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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
159
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
81
View 159 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 584 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
16% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Entry
28
41
6 jobs
Junior
30
56
19 jobs
Mid
40
85
177 jobs
Senior
50
100
183 jobs
Lead
54
118
65 jobs
Director
95
126
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 389 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
68%
SQL
67%
Data Modelling
37%
AWS
32%
Data Pipelines
32%
Azure
31%
ETL
30%
Data Governance
29%
CI/CD
27%
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

159 live roles

See all 159 roles →
Langham Recruitment logo

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining scalable data pipelines, developing data models and analytical datasets, and ensuring data quality and governance within a SaaS platform. The engineer will work across the full data lifecycle, collaborating with product and engineering teams to shape data architecture and support large-scale data processing. The position offers technical ownership and influence over the evolution of a modern, cloud-based data stack.

Langham Recruitment Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 2AA, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa
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
Adecco logo

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric, focusing on data modelling, integration, and quality improvement. Transition from project-based builds to a structured, platform-led data approach while collaborating with BI, development, and business teams. Help eliminate spreadsheet-dependent processes by delivering reliable, accessible data for decision-making.

Adecco Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom

Data Engineer

Design and optimize database systems, build and manage ETL pipelines, and ensure data security and compliance within a college IT environment. Work closely with a third-party consultant and internal teams to improve data infrastructure and support organizational transformation. Focus on scalability, data governance, and integration across business systems.

Siamo Recruitment a division of Siamo Group Cirencester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £34,500 – £36,500 pa

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will design and build data pipelines on Databricks and Azure, focusing on modernizing the data platform and enabling AI-driven automation. You will work closely with AI/GenAI Engineers and customer teams to develop lakehouse architecture, integrate Azure data services, and prepare structured data.

Tec Partners Recruitment Ltd London, United Kingdom £450 – £550 pd

Data Engineer

Design and maintain scalable data pipelines on Azure to ingest and process data from multiple sources into Databricks for analytics, reporting, and AI use cases. Collaborate with data analysts, modellers, and stakeholders in an Agile environment to deliver trusted, governed data products. Focus on data quality, security, and alignment with enterprise architecture and governance standards.

CWA Bishop's, London, United Kingdom

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data pipelines and cloud-native architectures, focusing on migration from on-premises to GCP. Implement ETL/ELT workflows using Python, SQL, and orchestration tools like Airflow, with strong emphasis on DataOps, data modeling, and compliance. Work within Agile teams to deliver robust data solutions and ensure data quality, lineage, and governance.

Randstad Technologies Recruitment Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 2AF, United Kingdom £16 – £19 ph

Data Engineer

A leading consultancy partner is seeking two experienced Data Engineers to join a major data transformation and cloud modernisation programme within a large banking organisation.This is an excellent opportunity for hands-on Data Engineers who enjoy building scalable data solutions, solving...

Synapri Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB, United Kingdom £460 – £470 pd
See all 159 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
43 open

Manchester

Location
14 open

Leeds

Location
8 open

Oxford

Location
8 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Bristol

Location
5 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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