Lead Data Engineer
| Posting date: | 16 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £58,100 to £87,100 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 August 2025 |
| Location: | Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3JH |
| Company: | SSE |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 554559_1752651110 |
Summary
Base Location: Reading, Havant, Glasgow and Perth
Salary: £58,100 - £87,100 + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
The Role
We are recruiting for the position of a Lead Data Engineer in SSE's Group Data and Analytics team. This team acts as a Centre for Enablement (CfE) for the SSE organisation and are involved in a variety of activities: practical project development work, advising on best practice, investigation into new capabilities and other activities that further data driven solutions across SSE.
You Will
- Act as a subject matter expert in the data engineering / data solutions space as a key member of the CfE.
- Understand business requirements and discuss with stakeholders a recommended solution approach. Work in an inclusive manner with team members in terms of architecture and design of a solution.
- Lead, mentor and advise the CfE data solutions team in their work.
- Lead and undertake practical work as well as provide advice and guidance to business units in SSE. This will mainly relate to data engineering activities such as the design, development, implementation and maintenance of efficient, reusable and reliable data pipelines in an Azure environment.
- Given that the CfE team is looking to provide holistic data solutions and/or assist business units then activities may extend into analysis and use of data (e.g. data visualisation for business intelligence) and use of AI.
- Peer review work from team members to ensure quality, consistency, reusability etc. Ensure that appropriate testing for any given solution is considered and applied. Utilise CI/CD techniques for the productionisation of solutions.
You Have
- Experience of acting in a lead position for a data engineering (data solutions) team in a large and diverse organisation and involvement in the full development lifecycle across varied solutions.
- Extensive experience of using the Databricks platform for developing and deploying data solutions / data products (including ingestion, transformation and modelling) with high proficiency in Python, PySpark and SQL.
- Leadership experience in other facets necessary for solution development such as testing, the wider scope of quality assurance, CI/CD etc.
- Experience in related areas of data and analytics - such as data visualisation, advanced analytics and/or AI capabilities (particularly the use of large language models) - would be beneficial.
- The mindset to lead by example; carrying out your own tasks to a high standard as well as leading a team to ensure task allocation and completion and that the quality of their work adheres to agreed patterns and standards.
- Great communication skills and the ability to act as a subject matter expert in the data engineering and wider data solutions space. The ability to work with business stakeholders to arrive at the optimum solution for any particular use case.
About SSE
SSE has a bold ambition - to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.
Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day-to-day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.
Flexible benefits to fit your life
Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact / 01738 275 846 to discuss how we can support you.
We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply?
Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.