EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC SECTOR DATA & AI RECRUITMENT
Harnham understands the unique challenges and requirements of the Public Sector. Our extensive experience allows us to provide tailored recruitment solutions for a wide range of job titles critical to government, health services, law enforcement, and higher education institutions. Here are some of the key positions we recruit for:
- Data Analysts
- Data Scientists
- Machine Learning Engineers
- AI Specialists
- Data Engineers
- Database Administrators
- BI Developers
- Data Architects
- Data Governance Managers
- Data Privacy Officers
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- IT Project Managers
- System Administrators
- DevOps Engineers
- Research Data Managers
- Educational Data Analysts
- Public Policy Data Analysts
- Health Data Scientists
- Crime Data Analysts
- Law Enforcement Data Specialists
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Our candidates are meticulously selected to bring both technical expertise and innovative thinking to drive your public sector projects forward.
WHY
HARNHAM?
Unparalleled Expertise
With over 17 years of experience in data and AI recruitment, Harnham has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the public sector. We leverage this expertise to provide innovative recruitment solutions that keep pace with technological advancements.
Comprehensive Market Knowledge
Our extensive network and detailed market insights allow us to tap into a vast pool of talent, ensuring we deliver precise and effective recruitment solutions tailored to the specific needs of the public sector.
Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and building long-term partnerships with our clients. Our tailored approach ensures that we meet your specific requirements and help you achieve your strategic objectives.
OUR
SERVICES
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Permanent Recruitment
We specialize in identifying and securing long-term talent who will become integral members of your data and AI teams. Our permanent recruitment solutions focus on finding professionals who align with your organization’s culture and strategic goals, ensuring they make lasting contributions.
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Contract Recruitment
Our contract recruitment services offer the flexibility to scale your workforce according to project demands. We provide access to highly skilled data and AI professionals for temporary or project-based engagements, allowing you to adapt quickly to changing needs.
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Executive Search
We conduct specialized searches for senior and executive-level roles in the public sector, ensuring your leadership team has the vision and expertise to drive your strategic initiatives. Our executive search services focus on finding leaders who can transform your data capabilities.
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Upskilling and Data Training
Elevate your team's data expertise with our all-encompassing training programs covering essential tools and technologies such as Python, SQL, Machine Learning, LLM’s and AI. This empowers your workforce to excel in today's data-driven business landscape.
Connect with the Harnham Public Sector and Higher Education Team
Discover how Harnham’s specialized recruitment services can empower your public sector projects and enhance your organization’s capabilities. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored solutions designed to meet your strategic objectives.
Joseph Pyne
Business Manager
Public Sector / Higher Education
JOBS
LATEST Public Sector
DATA & ai JOBS
Harnham are a specialist Data & AI recruitment business with teams that only focus on niche areas.
Lead Data Scientist
Phoenix
$140000 - $150000
+ Data Science & AI
PermanentPhoenix, Arizona
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Lead Data Scientist
We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to own complex quantitative and risk modeling projects from problem definition through implementation. This is a highly visible role where your models will directly influence multi-million-dollar business opportunities and be presented to executive stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
- Build, evaluate, and validate quantitative and risk models.
- Work with large financial and credit datasets.
- Develop models using Python, SQL, and gradient boosting techniques.
- Translate model outputs into measurable financial and dollar impact.
- Own projects end-to-end, from defining the problem through implementation.
- Present technical findings and recommendations to senior and executive stakeholders.
- Defend models and methodology during external audits.
- Help identify and quantify significant financial opportunities.
- Provide technical guidance and support to other team members.
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years of data science/modeling experience
- Strong Python and SQL skills.
- Strong data modeling experience.
- Strong mathematical and statistical foundation.
- Experience with gradient boosting models.
- Proven ability to independently lead projects end-to-end.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Comfortable explaining technical work and model results to executives.
- Experience working through external audits and defending models.
- Finance/risk modeling experience within a regulated industry is required.
