Senior Data Engineer

Senior Data Engineer

Perth Full-Time 36600 - 54400 £ / 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, discounts on healthcare, gym memberships, and generous family entitlements.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team transforming energy solutions while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in data engineering, Databricks, Python, SQL, and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: SSE values diversity and offers support for all applicants to ensure a positive experience.

The predicted salary is between 36600 - 54400 £ 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

SSE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises flexibility and employee wellbeing. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a culture that embraces innovation in data engineering. Located in vibrant cities like Havant, Reading, Glasgow, and Perth, SSE provides a supportive atmosphere with generous benefits, including private healthcare discounts and family entitlements, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the energy sector.
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Contact Detail:

SSE PLC 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. You might want to create a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your ability to build efficient data pipelines and solutions.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of SSE, particularly those in the GTS Data Services team. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with DevOps practices and how you've implemented CI/CD in previous roles. Being able to articulate your approach to testing, monitoring, and optimisation will set you apart from other candidates.

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
Peer Review and Best Practices

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 Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are a great fit for the Senior Data Engineer position. Discuss your experience with data pipelines in an Azure environment and your ability to work collaboratively with business stakeholders to find optimal solutions.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you have designed, developed, and maintained data solutions. Highlight any experience with CI/CD, testing, and monitoring, as well as your contributions to team best practices.

Prepare for Online Application: When you're ready to apply, ensure that all your documents are in order and that you complete the online application through the SSE website. Double-check for any specific requirements mentioned in the job description before submitting.

How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Senior Data Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in data engineering and the tools you'll be using. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Databricks, Python, and SQL, and provide examples of how you've successfully built data solutions in the past.

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with SSE's mission to lead in a net zero world. Show that you understand their projects, like the offshore wind farm, and express how your role as a Senior Data Engineer can contribute to these initiatives.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've had to refine business requirements or design data solutions, highlighting your thought process and outcomes.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves advising and assisting team members, highlight your communication skills and experience working collaboratively. Share examples of how you've peer-reviewed work and ensured best practices within a team setting.

Senior Data Engineer
SSE PLC
Location: Perth
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  • Senior Data Engineer

    Perth
    Full-Time
    36600 - 54400 £ / year (est.)
  • S

    SSE PLC

    20000+
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