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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
173
Salary range
£30k – £240k
Hiring companies
97
View 173 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 – £240k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 293 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
38
1 job
Junior
30
45
8 jobs
Mid
30
113
113 jobs
Senior
44
240
96 jobs
Lead
40
240
37 jobs
Director
95
130
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 220 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SQL
70%
Python
70%
AWS
34%
Azure
32%
Data Modelling
31%
Data Pipelines
27%
CI/CD
26%
Data Governance
26%
ETL
25%
Databricks
23%
PySpark
19%
Data Warehousing
18%
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

173 live roles

See all 173 roles →
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
Adecco logo

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will develop and maintain robust data pipelines to support business intelligence and analytics. You will work closely with stakeholders to understand their data needs, design structured data models, and ensure high standards of data quality and performance.

Adecco Manchester, United Kingdom £31 – £34 ph
Remote Temporary Flexible
Experis logo

Data Engineer

This role involves building and maintaining data pipelines for a new digital Screening service within the NHS England Digital Screening programme. You will develop ETL processes using PySpark, work in an Agile team, and ensure data quality and reliability for reporting dashboards.

Experis London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £465 – £466 pd
Remote Contract

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing the organization's data platform, including SQL Server databases and a modern cloud-based data ecosystem. You will ensure data reliability, scalability, and performance, develop robust data pipelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end data solutions. The role involves hands-on technical work, continuous improvement, and a focus on data governance and quality.

Robert Walters Manchester, United Kingdom £55,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

The role involves building and maintaining SQL-based data pipelines, creating analytics-ready datasets, and ensuring data quality and governance. You'll work closely with stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable data models and support Analytics & AI teams with reliable data products. The position is part of a modern, product-driven data platform in a high-growth environment.

Microlise Langley Mill, Derbyshire, NG16 4BS, United Kingdom £45,000 pa
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering end-to-end data engineering activities using Microsoft Azure technologies. You will design and implement data pipelines, create business-aligned data models, and ensure robust supportability and documentation. This role involves continuous improvement, collaboration, and proactive monitoring within the Data Engineering team.

Orbit Group Binley Woods, Warwickshire, United Kingdom £43,760 – £54,697 pa
On-site Contract

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will build and maintain data pipelines using SQL and Python, develop data models for analytics and AI applications, and work with cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP. You will collaborate closely with Product Managers, AI Engineers, and Analysts to support the development of next-generation analytics and decision intelligence products.

Datatech London, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa
Permanent

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the company's digital transformation by designing, developing, and maintaining business intelligence solutions. You will work closely with technical teams to integrate systems, optimize queries, and deliver meaningful insights through reports and visualizations.

Hays Technology Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £52,750 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
See all 173 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
50 open

Manchester

Location
11 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Leeds

Location
6 open

Bristol

Location
3 open

Newcastle

Location
3 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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