Required Domain Experience
You should have experience in areas such as:
- Credit risk modeling
- Financial or loss modeling
- Probability of Default (PD) modeling
- Credit scorecards
- Payment behavior modeling
- Credit attribute modeling
- Mortgage, credit card, banking, or credit bureau data
- Risk modeling within a regulated financial institution
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Quantitative Engineering, or another highly quantitative field.
- Master’s degree in Data Science or a related quantitative discipline preferred.
The Ideal Candidate
This role is suited to a senior-level Data Scientist who can operate independently, drive complex projects, and communicate confidently with both technical and executive audiences.
Location: Tempe, AZ preferred; Dallas or Atlanta also considered
Working Model: Hybrid, 4 days per week (Monday-Thursday)
Compensation: $140,000-$150,000 base
Visa: U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder only
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior Software Engineer (Back-end)
Phoenix
$125000 - $140000
+ Data Engineering
PermanentPhoenix, Arizona
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Senior Software Engineer – Back-end
$125,000-140,000
Overview
A growing technology-driven organisation is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and support scalable cloud-based applications and APIs that power customer-facing and internal business platforms. This role is primarily focused on back-end development while partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver modern digital experiences.
The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering expertise with the ability to collaborate directly with business stakeholders, gather requirements, and help drive technical solutions from concept through deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable cloud-native applications and APIs.
- Build and enhance backend services using modern serverless and microservices architectures.
- Contribute to customer-facing web and mobile experiences through API development and full-stack collaboration.
- Partner with architects, engineers, product stakeholders, and business teams to define technical solutions.
- Translate business requirements into technical designs and implementation plans.
- Support testing, deployment, and release activities, including user acceptance testing coordination.
- Participate in code reviews and uphold engineering best practices.
- Mentor junior developers and provide technical leadership on projects.
- Contribute to continuous integration, deployment, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Assist in modernisation efforts, platform enhancements, data integrations, and emerging technology initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- Approximately 6-8 years of software development experience (candidates with 4-5+ years and strong technical depth may also be considered).
- Experience building applications in cloud environments, preferably AWS.
- Hands-on experience with serverless technologies and distributed systems.
- Strong background in API design, development, and integration.
- Experience with one or morebackend technologies such as:
- Python
- Node.js
- Experience withfrontend technologies such as:
- React
- React Native
- GraphQL
- TypeScript
- JavaScript
- Experience working with both relational and non-relational databases.
- Knowledge of CI/CD tools and modern software delivery practices.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with business stakeholders.
- Experience leading projects, mentoring developers, and conducting code reviews.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies.
- Experience using Jira or similar project management tools.
- Exposure to CRM or enterprise platform integrations.
- Experience supporting large-scale customer-facing digital products.
- Recent experience working on U.S.-based software development projects.
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
Phoenix
$90 - $105
+ Data Engineering
ContractPhoenix, Arizona
To Apply for this Job Click Here
Principal Data Architect
Remote (Client is in Mountain Time) | 6 Month contract | Extendable | NO THIRD PARTIES OR AGENCIES
A major retail organization is seeking a Principal Data Architect to help shape the future of its cloud data platform. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead the design and implementation of modern Lakehouse and data warehouse solutions that support enterprise analytics, AI/ML initiatives, and business-critical decision making.
