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Data Engineer Jobs

The backbone of modern data infrastructure. Building, maintaining, and optimising the pipelines that power data-driven decisions.

Open roles
190
Salary range
£30k – £130k
Hiring companies
106
View 190 live roles → Get an alert

Data Engineers are the architects and builders of the data infrastructure that underpins modern businesses. They design, build, and maintain the data pipelines, warehouses, and lakes that enable organisations to store, process, and analyse vast amounts of data. Whether working in scaleups, research-heavy startups, or the larger consultancies, Data Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that data is accessible, reliable, and secure.

What the role does

A typical day for a Data Engineer

A typical week for a Data Engineer is a mix of coding, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and implement data pipelines using tools like Apache Kafka and Apache Spark.
  2. 02
    Optimise data storage and retrieval processes for efficiency and scalability.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to understand their data needs.
  4. 04
    Monitor and maintain data infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
  5. 05
    Document and communicate data architecture and processes to stakeholders.
  6. 06
    Troubleshoot and resolve data-related issues as they arise.
Salary on the board

£30k – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 127 priced live listings on the board. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
38
1 job
Junior
35
41
2 jobs
Mid
35
113
56 jobs
Senior
40
100
37 jobs
Lead
40
110
12 jobs
Director
130
130
1 job
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for data engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Data Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in building and maintaining data pipelines, with a focus on learning and supporting more senior team members.

  2. Level 2

    Data Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Takes ownership of specific data pipelines and projects, ensuring they meet performance and reliability standards.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Data Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Leads the design and implementation of complex data infrastructure, mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Data Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Strategises and oversees the entire data infrastructure, driving innovation and best practices across the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Data Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Basics

    Start with foundational skills in SQL, Python, and data storage systems. Gain experience with ETL processes and data warehousing.

  2. 2

    Build Pipelines

    Work on building and maintaining data pipelines using tools like Apache Kafka and Apache Spark. Focus on efficiency and scalability.

  3. 3

    Optimise Infrastructure

    Optimise data storage and retrieval processes to ensure high performance and reliability. Collaborate with data scientists and analysts.

  4. 4

    Lead Projects

    Take ownership of complex data infrastructure projects. Mentor junior engineers and ensure best practices are followed.

  5. 5

    Strategise and Innovate

    Strategise the overall data infrastructure, driving innovation and best practices. Oversee the implementation of new technologies and methodologies.

Live jobs

190 live roles

See all 190 →

SAS Data Engineer

As a SAS Data Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain SAS-based data solutions, support data acquisition and management, and work across the full software development lifecycle. You will collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, secure, and reliable data solutions for essential public services.

83zero Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom £60,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Data Engineer

This role involves working with clients to design and build modern data platforms using Microsoft technologies, focusing on data warehousing, ETL pipelines, and analytics. You'll collaborate on a variety of projects, from SMEs to large enterprises, and have access to structured development and a supportive team environment.

Quorum Network Resources Roxburgh's Court, Edinburgh, United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Data Engineer – Central London

The Senior Data Engineer will work on enterprise-level data pipelines using modern technologies like Python, SQL (dbt), Azure Functions, and Tableau. The role involves improving data quality and streamlining operations for a rapidly-scaling digital transformation consultancy and SaaS business in the property management sector. The team values work-life balance, offering a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office and flexible scheduling.

Ada Meher Mayfair, London, W1K 3DN, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible

Data Engineer

Data Engineer (Field-Based)Open Day Rate (DOE)BelfastContractWe are looking for experienced Data Engineers to join a growing programme supporting retail and hospitality environments across BelfastThis is a field-based role, initially focused on service calls and site surveys, with larger rollout projects...

DCS Recruitment Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom
RSM logo

Senior Data Engineer

The Senior Data Engineer / Analytics Lead will establish and lead the data engineering and analytics capability within RSM's Forensic Technology team. Responsibilities include designing and building data pipelines, working directly with clients and regulators, mentoring junior staff, and setting technical standards. This greenfield role offers the opportunity to shape the function and deliver impactful forensic solutions.

