At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise scalable data solutions to enhance business insights and customer experience.
- Company: Join SSE plc, a leading energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects in AI and automation while mentoring junior engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience with Azure data services, Python, and ETL pipelines is essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive, inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42600 - 64000 £ per year.
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 supports our current Microsoft-centric platform and 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 plan sees 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: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at SSE. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with Azure data services and any cool projects you've worked on. Let them see your passion for data engineering and innovation.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on SSE and their data strategy. Be ready to discuss how your skills in Python, ETL pipelines, and cloud technologies can contribute to their goals. Confidence is key, so practice common interview questions!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 the SSE team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Azure data services and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your technical skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of how you've used Python, T-SQL, or built ETL pipelines. This helps us understand your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for innovation and how you can contribute to our data strategy. We love seeing candidates who are passionate about AI and automation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your hands-on experience with Azure data services and Python/PySpark. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've built ETL pipelines or developed data models, as this will show your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences with junior engineers, as this demonstrates your ability to promote teamwork and knowledge sharing.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so think of ways to convey your insights clearly during the interview.
✨Embrace Innovation and Adaptability
SSE values enthusiasm for innovation, especially in AI and automation. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to new technologies or methodologies in your previous roles, and express your eagerness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.