Lead Software Engineer – Data Platform

Role Summary

At FTSE Russell, we’re building the next‑generation data platform that underpins the indices trusted by financial institutions around the world. We’re looking for a Lead Software Engineer – Data Platform to join us at a pivotal stage. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role for a strong software engineer who enjoys working in a data‑rich environment – not a traditional pipeline‑focused data engineer.

You’ll design and build scalable data systems using Python, Spark and AWS, while also shaping engineering standards, guiding other engineers, and helping the team make sound technical and architectural decisions.

• Build & deliver scalable, testable data pipelines using Python and Apache Spark.
• Build and orchestrate data workflows using AWS services (e.g. Glue, EMR Serverless, Lambda, S3).
• Contribute to the evolution of a modern lakehouse architecture (e.g. Apache Iceberg).
• Work with relational databases, particularly Postgre
  
  SQL / Aurora Postgre
  
  SQL.
• Drive engineering excellence through testing, CI/CD, modular design, refactoring and code quality.
• Improve the maintainability, reliability and scalability of systems.
• Identify and address weak engineering practices across the team.
• Lead technically and influence direction, leading technical discussions and contributing to architecture decisions.
• Translate business problems into practical, well‑designed technical solutions.
• Challenge requirements where needed and help define what should (and shouldn’t) be built.
• Coach and support junior and mid‑level engineers through code reviews and guidance.
• Help raise the overall engineering bar across the team.

This is a senior individual‑contributor role with a strong technical leadership component. Approximately 75% of the time is used for hands‑on engineering and 25% for technical leadership, coaching and stakeholder engagement. While not a pure people‑management role, you may support a small number of engineers and will be expected to set direction, influence standards and lead from the front.

• Software engineer first, with experience working on data platforms or data‑intensive systems.
• Comfortable building production‑grade systems using Python, databases and modern engineering practices.
• Able to make sound architectural decisions, balancing trade‑offs pragmatically.
• Confident engaging stakeholders and shaping solutions from ambiguous requirements.
• Experienced in improving engineering standards and supporting other engineers.
• Hands‑on technical leaders, not purely managerial or tool‑specific specialists.
• Strong fundamentals and adaptability are valued over experience with any specific tools.
• Nice to have: experience with Apache Spark or distributed data processing.
• Familiarity with AWS data services.
• Exposure to modern data architectures (lakehouse, Iceberg, etc.).
• Interest in financial markets, indices or data‑driven products.

You’ll be part of a team building systems that sit at the heart of global finance, with the opportunity to:

• Shape a modern data platform from the ground up.
• Work in a collaborative, engineering‑led culture.
• Have real ownership, impact, and technical influence.
• Grow alongside a team focused on quality, learning, and continuous improvement.

LSEG offers a range of tailored benefits and support, including healthcare, retirement planning, paid volunteering days and wellbeing initiatives. We are committed to sustainability across our global business and support our employees' well‑being.

LSEG is a proud equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We conform with applicable law to accommodate applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs.