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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
160
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
88
View 160 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

Inside the role of 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

£40k – £100k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 495 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
14% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Entry
27
36
5 jobs
Junior
30
45
13 jobs
Mid
40
85
171 jobs
Senior
50
100
158 jobs
Lead
55
110
64 jobs
Director
95
126
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 402 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
68%
SQL
67%
Data Modelling
36%
AWS
33%
Data Pipelines
31%
Azure
31%
ETL
29%
Data Governance
29%
CI/CD
28%
Databricks
21%
Data Warehousing
20%
Power BI
19%
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

160 live roles

See all 160 roles →
Spotlight
Corndel logo

Data Engineer - Level 5 Coach - Fully Remote

This role involves coaching and mentoring working professionals through a Level 5 Data Engineering apprenticeship programme, helping them develop technical and professional skills in data engineering. You'll deliver 1:1 coaching, lead workshops, and guide learners in building secure, scalable data solutions using modern cloud platforms and tools. The position blends deep technical expertise with teaching and mentorship, focused on real-world application and ethical data practices.

Corndel London, United Kingdom
Remote Permanent
Adecco logo

Data Engineer

This role involves designing, building, and optimising scalable data pipelines using Python and Databricks within a Lakehouse architecture. The engineer will develop ETL/ELT workflows, ensure data quality and governance, and support analytics and machine learning initiatives. Collaboration with data scientists and analysts is key, along with mentoring junior engineers and implementing monitoring for data systems.

Adecco London, United Kingdom £600 – £700 pd
Hybrid Contract
Experis logo

Data Engineer

Data Engineer (SC Clearance)Location: Telford (2 days/week in the office)Clearance: Active SC ClearanceInside IR35: Umbrella rate £450.00 - £500.00We are working with a client who is hiring a Data Engineer for a contract opportunity starting soon. If you already hold...

Experis United Kingdom £450 – £500 pd

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable batch and real-time data pipelines within a cloud-native environment, supporting analytics, machine learning, and AI initiatives. Focus on data quality, governance, and secure, compliant infrastructure. Collaborate with architects and data scientists to enhance platform reliability and enable self-service access to trusted data.

Damia Group Gunnersbury, London, W4 4AN, United Kingdom £400 – £500 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data platforms and pipelines within a secure environment, contributing to strategic data decisions on a high-impact MoD programme. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to implement robust data engineering standards and integrate modern tools into the data ecosystem. Focus on security, compliance, and performance in a hybrid working setup.

Copello Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £65,000 pa

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data pipelines on Microsoft Azure, focusing on ETL/ELT development within a Lakehouse environment using Azure Data Factory and Databricks. Support enterprise reporting via Power BI, ensure data governance, and contribute to DevOps practices including CI/CD and Infrastructure as Code. Work within an agile team to migrate legacy systems to modern cloud platforms.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom £450 – £465 pd
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will build and optimize Azure data pipelines, support migrations to Azure Data Lake, and ensure data quality and governance. You will work in an agile environment, collaborating with global teams to drive innovation and technology advancements.

TRIA London, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
Permanent

Data Engineer

This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining ETL pipelines using Talend, building Oracle SQL and DDL artefacts, and contributing to CI/CD pipelines. You will work in a secure environment, supporting mission-critical data services and mentoring junior team members.

TXP Telford, Shropshire, SY2 5TN, United Kingdom £540 – £541 pd
Hybrid Contract Flexible Clearance Required
See all 160 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring data engineers

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
51 open

Manchester

Location
10 open

Milton Keynes

Location
7 open

Leeds

Location
3 open

Preston

Location
3 open

Birmingham

Location
2 open
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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