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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
110
Salary range
£30k – £130k
Hiring companies
70
View 110 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

£30k – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 124 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
38
1 job
Junior
30
41
3 jobs
Mid
35
113
48 jobs
Senior
50
100
35 jobs
Lead
40
100
11 jobs
Director
130
130
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 20 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
70%
SQL
65%
AWS
40%
Data Pipelines
35%
Azure
35%
ETL
30%
Data Warehousing
25%
CI/CD
25%
Power BI
25%
GCP
20%
Oracle
15%
Data Modelling
15%
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

110 live roles

See all 110 roles →
Spotlight
Source Global Research logo

AI & Data Engineer

This role involves maintaining and enhancing the company's data infrastructure while leading AI-driven improvements. You will design and deploy AI features, build vector databases, and transform ETL/ELT processes into AI-ready pipelines. Additionally, you will mentor the team on MLOps and AI best practices, ensuring data quality and system performance.

Source Global Research London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Experis logo

Data Engineer

Data Engineer12 monthsBath - x3 days onsite£550 Outside ir35Active DV clearance (SC Considered) requiredRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced DV (SC Considered) Cleared Data Engineer to support a high‑profile, mission‑critical programme within a secure government environment. The role will focus...

Experis Bath, Somerset, TA7 8PH, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Experis logo

Data Engineer

Data EngineerRate: £483Clearance Required: SC - hold SC with HMRC or another governing bodyDuration: 6 monthsTelford with 2 days/week in officeAn engineer to initially be part of the DWIT project. This would be based on legacy technology, so Unix, SQL...

Experis Telford, Shropshire, SY2 5TN, United Kingdom £430 – £483 pd
ARM logo

Data Engineer

This role involves working as a Data Engineer for ARM, focusing on Azure Native Components like Azure SQL and Azure Data Factory. You will also ensure compliance with Government 'Secure by Design' initiatives and communicate technical knowledge clearly to various stakeholders.

ARM Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £585 – £625 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer

South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are looking for a Data Engineer to join our Strategy and Innovation Team.In this role, you'll be key to us being able to use our data to understand and improve our performance and integrate services....

South Norfolk and Broadland Council Whitlingham, Norfolk, United Kingdom £42,287 – £47,191 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible Clearance Required

Data Engineer

Data EngineerLong Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk£56,000 per annumFull Time: 37hrs per weekSaffron is looking for a talented Data Engineer to help drive the next stage of our data transformation. This role is all about building and optimising our Azure-based data platform,...

Saffron housing Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom £56,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Data Engineer

We’re currently partnering with a forward-thinking, technology-driven organisation that has recently secured significant investment and is now looking to expand its data capability with the addition of a talented Data Engineer / Data Scientist.This is an excellent opportunity for either...

hireful Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £50,000 – £55,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

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
See all 110 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
38 open

Bristol

Location
4 open

Manchester

Location
3 open

Edinburgh

Location
3 open

Leeds

Location
3 open

Portsmouth

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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