You’ll work closely with business leaders, engineering teams, and data stakeholders to define architecture standards, drive platform strategy, and build scalable solutions across modern cloud environments.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the architecture and implementation of enterprise Lakehouse and cloud data warehouse solutions
- Design scalable, secure, and high-performing data platforms across AWS, Azure, and/or GCP
- Partner with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions
- Establish data governance, quality, and security best practices
- Define reusable frameworks, accelerators, and architecture standards
- Guide and mentor data engineering teams throughout delivery
- Drive automation, orchestration, and CI/CD best practices
- Support analytics and AI/ML initiatives through modern data platform design
- Present architectural recommendations and solution strategies to executive stakeholders
What We’re Looking For
- 7+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or analytics engineering
- Deep expertise designing modern Lakehouse and cloud data platforms
- Strong experience with Databricks, Spark, and distributed data processing
- Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP (multiple cloud environments preferred)
- Strong understanding of data modeling, governance, security, and data quality frameworks
- Experience with Terraform, Git, CI/CD, and infrastructure automation
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Experience
- Databricks certification and/or cloud certifications
- Experience with Delta Lake, Iceberg, Hudi, and modern Lakehouse architectures
- Experience with Delta Live Tables, dbt, and real-time data pipelines
- Understanding of MLOps and AI/ML platform enablement
- Experience leading enterprise-scale modernization initiatives
To Apply for this Job Click Here
We are the global leaders in Data & AI recruitment
With over 15 years of experience working solely in the Data & AI sector, our Phoenix-focussed consultants are able to offer detailed insights and support into the industry.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
CONTACT OUR TEAM
Industry Hub
HARNHAM
News & Blog
With over 10 years experience working solely in the Data & AI sector our consultants are able to offer detailed insights into the industry.
Visit our Blogs & News portal or check out our recent posts below.
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Testimonials
Client and
candidate
testimonials
A trusted partner of professionals across the globe.
We understand the challenges our customers face and offer the
recruitment solutions needed to drive business success through Data & AI.
Candidate – Data Analyst
I’ve had a great experience with Harnham. The recruiter provided great advice and ensured that I understood everything, and even followed up with me after I started my new role to see how I was settling in. I would recommend Harnham as a great recruitment company for anyone looking for a role in data and analytics.
Candidate /
Data Analyst
Candidate – Market Research Analyst
Thanks to Harnham, I am now in a role that suits me. My recruiter was able to quickly identify the skills I had to offer and match me up with his client. It was a win-win for everyone. I was given great advice throughout the process, and I also appreciated the follow-ups that I received.
Candidate /
Market Research Analyst
Candidate – Senior Data Engineer
I've been a Senior Data Engineer for about 4-5 years and Harnham is one of the best recruitment agencies I worked with. There was a time when my offer fell through and the recruiter I was working with at Harnham jumped in to the rescue and scheduled interviews for me within a couple of days. Really good agency and some great people.
Candidate /
Senior Data Engineer
Candidate – Digital Media and Analytics
I've recently got a short-term contract role through Harnham, and things couldn't have gone better! My recruiter was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. They also provided incredible admin support so that I could focus on the actual job in hand, rather than having to spend too much time dealing with these matters.
Candidate /
Digital Media and Analytics
Client – Data Direction – Broadcast Media
I have worked with Harnham for over 2 years now as our main Analytics Recruiter partner and I am very pleased with the overall service and the people we have hired via Harnham. Harnham’s team is very good at understanding our recruitment needs and always come back with relevant and well scanned CVs, which saves me precious time.
Client /
Data Direction – Broadcast Media
Client – Director of Customer Data Science – Apparel
The team at Harnham have been outstanding in helping our company build a market-leading data science team. Harnham’s communication is great, and the recruiter’s take a consultative approach that’s really focused on provided value for both their clients and their candidates. They provide strong candidates that help us fill our roles with high achievers who are also a great fit for our culture.
Client /
Director of Customer Data Science – Apparel
Candidate – Chief Data Officer
It was a real treat to work with Harnham. My recruiter consistently went above and beyond to ensure that I navigated through the recruitment process as smooth as possible. I had been in contact with other professional at Harnham in the past and I can attest that the level of professionalism is always top-notch.
Candidate /
Chief Data Officer
Client – Director of People Operations
We’ve been collaborating with Harnham to recruit some key positions for our company, and they have been incredible partners. They team has been great and efficient. They understood our needs perfectly and provided us very talented candidates. We'll keep collaborating with them in the future. Thank you for your excellent job!
