At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop innovative data solutions using Python and ETL processes.
- Company: Cabinet Office, part of the UK Government, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work locations, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting career development opportunities in a fast-paced, Agile environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI and data analysis while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python and ETL systems; passion for clean code and teamwork.
Location: Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York. Existing CO staff can work in their original contractual work location. Existing Civil Servants working in all other departments can work in Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle & York. External candidates can work in Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle & York.
About the job
Job summary: We are seeking a Software Developer experienced in back end (with focus on data pipelines) as well as wider technologies. You can code in Python and have experience of ETL systems e.g., Apache Spark or similar. During the interview, it will be beneficial to share and walk the panel through any historic code you have written. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting projects in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Automation and Data analysis. The ideal candidate will be proactive and collaborative, with a passion for clean, maintainable code and modern development practices. They are familiar with AGILE methodology, but are equally able to take ownership for key deliverables and can deliver autonomously. Knowledge working with AI solution implementation is advantageous but not essential.
Job description: You will join the Cabinet Office Digital, Data, Insights and AI team as a Software Developer in a multidisciplinary Agile team, delivering services for a large data warehouse and analytics platform (GRID). As a software engineer, you will initially have a core focus on back-end development. You will:
- Lead development of data engineering requirements from requirement through to live support.
- Complete information assurance activities for data transfers containing sensitive data (e.g., Data Protection Impact Assessments, Privacy Notices).
- Carry out performance and incident monitoring to ensure the smooth running of data services.
- Support the wider team with broader priorities, including front-end design.
- Coach and mentor junior developers, sharing good engineering practices.
The role responsibility may slowly change over time. Your main focus will be: Python and Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) processes.
You will require knowledge of:
- PySpark (AWS Glue) to build scalable data pipelines.
- AWS Lake Formation to implement Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC).
- Apache Iceberg to store data and optimise query performance.
Key broader technologies used by the wider team:
- Python as the primary programming language for general tasks.
- TypeScript to design front-end services using React.
- JavaScript/Node.js for backend services.
- YAML/JSON (CloudFormation) and Terraform (HCL) for infrastructure as code.
- Terraform, CodePipeline, and GitHub Actions for infrastructure deployment.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting digital services.
- Kubernetes and Docker for containerisation.
- Apache Iceberg, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Redis as databases.
- OpenSearch for vector stores used for storing and querying high-dimensional embeddings.
- Knowledge graphs, including the use of triplestores for storing and querying RDF data.
- Amazon Bedrock for hosting LLMs.
- GOV.UK Design System for interface design.
Person specification: This role is aligned with the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework, Software Developer role:
- Availability and capacity management: You can (working knowledge): Manage service components to ensure they meet business needs and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Development process optimisation: You can (awareness): Explain the importance of developing process efficiency and the common ways in which processes are optimised. Support specific activities to improve development processes. Identify obvious deficiencies.
- Information security: You can (practitioner): Design solutions and services with security controls included, specifically engineered to mitigate security threats.
- Modern development standards: You can (practitioner): Apply modern development standards and support others in applying them.
- Programming and build (software engineering): You can (practitioner): Collaborate with others when necessary to review specifications. Use the agreed specifications to design, code, test and document programs or scripts of medium-to-high complexity, using the right standards and tools.
- Prototyping: You can (practitioner): Approach prototyping as a team activity, actively soliciting prototypes and testing with others. Establish design patterns and iterate them. Use a variety of prototyping methods and choose the most appropriate.
- Service support: You can (working knowledge): Help fix service faults following agreed procedures. Carry out maintenance tasks on service support infrastructure.
- Systems design: You can (working knowledge): Translate logical designs into physical designs. Produce detailed designs. Effectively document all work using required standards, methods and tools, including prototyping tools where appropriate. Design systems characterised by managed levels of risk, manageable business and technical complexity, and meaningful impact. Work with well understood technology and identify appropriate patterns.
- Systems integration: You can (working knowledge): Build and test simple interfaces between systems. Work on more complex integration as part of a wider team.
- User focus: You can (practitioner): Collaborate with user researchers and can represent users internally. Explain the difference between user needs and the desires of the user. Champion user research to focus on all users. Prioritise and define approaches to understand the user story, guiding others in doing so. Offer recommendations on the best tools and methods to use.
Software Developer - Cabinet Office - SEO employer: Government Digital & Data
Contact Detail:
Government Digital & Data Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Developer - Cabinet Office - SEO
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with folks in the industry, especially those already working at the Cabinet Office or similar roles. LinkedIn is a great place to start – drop them a message and ask for a chat about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your coding skills. Make sure you can walk the panel through your past projects and code. They’ll want to see how you think and solve problems, so practice explaining your thought process clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for clean code and modern practices! During the interview, share examples of how you’ve implemented AGILE methodologies or mentored others. This will highlight your collaborative spirit and proactive approach.
✨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 serious about joining the team and ready to dive into exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Developer - Cabinet Office - SEO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Developer role. Highlight your experience with Python, ETL processes, and any relevant technologies like Apache Spark. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: When you apply, don’t forget to include links to your past projects or GitHub repositories. We love seeing your code in action! It gives us a better idea of your coding style and problem-solving skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital & Data
✨Showcase Your Code
Be ready to share and walk the panel through your past code. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your coding skills, especially in Python and ETL processes. Make sure you can explain your thought process and the decisions you made while writing the code.
✨Understand the Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like PySpark, AWS Lake Formation, and Apache Iceberg. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools or similar ones in your previous roles will show that you're prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary Agile team, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've worked with others, mentored junior developers, or contributed to team projects to showcase your teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about your approach to problem-solving and handling challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and effectively, making a strong impression on the interviewers.