RSM London, United Kingdom £70,000 – £100,000 pa
On-site Permanent
RSM logo

Data Engineering - Senior Consultant

Data Engineering - Senior ConsultantAs one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions -- we have...

RSM London, United Kingdom

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining scalable data pipelines and architectures using Snowflake. You will work closely with data analysts and business stakeholders to ensure data quality, integrity, and governance, while optimizing data models and ETL processes.

Intelligent Steps London, United Kingdom £500 – £600 pd
Hybrid Contract

Senior Data Engineer - Microsoft Fabric

This role involves building and maintaining scalable data pipelines, data models, and analytics solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Azure. You will work closely with stakeholders to translate their requirements into technical solutions, manage data ingestion and transformation, and mentor junior team members. The position offers the chance to work on a cutting-edge, AI-enabled data platform with a focus on innovation and growth.

Roc Search Europe Limited Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will design and deliver scalable data pipelines and systems to support cutting-edge drug discovery and translational science. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to high-profile initiatives like OpenBind UK, focusing on ETL pipelines, data products, and FAIR-compliant data management.

University of Oxford Oxford, South East England, United Kingdom £39 – £47 pa
On-site Contract

Data Engineer - 196331

This role involves building and maintaining scalable data pipelines and data warehouse solutions using Microsoft technologies. The Data Engineer will work closely with a Senior Data Engineer to deliver reliable, well-structured data for reporting and analytics, contributing to a major transformation programme.

Forsyth Barnes Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

The Data Engineer will design, develop, and maintain robust data pipelines to collect, process, and store data from various sources within Network Rail’s routes. They will ensure data quality, integrity, and availability, and collaborate with the data visualisation team to create insightful and user-friendly visualisations. The role involves working with railway industry data, implementing data governance standards, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Infinitive Resources York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8RS, United Kingdom £350 – £450 pd
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer | | Learn Snowflake | Private Equity

This role involves hands-on work with a modern cloud-based data platform, including maintaining AWS infrastructure, developing and optimizing data pipelines, and building data models. You will support the transition from a third-party vendor to an in-house data platform, gaining exposure to large-scale data and AI-driven initiatives.

Opus Recruitment Solutions London, United Kingdom £65,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Contract
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Data Engineer (GCP/DBT)

This role involves building and scaling a modern data platform using GCP and dbt, focusing on data ingestion into BigQuery and developing analytics-ready models. You will work closely with the BI team to support company-wide reporting and self-serve analytics, contributing to the company's rapid growth and data-driven decision-making.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Cardiff, Cymru / Wales, CF10 2AF, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Data Engineer (GCP/DBT)

This role involves owning and developing a modern data platform, building and maintaining data ingestion pipelines into BigQuery, and designing analytics-ready dbt models. You will work closely with the BI Analyst to support company-wide reporting and self-serve analytics, contributing to a high-growth education technology business.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Birmingham, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Data Engineer (GCP/DBT)

This role involves building and scaling a modern data platform using GCP and dbt, focusing on data ingestion into BigQuery and developing analytics-ready models. You will work closely with BI Analysts to support company-wide reporting and self-serve analytics, contributing to the company's rapid growth and data-driven decision-making.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent
See all 190 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring data engineers

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FAQs

Common questions

  • Data Engineers commonly use tools like Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, SQL, Python, and data warehousing solutions such as Amazon Redshift or Google BigQuery.

  • Collaboration with data scientists is crucial. Data Engineers need to understand the data needs of data scientists to build effective data pipelines and infrastructure.

  • Key skills include proficiency in SQL, Python, and data storage systems, as well as a strong understanding of ETL processes, data warehousing, and big data technologies.

  • The typical career progression is from Junior Data Engineer to Data Engineer, then Senior Data Engineer, and finally Principal Data Engineer, with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.

  • For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page, which is updated with the latest data from live job listings.

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