Lead Data (Product) Engineer £57,515 - £82,430

Job summary

Are you an experienced Data Engineer with strong SQL skills, python knowledge, interest in data processing in could platform and delivering reliable data products?

Are you looking for a role within a reputable public organisation?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at DVLA roles: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data (Product) Engineer to join our data platform team to help us deliver high-impact data products enabling better decisions, insights and services across the DVLA. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading data engineering projects, ensuring the efficient processing and management of data across the organization.

The role requires strong understanding of data modelling and processing but focuses on practical ability to implement the solutions using a range of technologies and languages (e.g. SQL, Python, Databricks, Apache Spark, Lakehouse and various RDBMS).

This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role. You will get to lead a team working on a modern data platform, collaborating with engineering product teams delivering services and working closely with reporting teams and data scientists to help understand and optimise our digital services. You will set direction and standards for data product engineering, ensuring that data products are well‑designed, reliable, secure and aligned to user needs. While you will not be responsible for building or operating the underlying data platform, you will work in close partnership with platform teams to ensure data products are delivered efficiently and sustainably.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Responsible for the design and implementation of complex data flows connecting operational systems for data storage, analytics and business intelligence applications.
2. Recognise and share opportunities to reuse existing data flows between teams.
3. Build data products using data-streaming systems.
4. Co-ordinate teams and set best practice and standards.
5. Apply knowledge of systems integration to your work.
6. Champion data engineering across government.
7. Design and assure robust data models and integrations that meet standards, improve data quality, and enable reuse across teams.
8. Lead performance optimisation across data platforms, anticipating risks and defining standards that balance cost, scalability and reliability.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Open Sessions: Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it’s like to work in our department? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on 20th May 2026 at 12pm. Sign up here

Person specification

Required experience:

1. Technical Expertise: Extensive experience with data ingestion, cleansing, transformation and modelling. Knowledge of modern cloud platforms and data lake technologies.
2. Programming Skills: Proficiency in SQL, Python and other relevant programming languages with typical tools for collaborative work on code. Experience with build, test and deployment automation.
3. Big Data Technologies: Experience with big data technologies such as Apache Spark / Databricks, data lake and lakehouse architectures.
4. Data Warehousing: Strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts and solutions.
5. Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach.
6. Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of data engineers.

Additional Information

You will play a key role in shaping how DVLA designs, builds and evolves its data products, contributing to departmental priorities and championing modern data engineering practices across the organisation and wider government. It matters, because at the DVLA we provide digital services to millions of UK citizens, the motor industries and emergency services.

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay £57,515. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £24,915.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.

At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 53 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.

To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (the location cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role. To contact the vacancy holder, please use the job contact details listed under ‘Contact point for applicants’.

Visa Sponsorship

Please take note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Security Check

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer - Technical Understanding (Skill level: Practitioner)
• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer – Data Development Process (Skill level: Expert)
• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer - Data Integration Design (Skill level: Expert)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,515, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency contributes £16,662 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Best in class learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues
• Generous employer contribution of 28.9%, depending on chosen pension scheme

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

• Digital communities with clear career frameworks
• On-site gym plus personal training available (membership applies)
• On-site nursery, restaurants and coffee bar
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing by 1 each year (up to 30) & 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.

• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Free parking

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies (opens in a new window).

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to apply:

Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.

The selection process for this role will be:

Stage 1: Practical Exercise

Stage 2: Sift of personal statement

Stage 3: Interview and technical exercise

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Practical Exercise

You will be assessed against the technical element of Success Profiles

To ensure your suitability for the role, you will be sent a link to complete a practical exercise. Please complete the exercise as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the exercise is 29/05/26. If you fail to complete the task before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the task will be available when you are invited to take the exercise.

If you successfully complete the exercise, you will be invited to complete a Personal Statement.

Stage 2: Sift

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a personal statement to Inspire People (our Recruitment Partners) which outlines your experience and suitability for the role (based on the experience points outlined in the essential criteria on this advert).

Upon receipt of your personal statement, DVLA Hiring Managers will complete a sift. Please note; the sift will be completed on a rolling basis whilst the campaign is still live and so there is potential for feedback to be shared with you (on your application) before the advert closes.

To apply please click 'Apply at advertiser's site' at the bottom of the page. For this role you will need to submit a personal statement. Within your personal statement please provide detailed evidence of your experience of the essential criteria below:

Experience – you will be asked to provide a personal statement(maximum 500-word count, to cover both points below):

Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:

• Building and operating a complex, challenging or large-scale data platform, with particular focus on ingestion, cleansing, and preparing for analytical workloads data from multiple, diverse data sources. What was the key challenge you have addressed?
• Chosen data technology specialism (e.g. SQL, Python, Data Warehousing, Data Governance). How do you use the skill? What makes you an expert?

The sift will take place 01/06/26

Stage 3: Interview & Assessment

At interview stage, there will be an interview and a technical practical coding exercise, which will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

Behaviours –

• Leadership
• Developing Self & Others

Technical –

• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer - Technical Understanding (Skill level: Practitioner)
• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer – Data Development Process (Skill level: Expert)
• GDaD Framework - Lead Data Engineer - Data Integration Design (Skill level: Expert)

The interviews will take place week commencing from 11/06/26

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.

This interview will be conducted in person at our Swansea office. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site

Further information on the selection process

Feedback on your application can only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

We will also hold a12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.

Pre-employment Checking

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service within the last 12 months, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage.

All current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour

Threats or acts of violence

Illegal activity or substance misuse

Sexually explicit material

Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public.

Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle—it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture.

If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Zymante Gintalaite
• Email : Zymante@Inspirepeople.net

Recruitment team

• Email : Zymante@Inspirepeople.net

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated
in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/) to visit Civil Service Commission

Attachments

Role Profile Opens in new window (pdf, 205kB)DVLA Digital Job Brochure - V1 2025 Opens in new window (pdf, 2074kB)