Data Engineer

Methods Analytics exists to improve society by helping people make better decisions with data. Combining passionate people, sector-specific insight and technical excellence to provide our customers an end-to-end data service. We use a collaborative, creative and user centric approach data to do good and solve difficult problems. We ensure that our outputs are transparent, robust and transformative.

We value discussion and debate as part of our approach. We will question assumptions, ambition and process – but do so with respect and humility. We relish difficult problems, and overcome them with innovation, creativity and technical freedom to help us design optimum solutions. Ethics, privacy and quality are at the heart of our work and we will not sacrifice these for outcomes. We treat data with respect and use it only for the right purpose. Our people are positive, dedicated and relentless. Data is a vast topic, but we strive for interactions that are engaging, informative and fun in equal measure.

Methods Analytics was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

Purpose of the Role:

Methods Analytics (MA) is recruiting for a Data Engineer to join our team within the Public Sector Business unit on a permanent basis. This role will be mainly remote but require flexibility to travel to client sites, and our offices based in London, Sheffield, and Bristol.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, translating complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences and aligning data solutions with business needs.
• Collaborate with a dynamic delivery team on innovative projects, transforming raw data into powerful insights that shape strategic decisions and drive business transformation.
• Utilise platforms and tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Databricks, and PowerBI to build robust, scalable, and future-proof end-to-end data solutions.
• Design and implement efficient ETL and ELT pipelines, ensuring seamless integration and transformation of data from various sources to deliver clean, reliable data.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated data models, employing dimensional modelling techniques to support comprehensive data analysis and reporting.
• Implement and uphold best practices in data governance, security, and compliance, using tools like Azure Purview, Unity Catalog, and Apache Atlas to maintain data integrity and trust.
• Ensure data quality and integrity through meticulous attention to detail and rigorous QA processes, continually refining and optimising data queries for performance and cost-efficiency.
• Develop intuitive and visually compelling Power BI dashboards that provide actionable insights to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Monitor and tune solution performance, identifying opportunities for optimisation to enhance the reliability, speed, and functionality of data systems.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and advancements, continuously enhancing your skills and incorporating the latest Data Engineering tools, languages, and methodologies into your work.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in SQL and Python: You are highly proficient in SQL and Python, enabling you to handle complex data problems with ease.
• Understanding of Data Lakehouse Architecture: You have a strong grasp of the principles and implementation of Data Lakehouse architecture.
• Hands-On Experience with Spark-Based Solutions: You possess experience with Spark-based platforms like Azure Synapse, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, or even on-premise Spark clusters, using PySpark or Spark SQL to manage and process large datasets.
• Expertise in Building ETL and ELT Pipelines: You are skilled in building robust ETL and ELT pipelines, mostly in Azure, utilising Azure Data Factory and Spark-based solutions to ensure efficient data flow and transformation.
• Efficiency in Query Writing: You can craft and optimise queries to be both cost-effective and high-performing, ensuring fast and reliable data retrieval.
• Experience in Power BI Dashboard Development: You possess experience in creating insightful and interactive Power BI dashboards that drive business decisions.
• Proficiency in Dimensional Modelling: You are adept at applying dimensional modelling techniques, creating efficient and effective data models tailored to business needs.
• CI/CD Mindset: You naturally work within Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) environments, ensuring automated builds, deployments, and unit testing are integral parts of your development workflow.
• Business Requirements Translation: You have a knack for understanding business requirements and translating them into precise technical specifications that guide data solutions.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to effectively translate complex technical topics into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying up to date with the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies.

Your Impact:

• Enable business leaders to make informed decisions with confidence by providing them with timely, accurate, and actionable data insights.
• Be at the forefront of data innovation, driving the adoption and understanding of modern tooling, architectures, and platforms.
• Deliver seamless and intuitive data solutions that enhance the user experience, from real-time streaming data services to interactive dashboards.
• Play a key role in cultivating a data-driven culture within the organisation, mentoring team members, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the Engineering Practice.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Exposure to Microsoft Fabric: Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and its capabilities would be a significant advantage.
• Experience with High-Performance Data Systems: Handling large-scale data systems with high performance and low latency, such as managing 1 billion+ records or terabyte-sized databases.
• Knowledge of Delta Tables or Apache Iceberg: Understanding and experience with Delta Tables or Apache Iceberg for managing large-scale data lakes efficiently.
• Knowledge of Data Governance Tools: Experience with data governance tools like Azure Purview, Unity Catalog, or Apache Atlas to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Exposure to Streaming/Event-Based Technologies: Experience with technologies such as Kafka, Azure Event Hub, and Spark Streaming for real-time data processing and event-driven architectures.
• Understanding of SOLID Principles: Familiarity with the SOLID principles of object-oriented programming.
• Understanding of Agile Development Methodologies: Familiarity with iterative and agile development methodologies such as SCRUM, contributing to a flexible and responsive development environment.
• Familiarity with Recent Innovations: Knowledge of recent innovations such as GenAI, RAG, and Microsoft Copilot, as well as certifications with leading cloud providers and in areas of data science, AI, and ML.
• Experience with Data for Data Science/AI/ML: Experience working with data tailored for data science, AI, and ML applications.
• Experience with Public Sector Clients: Experience working with public sector clients and understanding their specific needs and requirements.

This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

Methods Analytics is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect:

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience.
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society.
• Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership.
• A supportive and collaborative environment.

As well as this, we offer:

• Development access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme and training.
• Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance programme.
• Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month as well as commitment to charitable causes.
• Time off 25 days a year.
• Pension Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.
• Discretionary Company Bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Life Assurance of 4 times base salary.
• Private Medical Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included).
• Worldwide Travel Insurance which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included).