Lead Backend Software Engineer – Data Services

Federated Data Services | Distributed Systems | Apache Spark | DataFusion | Python | Kubernetes
Location: London (2 days per week onsite)
Rate: £700–£800 per day (Outside IR35)
Duration: Initial 6-month contract with likely extension

Overview
We're looking for an experienced Lead Backend Software Engineer to join a high-profile programme building secure, cloud-native data services that will support data-driven research and innovation at national scale.
This is a founding engineering role, offering the opportunity to shape the architecture, engineering standards, and core data services from the ground up. Working closely with the Engineering Manager and a small team of senior engineers, you'll establish the technical foundations for a complex federated data platform operating within a highly regulated environment.
We're looking for someone who enjoys building from first principles, thrives in ambiguity, and c...