At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build data-driven solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence.
- Company: Join Nova Systems, a leader in advanced systems engineering and digital technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to work on meaningful defence projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national safety while growing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Python, SQL, and data engineering principles required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Nova Systems plays a vital role in modelling and simulation space by delivering advanced systems engineering and digital technology solutions that help governments and industries make critical decisions. Our work supports mission readiness, system optimisation, and scenario planning across defence, aerospace, and essential services. Future employees can expect to work on cutting-edge challenges that directly impact national safety and global stability, within a collaborative, values-driven culture. Our Vision - Smart people. Solving complex challenges. Making our world safe and secure.
As a Data Engineer in the Modelling & Simulation (M&S) domain, you will help design and build data-driven solutions that underpin experimentation and capability assessment for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). You’ll work closely with software engineers, analysts, and domain experts to collect, transform, and analyse simulation data enabling insight generation and informed decision-making. This role offers an excellent opportunity to grow your technical expertise in data engineering, analytics, and defence experimentation while contributing to meaningful projects.
Location - This role will primarily be based on the client site in Farnborough, Hampshire for 2-3 days a week.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop and maintain data pipelines to Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) simulation data for analysis and reporting.
- Support the design and automation of data workflows for experimentation and analysis.
- Assist in developing data models and analytical tools to support MOD Project Crucible and related M&S projects.
- Collaborate with software engineers to integrate data flows between simulation and analytical environments.
- Conduct data quality checks, validation, and pre-processing of simulation outputs.
- Contribute to experiment design, execution, and results interpretation.
Essential Experience and Requirements
- Programming experience in Python.
- Knowledge of data engineering principles and data lifecycle management.
- Proficiency with SQL ORM for querying, joining, and analysing datasets.
- Ability to perform data analysis, mathematical computation, and visualisation.
- Experience or interest in data pipelines, Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes, and automation.
- Familiarity with data orchestration, workflow design, or scripting automation.
- Ability to develop in an offline environment.
- Exposure to Defence Experimentation or simulation-based studies.
- Awareness of Air or Maritime domain systems.
Security Requirements
- UK Citizenship (we cannot accept dual citizenship due to the nature of the work).
- Ability to achieve Security Clearance (SC).
Why Join Us
At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects.
- Up to £1500-3000 Annual Professional Development Allowance.
- 25 days Annual Leave + UK Public Holidays.
- Enhanced Family Friendly Leave.
- Loyalty Leave.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Life Insurance.
- Up to 6 Weeks Sick Pay.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Reward & Recognition Programme.
- Discounts and more.
- Flexible and Hybrid working.
- Free Parking.
Location - We support any client/onsite workdays with travel expenses and accommodation when required, this supports you being based anywhere in the UK if you are happy to commute for those days where the team collaborates onsite. This is typically 2-3 days a week with the rest being home or office based. We do try our best to ensure we can be as flexible as possible and offer work from home options to balance the days, however due to the sensitive nature of some of our projects, then onsite is necessary. The client site is located at Cody Technology Park, Farnborough, Hampshire, which is where the work will be based.
Interview Process
- MS Teams Screen call with Talent Partner.
- MS Teams Interview with Hiring Manager / Snr Team Member.
- Final interview / meet the team - In Person at one of our Offices.
- Right to work documents / UK Passport must be provided at this stage if not before.
Please note - Due to the nature of the work Nova is involved in, we are required to comply with government regulations related to background checks and security clearances. Therefore, we must obtain your citizenship and country of birth information at the beginning of the recruitment process. We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual. At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.
Data Engineer in Farnborough employer: Nova Systems Pty
At Nova Systems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and values-driven culture. As a Data Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that enhance national safety while benefiting from a robust professional development allowance, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Our Farnborough location not only offers a dynamic work environment but also supports your growth in cutting-edge data engineering within the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Engineer in Farnborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at Nova Systems. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can talk confidently about Python, SQL, and data pipelines. Practice common interview questions and think of examples from your past work that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for defence and simulation! Research Nova Systems and be ready to discuss how your interests align with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the work they do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Nova Systems.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Engineer in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Engineer role. Highlight your programming experience in Python and any relevant data engineering principles you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Nova Systems!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for data engineering and how it connects to our work in defence and simulation. Let us know why you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on projects that involved ETL processes, data pipelines, or automation. If you've worked in defence or simulation-based studies, make sure to mention that too – it’s a big plus for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nova Systems Pty
✨Know Your Data Engineering Basics
Make sure you brush up on your data engineering principles and the data lifecycle management. Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL processes, as well as how you've used Python and SQL in past projects. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with software engineers and analysts, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of past teamwork experiences where you contributed to a project, especially in a technical environment. This will highlight your fit within their collaborative culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to data pipelines, data quality checks, and validation processes. Practise explaining your thought process when solving data-related problems. Being able to articulate your approach will impress the interviewers and show your analytical skills.
✨Understand the Defence Context
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and the specific challenges faced by organisations like Nova Systems. Research their projects, especially those related to the UK Ministry of Defence. Showing that you understand the impact of your work on national safety and global stability will resonate well with the interviewers.
