Big Data Engineer
// Role Summary
Shape the future of technology as a Big Data Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman UK, designing and maintaining large-scale data systems for critical mission programs. You will optimize data pipelines, ensure privacy compliance, and work with modern tools in hybrid cloud environments to support national security.
// Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain large-scale data systems for data science, ML, and AI.
- Optimize data pipelines and ensure GDPR/privacy compliance.
- Work with modern tools in hybrid cloud environments (on-premise and AWS).
- Support mission-critical programs and national security initiatives.
- Requires UK citizenship and ability to obtain the highest level of UK Government security clearance.
// Role Specification
The Opportunity
This is more than just a job; it’s a mission. As a Big Data Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman UK, you will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale data systems that support data science, machine learning, and AI workloads. You will optimize data pipelines, ensure GDPR and privacy compliance, and work hands-on with modern tools across hybrid cloud environments. Working in our Cyber and Intelligence business, you will help deliver technology at scale for customers with complex and sensitive data requirements. Your work will directly support mission-critical programmes and help protect national security.
What You Will Do
- Develop and maintain automation scripts for data processing and workflows.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues across big data systems, pipelines, and integrations.
- Conduct integration testing to support the introduction of new tools and technologies.
- Apply strong Linux internals knowledge to improve reliability and system performance.
- Use your understanding of TCP/IP and OSI models to design and troubleshoot networked systems.
- Manage, optimize, and support data pipelines using NiFi, Airflow, or similar orchestration tools.
- Design secure, scalable systems with a strong focus on GDPR and privacy compliance.
- Support hybrid cloud environments, including on-premise and AWS resources.
- Support data science and AI workloads using tools such as Jupyter, Spacy, Transformers, and NLTK.
- Work with big data platforms such as Hive, Impala, and Elasticsearch.
- Implement and maintain BI and visualization tools including Tableau, Kibana, and PowerBI.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve complex technical issues.
- Hands-on experience with integration testing.
- In-depth Linux internals knowledge.
- Understanding of TCP/IP and OSI networking models.
- Experience with NiFi, Airflow, or similar orchestration tools.
- Experience designing scalable big data systems with a strong security and compliance focus.
- Hybrid cloud experience, particularly with AWS.
- Familiarity with data science, machine learning, and AI tools.
- Experience with big data platforms such as Hive, Impala, and Elasticsearch.
- Proficiency with Tableau, Kibana, or PowerBI.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred:
- AWS or other cloud certifications.
- Experience with additional orchestration tools.
- Experience with Cloudera, Hadoop, CDSW, or CML.
If you meet most of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply. You may be exactly who we need.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of our work, you must be able to meet the nationality and residency requirements for the highest level of UK Government security clearance. You must also be able to gain and maintain this clearance.
Benefits
- Flexible working options, including an optional compressed fortnight with every other Friday off.
- Private healthcare.
- Cash health plan.
- Holiday buy/sell options.
- Career development programmes, mentoring, and training.
- Performance-related bonuses.