Senior Data Engineer

Senior Data Engineer

Perth Full-Time 42600 - 64000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data engineering projects, design solutions, and develop reliable data pipelines in Azure.
  • Company: Join SSE, a pioneering energy company committed to a net zero future with innovative projects.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare discounts, wellbeing support, and generous family entitlements.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving impactful data solutions in a forward-thinking environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in data engineering, Databricks, Python, SQL, and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: SSE values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 42600 - 64000 ÂŁ per year.

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Base Location: You\’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations Reading, Aberdeen, Perth or Glasgow

Salary: £42,600 – £64,000+ Performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven individual to make a meaningful impact within SSE Renewables. The successful candidate will bring a strong commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability, and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving. A genuine enthusiasm for delivering high‑quality outcomes, combined with deep expertise in data management, is essential. If you thrive in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment and are motivated by making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

The Renewables Digital IM and Data Team is scaling up the development of a governed, cost‑efficient data platform designed to deliver robust, actionable insights that support strategic decision‑making and drive measurable business value across the organisation.

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will design, build, and optimise data ingestion, transformation, and serving layers across OneLake, Lakehouse, Warehouse, and Synapse SQL/Spark‑enabling reliable analytics, BI, and data science use cases across the Renewables business. You will collaborate with data architects, analysts, and product teams to deliver high‑quality ELT/ETL pipelines, model data for performance and usability, and apply best practices in security, data quality, and observability.

In this role, you will act as a technical lead within the Data & AI team, contributing to project scoping, providing expert guidance, and ensuring solutions are well‑architected and aligned with business needs. You will also mentor and support junior team members, helping them develop their skills and deliver strong engineering outcomes.

You Will

  • Provide technical leadership, acting as an advisor during project scoping and offering internal consultancy to ensure solutions are well‑designed and aligned to business goals.
  • Deliver Data Platform Engineering by building and maintaining metadata‑driven data pipelines using Fabric and Synapse, and developing Lakehouse/Warehouse layers using bronze/silver/gold patterns.
  • Perform large‑scale transformations using Fabric Notebooks (PySpark/SQL) and Synapse Spark, and design performant data models integrated with Power BI and Direct Lake.
  • Lead Governance, Security & Compliance practices, including implementing Purview lineage and cataloguing, enforcing RBAC and data masking, managing SLAs/SLOs, and supporting data standards across the platform.
  • Drive DevOps, automation, and collaboration, working closely with analysts, BI developers, and product teams to refine requirements, deliver scalable solutions, and guide junior engineers.
  • Shape the future direction of the data platform by contributing to technology evaluations and architectural decisions, including assessing emerging tools, cloud capabilities, and opportunities to evolve beyond the current Fabric/Synapse landscape where beneficial.

You Have

  • A strong track record of delivering high‑quality data solutions in a complex, fast‑growing organisation, with the ability to balance priorities and collaborate effectively across technical and business teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, enabling you to explain technical concepts clearly and work confidently with colleagues across the IM Apps & Data team and wider Renewables business.
  • Deep expertise in modern Data Platform Engineering, with hands‑on experience building metadata‑driven pipelines using Microsoft Fabric and Synapse, developing Lakehouse/Warehouse architectures, and applying PySpark/SQL for large‑scale data processing and data quality management.
  • Proven ability to design performant, user‑focused data models that integrate seamlessly with Power BI (including Direct Lake), along with a positive, solution‑driven approach to resolving challenges.
  • Experience working with modern cloud and analytics ecosystems such as AWS or Databricks, bringing additional perspective and flexibility that complements our current Microsoft‑centric platform and supports future evolution of the data landscape.

About SSE

SSE\’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plansees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day‑to‑day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact David.Brickell@sse.com / 01738 275 846 to discuss how we can support you.

We\’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We\’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we\’ll be taking your application further. If you\’re offered a role with SSE, you\’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

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Senior Data Engineer employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises flexibility and employee wellbeing. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and family entitlements, SSE fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, empowering employees to thrive in their careers while contributing to a sustainable future in energy.
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Contact Detail:

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Databricks platform, as it's a key requirement for this role. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects that utilise Databricks to showcase your skills.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Python and SQL skills, especially in the context of data engineering. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these languages during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD processes. Having concrete examples of how you've implemented these in past projects will show your capability to operate at a senior level.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current employees or professionals in the data engineering field. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer

Data Engineering
Azure Data Solutions
Databricks Platform
Python Programming
SQL Proficiency
Data Pipeline Development
Data Visualisation
Machine Learning Concepts
CI/CD Practices
Testing and Quality Assurance
Monitoring and Optimisation
Cost Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Best Practices in Data Governance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your long-term experience in data engineering, particularly your involvement in end-to-end development and delivery. Emphasise your skills with the Databricks platform, Python, and SQL, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company’s mission towards a net zero world. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Senior Data Engineer role, such as designing data pipelines or working with business stakeholders.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since great communication skills are essential for this role, consider including examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to represent technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. This could be through previous project experiences or team collaborations.

Highlight DevOps Experience: If you have experience with DevOps practices, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss any relevant projects where you implemented CI/CD, monitoring, or optimisation, as these are key aspects of the role within SSE's GTS Data Services team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Senior Data Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in data engineering and platforms like Databricks. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've designed and implemented data solutions, highlighting your proficiency in Python and SQL.

✨Understand the Business Context

It's crucial to show that you can align technical solutions with business needs. Research SSE's goals, especially their commitment to a net zero world, and think about how your work can contribute to these objectives. This will help you articulate your value during the interview.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with challenges in data pipeline design or optimisation, and be ready to explain how you would approach various data engineering tasks.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves advising and assisting team members, highlight your experience in mentoring and collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success and ensured quality through peer reviews and best practices.

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