Data Engineer

Shape the Future of the Nation’s Memory

At The National Archives, we are more than custodians of the past – we are pioneers in digital archiving, ensuring the UK’s public records are robust, connected, and accessible for generations to come. As a Data Engineer in our small, dynamic Digital Archiving team, you’ll help transform how archival data is managed, structured, and enriched, unlocking its value for public use and discovery.

Why Join Us?
• Your work will directly support the preservation and accessibility of the UK’s documentary heritage.
• We nurture talent, value every voice, and support personal and professional development. You’ll join a collaborative, forward-looking team where your ideas are heard and your growth is championed.
• Work with a modern tech stack including Python, SQL, Shell scripting, Talend, XSLT, XML, CSV, JSON, RDF, RDBMS, NoSQL, and graph databases. You’ll help design and build scalable data pipelines, automate data processing, and develop tools for data enrichment and integration
• We invest in your learning, offering opportunities to develop your skills in emerging technologies and data practices that enhance public access to archives.

This Job Would Suit…

If you’ve been working in an entry-level data role and are ready to take the next step, this is an ideal opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities. We welcome those who are passionate about data, eager to learn, and keen to make a real impact. Data skills are highly valued at The National Archives, and you’ll be part of an active internal data community where specialists from across the organisation share knowledge, collaborate, and solve problems together.

What You’ll Do:
• Design and develop scalable, repeatable data pipelines (ETL/ELT) to process, transform, and load archival data.
• Automate data cleansing, validation, standardisation, and enrichment.
• Develop and document schemas, ontologies, and models for archival data.
• Integrate data from diverse sources and formats, supporting better discovery and reuse.
• Collaborate with product teams, archivists, and developers to deliver practical, data-centric solutions.
• Contribute to a culture of openness, quality, and continuous improvement.

Ready to help shape the future of digital archiving?

Apply now and join a team where your work matters – for today, and for generations to come.

This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

Essential criteria:

- Data manipulation: Strong experience of accurate, reliable, large-scale analysis and manipulation of complex datasets using relevant programming languages and tools (e.g. Python, Shell scripting, SQL, XSLT).

- Data formats: Solid understanding of working with different data formats (e.g. XML, CSV, JSON, RDF).

- Database technologies Practical knowledge of database technologies (e.g. RDBMS, noSQL, graph databases, linked data stores).

- Analysis and problem solving: Excellent analytical skills, with a structured and proactive approach to solving technical problems. Able to apply a range of techniques to capture, document and communicate requirements, issues, designs and solutions.

- Communication and relationships: Strong relationship building and communication skills, with an excellent user focus. Able to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and explain technical issues clearly to non-technical colleagues.

- Prioritisation and organisation: Ability to work with high accuracy, attention to detail and organisation, both independently and as a project team member. Able to prioritise competing tasks and deliver high quality work to agreed deadlines.


SC clearance/willingness to obtain SC clearance will be required for this role. This requires candidates to have been resident in the UK for at least the past three years. Please do not apply if you have been resident in the UK for less than three years as your application will be rejected.

For more information and to apply please use the link at the bottom of this page.

Museum Website: https://nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/details/Data-Engineer_JR200755