Lead Data Engineer

Become part of a mission driven digital team helping to build secure, resilient services used by millions across the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), in partnership with Inspire People, is hiring a Lead Data Engineer with strong SQL and Python expertise, experience across modern cloud data platforms including Databricks, Apache Spark and lakehouse architectures, and a proven ability to design, build and lead delivery of reliable data products. This is a permanent role based in Swansea, working in a hybrid model (minimum 60% office-based in Swansea), with a salary of £57,515 - £82,430 plus 29% employer pension contribution and excellent Civil Service benefits.Shape the Future of Digital Services at DVLA DVLA is responsible for delivering secure, reliable national motoring services at scale, supporting millions of citizens, vehicles and transactions across the UK. DVLA Digital is on a long-term transformation journey, modernising platforms and services while maintaining public safety, trust and operational resilience.As a Lead Data Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of high-impact data products within DVLA's data platform team, working closely with product teams, analysts and data scientists to ensure data solutions are scalable, reliable and aligned to user needs.As a Lead Data Engineer you will:- Design and implement complex data flows connecting operational systems for analytics, storage and business intelligence- Build data products using modern data and streaming technologies- Lead and coordinate engineering teams, setting standards and best practice- Identify and enable reuse of data flows across services- Design and assure robust data models and integrations to improve data quality- Lead performance optimisation across data platforms, balancing cost, scalability and reliability- Apply systems integration expertise to deliver end-to-end data solutions- Champion data engineering best practice across DVLA and wider government Essential skills for the Lead Data Engineer include:- Extensive experience in data ingestion, cleansing, transformation and modelling- Strong proficiency in SQL and Python- Experience with modern cloud data platforms and lakehouse architectures- Hands-on experience with big data technologies such as Apache Spark or Databricks- Strong knowledge of data warehousing concepts- Experience with build, test and deployment automation- Proven leadership capability leading or mentoring data engineering teams- Strong problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach Desirable skills for the Lead Data Engineer include:- Experience working with large-scale data platforms in complex environments- Understanding of data governance, security and data quality frameworks- Experience influencing technical standards and engineering direction- Familiarity with Government Digital & Data capability frameworks In return, you can expect a flexible working culture, including:- 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 Why Join the DVLA? You will play a key leadership role in shaping how DVLA designs and delivers data products at scale. This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant services, influence engineering standards, and contribute to long-term digital transformation across government.Apply today or contact Inspire People for a confidential discussion about this opportunity