At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain data pipelines to support critical decision-making.
- Company: Join MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, on a vital mission.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development and training tailored to your interests.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by integrating AI into national security efforts.
- Qualifications: Strong skills in data modelling and Python; problem-solving mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 63823 - 63823 € per year.
Location: Central London with occasional wider UK travel. Salary: £63,823, with an opportunity to qualify for additional allowances and a skills‑related payment under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability (GDDPC) Framework.
Flexible Working: We support full‑time, part‑time, compressed, job‑share and other flexible working patterns. This is an office‑based role, so remote or work‑from‑home is not possible.
About Us: We’re MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic well‑being of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber‑attacks.
Role: As a Senior Data Engineer, you’ll join a mission‑focused team that brings Artificial Intelligence into some of our most mission‑critical areas. You’ll tackle complex and often imperfect datasets, building, refining, and maintaining data pipelines that enable teams to make fast, informed decisions. You’ll work with Software Engineers and Applied AI Scientists to operationalise models and integrate APIs, translating technical possibilities into reliable tools. You’ll also share knowledge, guide peers, and help evolve best practices, experimenting with new tools to keep our technical capabilities cutting‑edge.
Responsibilities:
- Build, refine, and maintain data pipelines that support decision‑making.
- Onboard sensitive data and enforce strict legal and ethical handling.
- Operationalise AI models and integrate APIs with the engineering team.
- Share expertise, guide peers, and contribute to engineering community practices.
- Experiment with new tools to keep technical capabilities current.
Qualifications:
- Curious, adaptable, and motivated with a problem‑solving mindset.
- Strong skills in data modelling or Python‑based ecosystems.
- Experience building data pipelines and robust data models.
- Deep technical expertise and experience with modern AI and LLM‑enabled workflows.
- Ability to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences and translate complex ideas into actionable insights.
Training and Development: We invest in professional development, providing a broad mix of in‑house and online training, technical deep dives, and development pathways tailored to your interests. You’ll have access to support for modern AI techniques, security practices, and external accreditation opportunities.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays.
- Recognition through our employee performance scheme.
- Interest‑free seasonal transport loan.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars at some locations.
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities: We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups under‑represented in our workforce such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Requirements:
- British citizen or dual British nationality.
- Eligibility to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
Senior Data Engineer Ref. 3730 in London employer: UK Intelligence Services
At MI6, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Central London where your contributions directly impact national security. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive training opportunities and flexible working arrangements to suit diverse needs, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to on-site amenities. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values innovation, collaboration, and the growth of every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Engineer Ref. 3730 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at MI6 on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data engineering skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with data pipelines and AI models. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the mission! Research MI6’s role in national security and think about how your skills can contribute. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what we 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 our team at MI6.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Engineer Ref. 3730 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Data Engineer role. Highlight your experience with data pipelines, Python ecosystems, and any AI-related projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with MI6 and how your problem-solving mindset can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t shy away from showcasing your technical expertise! Include specific examples of how you've built robust data models or operationalised AI models in the past. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Intelligence Services
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Senior Data Engineer, you'll be dealing with complex datasets. Make sure you brush up on your data modelling skills and have examples ready to discuss how you've built and maintained data pipelines in the past. This will show your technical expertise and problem-solving mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with AI and APIs
Since the role involves operationalising AI models and integrating APIs, it’s crucial to understand these concepts thoroughly. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects where you've worked with AI or APIs, and be ready to explain how you translated technical possibilities into practical tools.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires working closely with Software Engineers and Applied AI Scientists. Think of examples that highlight your ability to share knowledge and guide peers. Emphasise your experience in contributing to community practices and how you’ve helped evolve best practices in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Ethical Discussions
Given the sensitive nature of the data you'll be handling, be prepared to discuss legal and ethical considerations in data management. Show that you understand the importance of strict data handling protocols and can engage both technical and non-technical audiences on these topics.
