Data Engineer (Defence)

• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
• Security clearance: must be eligible for UK SC-level security clearance (UK national)
• Visa sponsorship: we are not able to sponsor visas for this role
• Closing date: applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About Neptune North

Neptune North is a high-performing technical consultancy. We build data, AI and software solutions for clients in defence, financial services and private capital, working on demanding problems in challenging environments.

We were founded in 2024 as a joint venture between Oliver Wyman and Rokos Capital Management. We’re headquartered in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, with a growing international footprint, and we’re recruiting exceptional engineers across every level.

The role

We’re looking for Data Engineers to build the data foundations that our defence work depends on. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will have impact across a wide variety of projects.

Potential projects might include fully engineered production pipelines, developing Proof of Concepts (POCs), and applied work to make sensitive or hard-to-reach data usable in operational settings.

Responsibilities

• Design and build data-intensive applications and pipelines, from ingest through to consumption
• Test, troubleshoot and improve data products, ensuring reliability and quality
• Provide technical expertise when it is required within the organisation and in client engagements
• Demonstrate flexibility in taking on work aligned to evolving company priorities
• Play an active role in sharing expertise to raise and re-use capability

What makes a great candidate

• Experience designing and building data-intensive applications and pipelines
• Excellent programming skills in one or more languages, typically Python and SQL
• Experience with some or all of the following: distributed computing frameworks such as Spark or Databricks; cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or GCP; orchestration tools such as Airflow
• A focus on data quality and reliability, with the instinct to test, troubleshoot and improve what you build
• A solid grounding in software engineering best practices and a desire to maintain high engineering standards in all your work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working effectively as part of a team and enthusiasm for knowledge-sharing and collaboration
• Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, while maintaining a disciplined, outcome-focussed approach
• Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class or 2:1 degree from a leading university in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Physics, or a related discipline
• Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus

What you can achieve

• Contribute to data capabilities that strengthen UK defence and national security
• Build a strong foundation in production data engineering and engineering best practices that will shape your career
• Develop your skills across the full data stack and a variety of technologies
• Learn from experienced data and software engineers who are invested in your growth
• Contribute to meaningful technical decisions as part of a collaborative, low-ego engineering team

Why join us

• Work on a wide variety of interesting problems alongside high-calibre colleagues. Our culture is collaborative and supportive. Neptune North is a place where people help each other grow and feel a real sense of belonging
• 25 days’ holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• Matching pension contributions up to 6%
• Private health insurance through Bupa
• Discretionary bonus

Travel

Neptune North works with clients across the UK’s defence sector. Many engagements involve regular travel and time on client site. This could mean two to three days per week over an entire assignment, or shorter periods of full-time on-site working anywhere in the UK, at sites including Cheltenham, Bristol, Glasgow, Portsmouth or other defence hubs. We support travelling staff with full expenses and hotel arrangements, and we discuss client placements with you in advance. We are looking for engineers who see this variety as part of the appeal of consultancy work rather than a downside.

Interview process

Our interview process is rigorous because the standard internally is high. For this role, it has three stages:

• Written questions, which you complete at a time that suits you
• A first interview covering your CV, experience and career aspirations
• A technical interview with members of our engineering team

Equity, diversity and inclusion

At Neptune North we are committed to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences help us attract, develop and retain the best talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race or ethnicity, identification as an LGBTQIA+ individual, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local law.