Data Engineer (Mid-Lead)
Summary
A mid-lead data engineer builds and ships Python APIs, backend services and data pipelines for AI applications on GCP, embedded on client sites (mainly a global bank's Group AI function) up to 3 days a week. The role also involves leading feature teams and mentoring other engineers.
Sheffield, Birmingham or London | Hybrid, on client site up to 3 days a week
I'm working with an AI-native technology services company that embeds engineering teams inside large enterprises and public sector organisations to build, scale and run AI systems. After several years of developing talent, they're now growing their experienced bench and are hiring engineers at all levels.
The work
Most current demand sits within the Group AI function of a global bank. Its AI productivity suite covers customer-facing and internal applications, and you'd be hands-on across testing, productionisation and rollout, taking AI from prototype into live use at enterprise scale. The business also delivers across insurance and the public sector, including work alongside a Big Four partner. Projects typically run from 12 months to two years.
What the role involves
- Build APIs, backend services, data pipelines and AI-enabled applications that go into production
- Work directly with product leads, data scientists and non-technical stakeholders to turn requirements into working software
- Lead: lead feature teams on client sites, own stakeholder relationships and set technical direction while developing the people around you
What they're looking for
- Experience building, testing and shipping Python software into production, end to end
- A consulting mindset: comfortable in front of stakeholders, not just behind a screen
- A track record of mentoring or coaching other engineers
- GCP is the main cloud platform. Strong AWS engineers are welcome, and full GCP training is provided
- Nice to have: Apache Spark, financial services or fintech, capital markets knowledge, TypeScript
What's on offer
- A strong base salary that reflects the fixed-term contract, with room to flex within the band
- Google Cloud AI leadership and AI model certifications from day one, with all training in-house
- Routes beyond the contract: convert to a permanent role with the client, extend, or redeploy to a new client. These aren't guaranteed, but around 150 people have already moved from fixed-term to permanent
- 30 days' annual leave including bank holidays, salary-sacrifice pension and a wellbeing budget
- No regular head office attendance beyond onboarding and company socials, with travel and accommodation covered for those
Process
Three stages over three to four weeks: an initial conversation, a technical assessment and a practical client interview. Once the client says yes, onboarding can happen within two weeks.