer; Data

Software Engineer (Data)

Leonardo Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

At Leonardo we are looking for an experienced Software Engineer (Data team). You will design and implement core, reusable data services that ensure high performance and scalability across the organization. A primary focus is on integrating new, highly scalable persistence layers with complex existing/legacy systems while guaranteeing data integrity and consistency.

To succeed in this position, you should have strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to combine data from different sources. The engineering skills include familiarity with several programming languages.

• Lead the architecture and implementation of scaling strategies for diverse data stores, including sharding relational (SQL) and horizontal scaling for No
  
  SQL databases.
• Design and build reusable Data Access Layers (DALs) to enforce standardised data interaction, security, and quality across all application services.
• Apply deep expertise in data modelling (Relational, Document, Graph) to select and optimise the correct database technology for specific product use cases.
• Design and implement secure, asynchronous mechanisms (e.g., Kafka, Rabbit
  
  MQ) for consuming, translating, and migrating data from legacy systems into modern data models.
• Develop robust migration strategies and tooling for performing large‑scale data movements and system retrofits with near zero downtime.
• Define and govern internal data APIs (REST, gRPC) to provide a consistent, high‑performance interface, abstracting the multi‑database complexity.
• Integration & Messaging – strong experience with message brokers (e.g., Kafka, SQS) for building event‑driven and decoupled integration patterns.
• Collaborate with data scientists, IT and architects on several projects.

Successful Candidates will have previous experience as a data or software engineer in a similar role.

• Technical expertise in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines, data warehouses, and leveraging data services.
• Expert‑level, hands‑on experience in the design, tuning, and scaling of SQL (e.g., Postgre
  
  SQL) and diverse No
  
  SQL (e.g., Mongo
  
  DB, Cassandra) environments.
• Proficient in Data Ops methodologies and tools, including experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and workflow orchestration.
• Proficiency in a high‑performance backend language (e.g., Go, Java, Python) and demonstrated track record in managing large‑scale system retrofitting and data migrations.
• Familiar with ETL/ELT frameworks, and experienced with Big Data Processing Tools (e.g. Spark, Airflow, Hive, etc.)
• Degree in STEM, or similar field; a Master’s is a plus.
• Data engineering certification (e.g. IBM Certified Data Engineer) is a plus.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.

• Time to Recharge – enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future – benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance – all employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning – free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Refer a friend – receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks – spend up to £500 annually…