At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.
We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.
As a Lead Data Engineer (Consultant) at Kainos you will be responsible for designing and developing data processing and data persistence software components for solutions which handle data at scale. Working in agile teams, Lead Data Engineers provide strong development leadership for team members and take responsibility for the quality of the codebase as well as the match to user needs.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Taking responsibility for the development of whole components or subsystems within a team. Development incorporates design, code, test and defect resolution.
- Focusing on hands-on design and development, using open source and commercial platforms.
- Defining and enforcing development best practice and coaching team members to ensure consistency.
- Working with project architects, taking responsibility for non-functional needs of ETL/ELT data processing pipelines such as robustness and performance.
- Taking responsibility for standards and execution of unit and integration testing done within the team.
- Taking responsibility for software product due diligence and integration.
- Leading troubleshooting and tuning of activities.
- Working with Operations teams to ensure the application software is operationally ready.
- Working with Security Architects and accreditors to ensure compliance with relevant legal and security requirements
- Advising customers and managers and other team members of the estimated effort and technical implications of user stories and user journeys.
- Contributing to technical proposals as part of the sales process.
- Managing, coaching and developing a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development. You’ll also provide direction for your team as you solve problems together
Minimum (essential) requirements:
- Experience of leading a team of engineers in the implementation of data-intensive system components
- Experience of applying standards for design (patterns), development, (style guides) and operational readiness (automation, deployment)
- Proficient software development experience in one of Java, Scala, or Python
- Strong commercial experience of working with Palantir
- Software development experience with data-processing platforms from vendors such as AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks.
- Expert in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use case
- Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data processing frameworks
- Ability to simply and clearly communicate technical design both written and verbally
- Proficient in designing analytical and operational data models
Desirable:
- Comfortable with Data Warehouse methods and techniques
- Actively shares their thoughts and views on data practices
- AWS/Azure/GCP Certified in Data Services
- Expertise in continuous improvement and sharing input on data best practice
- Participation in development and/or technology communities
Who you are:
Our vision is to enable outstanding people to create digital solutions that have a positive impact on people’s lives. Our values aren't abstract; they are the behaviours we expect from each other every day, and underpin everything that we do. We expect everyone to display our values by being determined in how obstacles are overcome; honest when dealing with others; respectful of how you treat others; creative to find solutions to complex problems and cooperative by sharing information, knowledge and experience.
These values, applied collectively, help to produce an outstanding Kainos person, team and culture.
About us
Kainos is a high-growth IT services company providing digital technology solutions and agile software development to enterprise customers. Across our 30-year history, we have worked on transformational projects across government, NHS and a myriad of private sector clients.
Embracing our differences
At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.
Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.
We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.
Skills Required
- Experience leading a team of engineers implementing data-intensive system components
- Experience applying design, development, and operational-readiness standards
- Proficiency in Java, Scala, or Python
- Strong commercial experience working with Palantir
- Software development experience with AWS, Azure, GCP, or Databricks data-processing platforms
- Expertise in SQL or SQL extensions for analytical use cases
- Expert understanding of distributed data stores and data-processing frameworks
- Ability to communicate technical designs clearly in writing and verbally
- Proficiency designing analytical and operational data models
- Knowledge of data warehouse methods and techniques
- AWS, Azure, or GCP certification in data services
- Expertise in continuous improvement and data best practices
- Participation in development or technology communities
Kainos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Kainos and has not been reviewed or approved by Kainos.
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Healthcare Strength — Private healthcare, access to trained counsellors/EAP, and broader wellbeing initiatives are prominently offered across regions. Company materials frame support across emotional, physical, social, career and financial wellbeing, with UK references to Bupa coverage.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Hybrid/flexible hours, generous vacation packages, and parental leave are emphasized in careers materials. Some regions also highlight volunteering time and flexibility that support work–life balance.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Annual share awards and employee share plans (e.g., free shares, Sharesave) are widely promoted, with cash equivalents where plans aren’t available. These programs broaden ownership participation beyond base pay.
Kainos Insights
What We Do
At Kainos we use technology to solve real problems for our customers, overcome big challenges for businesses, and make people’s lives easier. We build strong relationships with our customers and go beyond to change the way they work today and the impact they have tomorrow. Our two specialist business areas, Digital Services and the Workday Practice, work globally for clients across healthcare, commercial and the public sector to make the world a little bit better, day by day.
