Senior Data Engineer (Data and AI Operations)
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2134 (79% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,700, and Royal London is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 3544 (Data analysts) or SOC 2139 (Information technology professionals not elsewhere classified). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2134 Programmers and software development professionals Most likely code | £38,300 | £43,700 | £49,200 | £54,700 |
3544 Data analysts Also possible | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
2139 Information technology professionals not elsewhere classified Also possible | £36,600 | £41,800 | £47,100 | £52,300 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Alderley Park (Wilmslow)
Working Style: Hybrid - 50% from home / 50% office based
We’re looking for a Senior Data Engineer to join our evolving Data & AI Operations team within our Group Data & AI Office. This is an opportunity to combine hands-on engineering expertise with operational leadership, helping us strengthen the platforms and practices that support data, AI and automation across Royal London.
You’ll play an important role in shaping standards, improving services and supporting emerging capabilities across Data-Ops, AI-Ops and MLOps. Alongside solving complex technical challenges, you’ll help colleagues grow through coaching, mentoring and clear technical direction.
What you’ll do- Set standards and promote best practice across Data & AI Operations.
- Lead continuous improvement, including optimising long-running data pipelines and operational processes.
- Support DataOps, AIOps and MLOps activities across the team.
- Oversee the operational monitoring and governance of AI solutions, including emerging agentic AI capabilities.
- Support the implementation and ongoing optimisation of Databricks Genie and wider AI tooling.
- Lead service and incident management activities and contribute to change impact forums.
- Support sprint planning and workload management in an Agile environment.
- Coach and mentor junior colleagues and associate-level engineers.
You’ll be an established Senior Data Engineer who is comfortable providing technical leadership, influencing standards and helping to shape a developing operational capability. You’ll also bring:
- Strong experience with SQL, Python and PySpark.
- Experience across on-premises and cloud-based data environments.
- Knowledge of SQL Server technologies and CI/CD best practice.
- Experience with Databricks.
- Experience with Azure or AWS.
- Exposure to MLOps or AI Operations.
- Experience with Power Apps or the wider Power Platform.
- Experience in financial services.
At Royal London, you’ll be part of a mutual organisation with a strong, people-focused culture. You’ll have the opportunity to influence the direction of a growing Data & AI Operations capability while working with a modern Microsoft and Databricks technology stack. We’re committed to helping you develop, with opportunities including Databricks certifications, Data Academy learning and protected time for growth. You’ll also gain valuable exposure to AI, AIOps, MLOps and emerging agentic AI capabilities.
If you’re excited by the opportunity but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still encourage you to apply. We value different perspectives and experiences, and we’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.
About Royal LondonWe’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.
Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.
We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.
Inclusion, diversity and belongingWe’re an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Royal London, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Programmers and software development professionals (SOC 2134) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~399k in sample- Middle half £42,536–76,752
- Median £56,784
- Going rate £54,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,300–49,200
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Royal LondonAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Royal London holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2134 going rate of £54,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.