Lead Data Engineer

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Lead Data Engineer

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 - £86,000

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. It’s what we call Defining Possible.

This mind‑set goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within our communities.

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Lead Data Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing and maintaining the data‑driven infrastructure that powers our services. You’ll work across exciting, complex and meaningful projects in a unique mission space, helping to deliver solutions that have real‑world impact.

You will also bring strong leadership, guiding your team through both technical and delivery challenges to support customer requirements and programme goals.

“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.”
– Matthew Bullock, Software Manager, Northrop Grumman UK

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.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We value potential, passion and a willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type.
You must 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

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day we help build a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. What we do together truly matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters. You’ll join an inclusive community supported by employee‑led groups and partnerships that champion diversity, wellbeing and development.

Your Career, Your Way

Shape your journey with diverse roles, mentoring and development opportunities. Enjoy flexibility that supports your wellbeing and benefits that help you grow personally and professionally.

Ready to Apply?

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.