Platform Engineer

Platform Engineer Contract Role | Inside IR35 Client: IBM - End client Banking Work Pattern: Hybrid (client site attendance required as needed, Swindon) Rate: £500 per day (Inside IR35) Overview IBM is seeking an experienced Platform Engineer to support the development, automation, and optimisation of modern cloud-based data platforms. The successful contractor will play a key role in designing and maintaining scalable infrastructure, enabling efficient software delivery through DevOps practices, and supporting data engineering teams with robust platform capabilities. This role requires a strong technical background across cloud technologies, infrastructure as code, automation, CI/CD pipelines, data platform tooling, and software engineering best practices. Key Responsibilities Design, build, and maintain cloud-based platform infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles.Develop and manage automated CI/CD pipelines to support rapid, secure, and reliable software deployments.Implement and maintain Terraform-based infrastructure solutions across cloud environments.Develop Python-based tools, automation scripts, and utilities to support platform operations and data engineering requirements.Collaborate with development, testing, and data engineering teams within Agile delivery environments.Support the design, implementation, and optimisation of modern data platforms and associated infrastructure.Build and maintain scalable ETL processes and data pipelines following industry best practices.Automate routine operational and data-related processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.Perform functional and non-functional testing activities to ensure platform reliability, performance, and scalability.Monitor platform health, troubleshoot issues, and implement continuous improvements.Contribute to platform security, governance, resilience, and operational excellence initiatives.Required Skills & Experience Strong experience working as a Platform Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, or similar role.Proven expertise in DevOps methodologies and CI/CD tooling.Strong hands-on experience with Terraform for Infrastructure as Code (IaC).Advanced Python programming skills for automation, scripting, and tool development.Experience working within Agile delivery environments.Experience conducting functional and non-functional testing.Strong knowledge of public cloud platforms such as: AWSMicrosoft AzureExperience designing, deploying, and optimising cloud infrastructure.Experience with modern data engineering platforms and tooling, including Databricks.Strong understanding of data pipeline development and ETL processes.Experience implementing automation solutions to streamline operational activities.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively within cross-functional technical teams.Desirable Experience supporting enterprise-scale data platforms.Knowledge of monitoring and observability tools.Experience working in highly regulated or large enterprise environments.Familiarity with security and compliance considerations within cloud platforms.Exposure to containerisation technologies and orchestration platforms. The successful candidate is likely to have experience with some or all of the following:TerraformPythonAWSMicrosoft AzureDatabricksCI/CD PipelinesDevOps ToolingETL FrameworksAgile Delivery MethodologiesInfrastructure as Code (IaC)Automation & ScriptingSoft Skills Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.Collaborative approach to problem solving.Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.Focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will be an experienced Platform Engineer with a strong blend of cloud infrastructure, automation, DevOps, and data engineering expertise. They will be comfortable working across the full platform lifecycle, from infrastructure provisioning and CI/CD implementation through to data pipeline optimisation and ongoing platform support. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk