On behalf of The Department for Education we are looking for a Data Engineer (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract. Remote working. This is an exciting opportunity to join and work on world-leading data linkage projects that of the future for DfE, and will deliver immense value to the public. The LEO and PPMD Data Development Team sits in the Data Directorate, and is responsible for building, enhancing and sharing exciting data sources known as the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) and Pupil Parent Matched Data (PPMD). As a Data Engineer your main responsibilities will be: • Continuously improving the data linking process, looking for ways to streamline a complex process and deliver innovative changes. • Exploring additional data sources across government for inclusion in LEO and PPMD to further develop the dataset. • Working closely with other analysts to assess the quality of new data items, ensuring we are using the data appropriately and that it is fit for purpose to meet our stakeholder’s requirements. • Working collaboratively with a range of partners across a number of government departments e.g. DWP, HMRC, ONS etc. Essential skills • An active SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. (Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.) • Strong analytical skills are crucial, as you will be creating and handling complex datasets, and carrying out robust and efficient analysis to underpin trustworthy advice. • Experience in using SQL as the team handles large sets of administrative data, so experience in designing, writing and iteratively improving well-documented code to agreed standards is essential. • As a minimum, a degree level analytical skills and/or extensive experience of working in a data and analytical environment is essential for this post Desirable skills • Confident written and verbal communicator with the ability to present complex findings and ideas in a compelling way to technical and non-technical audiences. • Experience in using SAS or R is desirable. The role may require flexibility in working across both DfE and DWP systems, with an understanding that SAS is commonly used within DWP. Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".