> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1444939-lead-data-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1444939-lead-data-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Engineer - **Company:** Kainos - **Location:** Belfast, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £69,787.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Software Applications, Unit Testing, Microsoft Azure, Data as a Services, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Persistent Data Structure, Data Warehousing, Distributed Data Store, Python (Programming Language), Operational Data Store, Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Data Processing, Integration Frameworks, Data Pipelines, Databricks - **Published:** July 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5815071486 ## About the Role * Experience of leading a team of engineers in the implementation of data-intensive system components * Experience of applying standards for design (patterns), development, (style guides) and operational readiness (automation, deployment) * Proficient software development experience in one of Java, Scala, or Python * Software development experience with data-processing platforms from vendors including Informatica, Azure Databricks or any relevant ETL tools * Expert in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use case * Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data processing frameworks * Ability to simply and clearly communicate technical design both written and verbally * Proficient in designing analytical and operational data models * A keen interest in AI technologies Desirable: * Comfortable with Data Warehouse methods and techniques * Actively shares their thoughts and views on data practices * AWS/Azure/GCP Certified in Data Services * Expertise in continuous improvement and sharing input on data best practice * Participation in development and/or technology communities * Practical experience with AI technologies, tools, processes and delivery Who you are: Our vision is to enable outstanding people to create digital solutions that have a positive impact on people's lives. Our values aren't abstract; they are the behaviours we expect from each other every day, and underpin everything that we do. We expect everyone to display our values by being determined in how obstacles are overcome; honest when dealing with others; respectful of how you treat others; creative to find solutions to complex problems and cooperative by sharing information, knowledge and experience. ## Description As a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) at Kainos you will be responsible for designing and developing data processing and data persistence software components for solutions which handle data at scale. Working in agile teams, Lead Data Engineers provide strong development leadership for team members and take responsibility for the quality of the codebase as well as the match to user needs. Your responsibilities will include: * Taking responsibility for the development of whole components or subsystems within a team. Development incorporates design, code, test and defect resolution. * Focusing on hands-on design and development, using open source and commercial platforms. * Defining and enforcing development best practice and coaching team members to ensure consistency. * Working with project architects, taking responsibility for non-functional needs of ETL/ELT data processing pipelines such as robustness and performance. * Taking responsibility for standards and execution of unit and integration testing done within the team. * Taking responsibility for software product due diligence and integration. * Leading troubleshooting and tuning of activities. * Working with Operations teams to ensure the application software is operationally ready. * Working with Security Architects and accreditors to ensure compliance with relevant legal and security requirements * Advising customers and managers and other team members of the estimated effort and technical implications of user stories and user journeys. * Contributing to technical proposals as part of the sales process. * Managing, coaching and developing a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You'll also provide direction for your team as you solve problems together ## Related Videos - [From Messy Queries to Scalable Systems - How Data Engineering actually works](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100203-from-messy-queries-to-scalable-systems-how-data-engineering-actually-works) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1146-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) - [Are you still programming unit tests or already generating?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/722-are-you-still-programming-unit-tests-or-already-generating) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Fault Tolerance and Consistency at Scale: Harnessing the Power of Distributed SQL Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1520-fault-tolerance-and-consistency-at-scale-harnessing-the-power-of-distributed-sql-databases) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)