Data Engineer

Overview Of Role

Thorn SDS is a specialist Managed Service Provider based in Alton, Hampshire, committed to enabling technology organisations and professionals to thrive in the Space, Defence, and Security sectors. We are currently seeking a skilled Data Engineer to work onsite, 5 days per week at a secure site in the Hereford area.

As a Thorn SDS Data Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable, reliable data pipelines and infrastructure to support mission-critical analytics and operational processes. You’ll work with both structured and unstructured data, ensuring secure data integration, transformation, storage, and access across cloud and on-premises platforms.

We are looking for a SFIA Level 5 engineer to fulfil this position.

Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must hold, or be eligible to obtain, the appropriate security clearance level of DV. (SC with the ability to obtain DV will be considered.) For more details, visit: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK

The role may require travel to various UK sites, with occasional overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Design and build robust data pipelines to ingest, process, and store data from various sources.
• Develop and manage ETL/ELT processes to enable accurate and efficient data transformation.
• Implement data validation, cleansing, and enrichment routines to ensure data quality.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and stakeholders to understand data requirements and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Maintain and optimise data storage solutions (e.g., relational databases, data lakes, cloud storage).
• Ensure data systems meet security, compliance, and governance standards.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation for data systems and processes.
• Monitor and improve the performance and reliability of data systems.
• Automate data engineering tasks using modern scripting languages and orchestration tools.
• Support real-time and batch data processing workflows.
• Work with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure for scalable data engineering.
• Participate in PI (Program Increment) planning sessions and contribute to strategic initiatives.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to overall team development.
• Troubleshoot data pipeline and infrastructure issues with a systematic, analytical approach.
• Stay current with emerging tools and technologies in the data engineering space.
  
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Data Engineering role at a senior level.
• Expertise in SQL and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Scala, Java).
• Strong knowledge of ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, and data modelling.
• Familiarity with big data tools and platforms (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Experience with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS Glue, Azure Data Factory, GCP Dataflow).
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security best practices.
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code and CI/CD for data pipelines is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Certifications (e.g., Google Professional Data Engineer, AWS Big Data, Microsoft Azure Data Engineer) are advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, performance, and scalability.
  
  

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Group Life Insurance
• Dental Cashback Plan
• Health Cashback Plan
• Wellbeing Services (including GP, Physio, and Savings Benefits)
• Thorn Wellbeing Support Contribution
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Supported Training & Personal Development Opportunities
  
  

Are you ready to elevate your career and make a meaningful impact in a high-security, data-driven environment? Apply now to join Thorn SDS and be a key contributor to our continued success.

All applicants must hold the Right to Work in the UK.