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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
220
Salary range
£30k – £150k
Hiring companies
114
View 220 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 – £150k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 152 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
38
1 job
Junior
35
45
4 jobs
Mid
35
113
57 jobs
Senior
40
100
42 jobs
Lead
40
150
22 jobs
Director
130
130
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 1 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

SQL
100%
AWS
100%
ETL/ELT
100%
Data Warehousing
100%
Orchestration
100%
Python
100%
Docker
100%
S3
100%
GraphQL
100%
REST
100%
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

220 live roles

See all 220 roles →
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Platform Engineer

As a Lead Data Platform Engineer, you will design and develop end-to-end data platform solutions in Azure using Databricks, focusing on automation, monitoring, and DevOps best practices. You will take ownership of the platform's architectural direction and work closely with stakeholders to improve data capabilities.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Birmingham, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent Flexible
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Platform Engineer

As a Lead Data Platform Engineer, you will take ownership of a modern Databricks platform in Azure, designing and developing end-to-end data solutions, implementing CI/CD practices, and ensuring optimal platform performance. You will work closely with stakeholders to shape best-in-class data engineering practices and drive the long-term architectural direction.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent Flexible

Azure SQL / Fabric Data Engineer

Azure SQL / Fabric Data Engineer | £400 - £500 Outside IR35 | Exeter | Hybrid | 6‑Month Initial Term We’re working with a South West–based organisation undergoing a modernisation of their data platform using Microsoft Fabric and are looking...

Opus Recruitment Solutions Exeter, United Kingdom
Amazon logo

Military Data Centre Engineering Operations (DCEO), Amazon Web Services (AWS)

This role focuses on those who have military experience interested in working in the private sector.Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Critical Facilities Technician to join our Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO) team.In this role you will support the...

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent
Amazon logo

Software Development Engineer, Data Center Builder Tools

As a Software Development Engineer on the Data Center Builder Tools team, you will design and develop software solutions for AWS Data Center industrial controls. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the security, reliability, and efficiency of Amazon's data centers, contributing to the company's vision of building the safest and most advanced infrastructure.

Amazon London, United Kingdom £40,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Junior Data Enigneer

This role involves building and maintaining reliable data pipelines, transforming data using Python, SQL, and PySpark, and integrating data from various sources. You'll work closely with experienced Data Engineers and contribute to data quality initiatives and platform reliability in a growing SaaS company.

hireful London, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Platform Engineer (Azure & Databricks)

This role involves designing, building, and optimizing a modern Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and reliable. You will lead the implementation of data platform solutions, work closely with engineers and stakeholders, and drive technical initiatives in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom £80,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent Flexible
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Platform Engineer (Azure & Databricks)

This role involves designing, building, and optimizing a modern Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and reliable. You will lead the implementation of data platform solutions, work closely with engineers and stakeholders, and drive technical excellence in a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Birmingham, United Kingdom £80,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent Flexible
See all 220 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
64 open

Manchester

Location
20 open

Birmingham

Location
13 open

Leeds

Location
9 open

Bristol

Location
5 open

Cardiff

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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