Senior Data Engineer

About the Role

Salary for UKTL specialist roles are benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in-demand technical expertise.

At UKTL, you’ll be part of a team strengthening the UK’s telecoms ecosystem through cutting-edge testing, research, and innovation. As a Senior Data Engineer, you’ll play a key role in supporting and collaborating with our Test and Research teams, turning complex data into meaningful insights that influence real-world decisions.

This is your opportunity to work at the intersection of telecoms, cybersecurity, and national infrastructure, contributing to work that genuinely matters.

Your impact

• Design, Build and maintain Data pipelines E2E.
• Turn complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that shape research and testing priorities
• Dive into telecoms systems, technologies, and infrastructure, exploring how they operate and where improvements can be made
• Work closely with test and research teams to solve challenges using data-driven approaches
• Create reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Contribute to system development, operational improvements, and wider strategic initiatives
• Stay on top of industry trends, cybersecurity developments, and regulatory changes
• Build analytical tools and outputs that support investigations and decision-making
• Continuously refine data and insights to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and valuable

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week

We strive to offer a great work life balance – if you are looking for full time, part time or flexoble options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

What you’ll bring

Your technical skills

• Demononstrable experience in building data pipelines
• A Software Engineering or related background
• Experience in data preparation – collecting, cleaning, and structuring data from multiple sources
• Confidence working with large, complex datasets to uncover patterns and insights
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including threat actors and TTPs
• Knowledge of machine learning and modelling, with the ability to build predictive or automated solutions
• Strong data exploration skills, with a curiosity for identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities
• Proficiency in multiple programming/scripting languages such as Python, Bash and others.

How you’ll work

• You’re a critical thinker and problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges
• You handle sensitive information with integrity and discretion
• You take ownership of your work and show initiative
• You have a strong attention to detail and care about quality
• You communicate confidently and collaborate well across multidisciplinary teams
• You’re organised and able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• You build strong working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Why this role is for you

• You’ll contribute to work that strengthens the UK’s telecoms infrastructure and security
• You’ll collaborate with experts across testing, research, and cyber resilience
• You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact
• You’ll work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment with opportunities to grow and develop

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

About Us

UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll‑out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security.

Read more about UKTL here!

Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.

As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here – The measure of us – Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition.

Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.