← Back to Directory

Lead Data Engineer

Northrop Grumman · Manchester, UK
Clearance Level
BPSS
Salary Range
£60,000 - 86,000
Employment Type
FULL TIME
Work Style
hybrid

// Role Summary

Lead Data Engineers at Northrop Grumman UK are sought to design, develop, and maintain critical data-driven infrastructure. This pivotal role involves guiding teams through complex projects in a unique mission space, ensuring solutions have real-world impact.

// Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the full data development lifecycle from requirements to deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior developers.
  • Design, develop, and deploy scalable systems using Python, Spark, and cloud platforms.
  • Utilize CI/CD, containerisation, and database technologies (SQL, Elasticsearch, MongoDB).
  • Requires British National status and current highest level UK Government security clearance.
  • Offer flexible working options, private healthcare, and career development programmes.

// Role Specification

About the Role

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the data-driven infrastructure that powers our services. You will work across exciting, complex, and meaningful projects in a unique mission space, helping to deliver solutions that have real-world impact. This role requires strong leadership to guide your team through technical and delivery challenges, supporting customer requirements and programme goals.

What You’ll Do

  • Own team deliverables, working with the Scrum Master to define the delivery path that meets customer needs.
  • Lead and contribute to the full data development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to design, implementation, testing, and deployment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product, front-end development, and QA.
  • Mentor and guide junior developers, supporting team capability growth and development.

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience as a Data Engineer with strong skills in areas such as Python, NumPy, Spark, and Apache Pig.
  • Proven experience in designing, developing, and deploying scalable systems.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD, containerisation, deployment technologies, and cloud platforms (such as Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS).
  • Understanding of database technologies, including SQL, Elasticsearch, or MongoDB.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, ideally within an agile environment.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British National for this clearance type and currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance.

Benefits

  • Flexible working options, including hybrid working and an optional compressed fortnight.
  • Private healthcare.
  • Cash health plan.
  • Holiday buy/sell scheme.
  • Career development programmes and specialist training.
  • Performance-based bonuses.