Data (Product) Engineer (£39,163)
Department for Transport · Swansea, WLS, GB
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About the role
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Information Technology
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Contents
- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know
- Apply and further information
Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you have a background in data or software engineering, analysis or data science?
If you are interested in engineering reliable and maintainable data products for a large organisation, 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 Kings 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 a Data (Product) Engineer to join our data platform team to help us build and maintain data products that enable better decisions, insights and services across the DVLA.
You will build and support data pipelines, develop data models and write transformation logic, ensuring data is accurate, accessible and fit for purpose. The role requires practical ability to work with technologies such as SQL, Python, Databricks and Apache Spark.
This is a hands-on role. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, following established engineering standards and contributing across the full product lifecycle. You will support live data products improving performance, investigating issues and keeping things reliable. You will work closely with data users and stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure what we deliver meets their needs.
While you will not be responsible for building or operating the underlying data platform, you will contribute to the direction and standards for how data products are designed, built and maintained. You will be expected to write clean, maintainable code, follow good engineering practices and contribute to a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
Your responsibilities will include, but arent limited to:
Implement, support and maintain data flows and integrations, to connect operational systems, data for analytics and business intelligence (BI) systems.
- Support data products and their users to provide accessible data for analysis
- Build and maintain data products, tools, services built on batch and streaming technologies
- Being an active part of an agile delivery squad and contributing to full product lifecycle
- Develop and compare data models using recognised tools and standards
- Develop understanding of data processing system performance tuning and its benefits
- Improve the performance and resilience of data products
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.
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.
Would you like to find out more about the role, the digital team and what its like to work at DVLA? If so, we are organising a familiarisation session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on Wednesday 5th August at 11:30am.
Please click here to book on.
Person specification
We welcome applications from anyone with relevant technical skills. You could have a background in data engineering, software engineering, analysis or data science. We are looking for people who enjoy building things with data and care about doing it well.
You will have experience of:
- Building, maintaining or supporting data pipelines and data products
- Data modelling, including dimensional models (facts and dimensions)
- Working with SQL and Python
- Batch or streaming data processing
- Supporting live data products monitoring, troubleshooting, improving performance
You will be familiar with:
Software engineering practices such as version control (e.g. git), automated testing, code review and CI/CD
- Agile ways of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Data compliance and security fundamentals, including classification and secure handling
You will also be someone who:
- Works collaboratively with data users and stakeholders to understand what they need
- Cares about engineering standards, code quality and continuous improvement
- Can investigate problems and implement practical solutions
During the interview we will ask you to work with a small notebook containing some SQL and Python code. You will be able to use Google or Bing to help you, but not AI coding assistance tools. We want to see your approach to data exploration and transformation, not memorisation of language features.
Additional Information
Working for the DVLA Digital Team
At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect thatll wash across the nation. Here the work youre 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 30 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 (one of the locations 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, part time/job share hours, 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 (see below for contact details).
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.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Development Process (Skill level: Working)
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Integration Design (Skil level: Working)
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Modelling (Skill level: Working)
Benefits
Passionate, reliable and always willing to push yourself and those around you, youll continue to seek improvement in your own role and challenge us too. Because we pride ourselves on how we approach your development. From training courses to specialist skills workshops and opportunities to grow your expertise, we thrive when you thrive. You can find out more about all of the above here alongside a full list of our 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 Kings 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 .
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Selection process details
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: Sift of personal statement
Stage 2: Interview and technical exercise
You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.
Stage 1: Sift
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
Experience you will be asked to provide a personal statement (500-word count).
Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
- Experience of building, maintaining or supporting data pipelines or data products in a professional environment.
- Experience of developing or maintaining data models, such as dimensional models (facts and dimensions), to support reporting or analytics use cases.
The sift will take place week commencing 10/8/26.
Stage 2: Interview
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:
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Technical:
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Development Process (Skill level: Working)
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Integration Design (Skil level: Working)
- GDaD Framework - Data Engineer - Data Modelling (Skill level: Working)
The interviews will take place week commencing 24/8/26.
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 a 12-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.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Document Accessibility
This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Further Information
For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.
If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
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 applicants 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.
All External applicants and 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. Its not about judging your personality or lifestyleits 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 whats being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter .
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)
- 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
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Judith Jones
- Email : ITSRecruitment@dvla.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here
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