Data Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Data Engineer

Business Function: IT (Data & Analytics) Salary: £42,000 Location: York/Leeds/Manchester Contract: Permanent / Full-time Type: Hybrid (3 days in an office) Are you passionate about turning data into powerful insights that drive real-world impact? Join Northern as a Data Engineer and play a vital role in shaping how we use data to improve operations, enhance passenger experience, and support smarter decision-making across the business. You’ll design, build, and optimise modern data pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring data flows efficiently, securely, and reliably across our systems. Working closely with analysts, IT teams, and business leaders, you’ll enable data-driven innovation that keeps Northern moving forward. What you’ll do:

• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines and infrastructure
• Implement ETL processes to transform raw data into actionable insights
• Champion data quality, governance, and best practices
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align data solutions with business needs
• Drive continuous improvement through automation and innovation

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related field
• Hands-on experience with cloud data platforms and modern data tools
• Strong programming and data modeling skills
• A collaborative mindset and passion for data excellence

Join a team where your work directly impacts how millions of passengers experience rail travel. Help us build the future of data at Northern. What’s in it for you? At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Free travel – unlimited on Northern services for you and your family, plus up to 75% discount on other UK and European networks.
• Generous pension – we top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced family leave – 9 months full pay for maternity leave, 2 weeks full pay for paternity.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike.
• Electric Car Scheme – lease a brand-new EV or hybrid.
• Northern Perks – discounts on shopping, wellbeing and more.
• Holiday purchase scheme – buy up to 5 extra days off.
• Training & career development – tailored training, recognised qualifications and clear career pathways.
• Recognition – our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks awards celebrate everyday brilliance.

Why Northern? We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment. Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey. A place for everyone The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.