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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
174
Salary range
£30k – £240k
Hiring companies
95
View 174 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 295 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
98 jobs
Lead
40
240
37 jobs
Director
95
130
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 222 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SQL
70%
Python
70%
AWS
33%
Azure
32%
Data Modelling
31%
CI/CD
27%
Data Pipelines
27%
Data Governance
26%
ETL
25%
Databricks
23%
PySpark
18%
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

174 live roles

See all 174 roles →

Senior Data Engineer (DBT)

This role involves building and maintaining data pipelines and warehouses to support an enterprise data platform for a reinsurance business. You will work with technologies like DBT, Snowflake, and AWS, and collaborate on the end-to-end delivery of the platform.

Opus Recruitment Solutions Billingsgate, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £625 – £725 pd
Hybrid Contract

Lead Data Engineer (Snowflake)

Lead a team in designing and delivering end-to-end data engineering solutions on modern cloud platforms, focusing on greenfield projects. You'll build scalable data pipelines, develop data models, and optimise performance while collaborating closely with stakeholders and clients.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £75,000 – £90,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Senior Data Engineer (Snowflake)

This role involves designing and building end-to-end data engineering solutions on modern cloud platforms, with a focus on greenfield projects. The engineer will develop data pipelines, transformations, and models while orchestrating workflows and optimising performance. Close collaboration with stakeholders and clients is a key part of the role.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Leeds, United Kingdom £55,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Lead Data Engineer

As the Lead Data Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of a modern cloud data platform, own data pipeline architecture, set data engineering standards, and mentor a team of Data Engineers. You will work closely with Analytics Engineers, Data Scientists, and Product teams to ensure strong data governance and support various data initiatives.

Sphere Digital Recruitment London, United Kingdom £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

AWS Data Engineer (Active SC)

Design and maintain scalable data pipelines and cloud-based data platforms using AWS-native technologies. Develop containerised applications and automate workflows with tools like Docker and Apache Airflow. Work within Agile teams to deliver secure, high-performance solutions while adhering to data governance and security standards.

True North Group London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves designing and building a scalable cloud-based data platform, developing secure ELT/ETL pipelines, and establishing DataOps and DataSecOps practices. The engineer will implement data governance, security frameworks, and self-service analytics models while providing technical leadership and mentoring. It focuses on delivering trusted data solutions to support advanced analytics and future AI initiatives.

Yolk Recruitment Bridgend, United Kingdom £63,500 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Java Data Engineer London

This role involves working on a Big Data project in the finance sector, utilizing Java, Big Data technologies, on-premises clusters, databases, Kubernetes, Kafka, and Apache Spark. The position is a 6-month contract with a possible extension, and the work pattern is hybrid, requiring 3 days in the London office.

Tank Recruitment London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Contract

Lead Data Engineer

As a Lead Data Engineer, you will mature and embed the existing Data & Insights platform on the Azure stack, focusing on Databricks architecture and data ingestion. You will lead data engineering efforts, provide technical guidance, and coach a small team of Data Engineers.

Pontoon Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Hybrid Contract
See all 174 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
48 open

Manchester

Location
11 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Leeds

Location
6 open

Newcastle

Location
3 open

Coventry

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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