Senior Data Engineer

Job Description

Business Function: Finance
Salary: £56,000
Location: Manchester/Leeds/York
Role type: Hybrid
Hours: 37 per week

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Data Engineer to lead the design and optimisation of our data platform, enabling data-driven decision-making and improving passenger experience across the organisation.

The Role

You’ll design, build and optimise scalable data pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring high-quality, reliable data is available across the business. Acting as technical expert in the Data Engineering team, you’ll support the Lead Data Platform Engineer, collaborate with IT leadership, analysts and operational teams to deliver robust, secure and compliant data solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and inform the data engineering strategy

• Design and maintain scalable ETL pipelines and data platforms

• Ensure data quality, governance, lineage and GDPR compliance

• Shape data models, marts and architecture standards

• Mentor Data Engineers and support agile delivery

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable, high-performing data pipelines

• Accurate, trusted data across the organisation

• Strong stakeholder confidence in data and technology

About You

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science or similar

• Significant experience in data engineering

• Strong Python and modern data platform experience (e.g., Fabric, Synapse)

• Deep understanding of ETL, data modelling and cloud environments (Azure, AWS or GCP)

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

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 a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

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, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. 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.