Junior Data Engineer

Junior Data Engineer at UCAS

UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges, and deliver a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

We’re a successful and fast‑growing organisation, helping hundreds of thousands of people every year. We're committed to delivering a first‑class service to all of our customers — they’re at the heart of everything we do.

The Digital Services business unit is at the centre of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services.

The unit develops and improves customer‑centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis — often made available to anyone with a free‑to‑use intuitive dashboard — Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. Working in collaborative, expert‑led, multidisciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.

Contractual Hours: 35.00 per week.

In this role you will work closely with experienced Data Engineers and Data Scientists within the Data Science function at UCAS. You will receive full training and support from experts and gain exposure to a variety of Data Engineering roles. You will be involved in solving real problems from the outset, gaining the full range of skills to progress your career.

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• Work collaboratively across Data Science and Engineering teams to gain a broad range of skills.
  
• Code and configure software solutions utilising standard tooling in cloud‑based environments.
  
• Deliver high‑quality products through test‑driven development, pair programming and code review.
  
• Communicate effectively with both specialist and non‑technical colleagues to understand customer requirements, and present and explain your work to them.
  
• Take part actively in regular business‑unit, team and one‑to‑one meetings.
  

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• Undergraduate degree with strong quantitative skills.
  
• High grade(s) at A‑level in Maths or a physical science.
  
• Some experience of working with Python, SQL, AWS, Databricks and/or Bash is desirable.
  
• Exceptional levels of numerate, analytical and logical thinking.
  
• A natural curiosity and problem‑solving mindset, with a desire to work collaboratively.
  
• Motivation to own and take pride in your work.
  

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• Salary up to £31,000.
  
• Purpose‑driven work in a charity‑led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity.
  
• Internal training, mentoring and access to industry‑recognised certifications through development academies.
  
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35‑hour week and flexible contracts.
  
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave.
  
• Well‑being support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools.
  
• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office.
  
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, well‑being champions, and Mental Health First Aiders.
  
• Recognition and reward through quarterly employee scheme and an ex‑gratia bonus for going above and beyond.
  

We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. If you are interested in this vacancy, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via .