At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of scalable data pipelines using modern cloud technologies.
- Company: Join SSE, a pioneering energy company committed to a net zero future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of a team transforming energy solutions for millions while advancing your data engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Azure Databricks, Python, and Agile workflows is essential.
- Other info: SSE values diversity and offers equal opportunities for all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36600 - 54400 ÂŁ 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 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 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 ensuring 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 or 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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Databricks ecosystem, especially focusing on Delta Live Tables and Unity Catalog. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your understanding of cloud-native data architecture by preparing examples of past projects where you optimised data pipelines for performance and scalability. This will highlight your ability to contribute effectively to SSE's data infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of SSE plc on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile development workflows and CI/CD pipelines. Being able to articulate how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams will set you apart as a candidate who can thrive in SSE's dynamic environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data engineering, particularly with Azure Databricks, Python, and PySpark. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in building data pipelines and optimising data architecture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at SSE plc and how your background aligns with their mission of leading in a net zero world. Mention your experience in asset-intensive environments and your familiarity with Agile methodologies.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical expertise in your application. Highlight your hands-on experience with version control, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native data architecture. This will show that you are well-versed in the tools and practices they value.
Demonstrate Collaboration Experience: SSE plc values teamwork, so include examples of how you've worked cross-functionally with analysts and product teams. Discuss any mentoring experiences or knowledge-sharing initiatives you've led to illustrate your collaborative spirit.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with the Databricks ecosystem, Python, and PySpark during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've built data pipelines and how you optimised them for performance and reliability.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in data engineering, particularly in asset-intensive environments. Discuss your approach to troubleshooting pipeline issues and ensuring data health, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be ready to talk about your experiences in fostering a knowledge-sharing culture. Highlight any instances where you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful data solutions.
✨Align with SSE's Values
Research SSE's commitment to sustainability and their ambitious goals in the energy sector. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a net-zero world and how your skills can help achieve these objectives.