Software Engineering Lead

Software Engineering Lead

Introduction to role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Computer Science Engineer to join our Knowledge Graph Team in the Enterprise Data Office. This role is critical for the delivery of the AstraZeneca corporate strategy, where Data, AI, and Digital are foundational value drivers for Innovative Science. As a Software Engineering Lead, you will play a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring a team of dedicated engineers, overseeing the technical design, implementation, testing, and delivery of projects focused on knowledge graphs and graph databases. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the highest standards of software development are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Accountabilities

Technical Leadership & Solution Design
• Drive the technical design and architecture of complex projects, with a strong emphasis on knowledge graphs, graph databases, and scalable data solutions.
• Provide technical feedback on system design, architecture, integration, and ongoing support to ensure high availability, performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with solution architects to refine blueprints, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and long-term business objectives.
• Ensure alignment to software engineering standard methodologies, including code reviews, testing protocols, documentation standards, and secure coding practices.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their relevance and potential impact on our solutions.

Service & Operational Excellence
• Oversee the end-to-end service lifecycle, ensuring the long-term stability, performance, and sustainability of delivered solutions.
• Provide recommendations for enhancements, proactive monitoring, and performance optimization to maintain service excellence.
• Fix and resolve technical issues to ensure the reliability of our applications.
• Deliver regular service performance metrics and maturity assessments to the Service Lead, ensuring continuous improvement in operations.

Agile Delivery & Program Execution
• Follow agile methodologies, contributing to backlog prioritization, sprint planning, and PI planning to ensure smooth and efficient delivery.
• Work closely with product owners, operational leads, and engineering teams to translate business needs into well-defined technical solutions.
• Manage project timelines, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget while maintaining technical integrity.

Team Development & People Management
• Build and support a high-performing engineering team through hiring, coaching, mentoring, career development, and line management.
• Foster a culture of innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and multi-functional collaboration to enhance team effectiveness and professional growth.

Customer Engagement & Collaboration
• Establish strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including engineering teams, third-party vendors, product managers, and data scientists.
• Communicate technical solutions clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Act as a trusted advisor, influencing key decisions related to technology, architecture, and operational strategy.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a software engineering lead or similar leadership role.
• Strong expertise in knowledge graphs, graph databases, and related technologies (e.g., Neo4j, Cypher, SPARQL).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++.
• Solid understanding of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile and Scrum).
• Demonstrated experience with technical design, architecture, and implementation of sophisticated software projects.
• Solid understanding of software testing principles and practices, including unit testing, integration testing, and automated testing frameworks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to solve complex technical issues.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• High standards for software development quality, including code maintainability, performance, and security.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience with machine learning, natural language processing, or data mining.
• Familiarity with AWS and containerisation technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Contributions to open-source projects or publications in relevant fields.
• Understanding of data integration and ETL processes.
• Experience with Microservices architecture and RESTful APIs.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we connect across the whole business to power each function to better influence patient outcomes and improve their lives. We play an increasingly crucial role in driving pioneering transformation on our journey to becoming a digital and data-led enterprise. Here we bring the brightest minds together with access to innovative techniques and novel solutions. Our inclusive team thrives on diverse experiences and collaboration. We are dedicated to combining science with our knowledge to deliver greater value for patients every day.

Ready to make a significant impact? Apply now!

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.