At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and optimisation of secure data pipelines for mission-critical operations.
- Company: Join MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, dedicated to national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and mentoring support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by integrating AI into critical intelligence operations.
- Qualifications: Strong technical skills in data modelling or Python, with leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 74624 - 74624 € per year.
Location: Central London with some occasional wider UK travel.
Salary: £74,624 and a recruitment and retention allowance of £6,251, with opportunities for additional allowances and a skills‑related payment under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability (GDDPC) Framework – formerly known as DDaT.
Flexible Working: We support full time, part‑time, compressed, job share and other flexible working patterns. Due to the nature of our work this is an office‑based role, therefore opportunities for remote working and/or working from home are not possible.
About Us: We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic well‑being of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism and cyber‑attacks. Working across the globe and in close partnership with MI5 and GCHQ, we help the Government counter these threats through the provision of secret intelligence.
The Role: We are creating dedicated teams focused on bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into some of our most mission‑critical areas. As a Lead Data Engineer you’ll work in an environment where data supports MI6’s frontline teams and core enterprise operations.
Responsibilities: Day to day you’ll lead the design, build and optimisation of secure, scalable data pipelines across complex environments, ensuring sensitive, high‑volume data is onboarded, processed and used safely and effectively. You’ll work closely with operational officers, analysts, engineers and partners to integrate new data sources and enable advanced, AI‑driven workflows. Acting as a bridge between technical and non‑technical stakeholders, you’ll translate requirements into practical, high‑impact solutions. In addition to technical delivery you will provide direct engineering leadership, mentor junior engineers and shape best practice across teams. You will also support the evaluation, integration and ethical oversight of LLMs and agentic AI systems while driving exploration and prototyping of emerging technologies.
About You: You’re a curious, motivated person who enjoys solving problems in unstructured environments where no two challenges look the same. You are comfortable working independently, building data pipelines and developing robust data models with strong core technical skills grounded in data modelling or Python‑based ecosystems, rather than low‑code tools. You are comfortable engaging with both technical and non‑technical audiences, translating complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, and you enjoy shaping solutions collaboratively. At this level you bring either deep technical expertise or strong leadership experience, whether through mentoring others or managing people. You also have exposure to modern AI and LLM‑enabled workflows, including testing, evaluation and ethical considerations.
Training and Development: We invest in professional development and you’ll have access to a broad mix of learning opportunities, including in‑house and online training, technical deep dives and development pathways tailored to your interests. You will also have the support to strengthen your capability across modern AI techniques and wider security practices, with a variety of courses available. We use the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework to guide your growth and provide support for specialist accreditation, advanced AI training and broader professional recognition. Alongside formal training you’ll benefit from mentoring, peer support and a collaborative community that shares knowledge openly.
Rewards and Benefits: You will receive a starting salary of £74,624 and a recruitment and retention allowance of £6,251, plus additional benefits: 25 days annual leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privileged holidays. Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme. Interest‑free season ticket loan. Cycle to work scheme. Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations). Paid parental and adoption leave. Interest‑free loan to assist with relocating into privately rented accommodation.
Equal Opportunities: At MI6 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those with disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, and those from under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and individuals from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Eligibility: To work at MI6 you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance – Developed Vetting (DV). A strict drugs policy applies.
Contact: For further information about our culture, working environment and diversity, visit our careers page.
Lead Data Engineer employer: Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
At MI6, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Central London. As a Lead Data Engineer, you will not only enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits, including flexible working patterns and extensive professional development opportunities, but also be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to safeguarding the UK from global threats. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our vital work.
Contact Detail:
Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the data engineering field. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving AI and data pipelines. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. We want to see how you can communicate effectively!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at MI6.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with data pipelines, AI integration, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at MI6!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on your technical expertise! Detail your experience with Python-based ecosystems and data modelling. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table.
Communicate Clearly:Remember, you’ll be bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams. Use clear, straightforward language in your application to demonstrate your ability to translate complex ideas into actionable insights. We love clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Careers at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Lead Data Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in data modelling and Python-based ecosystems. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed and optimised data pipelines. Show them you can handle sensitive data securely and effectively.
✨Bridge the Gap
You’ll be acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, so practice translating complex ideas into simple, actionable insights. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse teams in the past, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
✨Show Your Curiosity
MI6 values curiosity and problem-solving in unstructured environments. Be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Highlight your experience with AI and LLM-enabled workflows, showcasing your ability to explore and prototype emerging technologies.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentorship
Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers and shaping best practices, come ready to share your leadership experiences. Talk about how you've guided others in their development and contributed to a collaborative team environment, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth.
