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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
187
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
106
View 187 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 438 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
12% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Entry
27
36
5 jobs
Junior
30
45
11 jobs
Mid
40
85
172 jobs
Senior
50
100
139 jobs
Lead
40
110
51 jobs
Director
95
126
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 400 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
69%
SQL
68%
Data Modelling
37%
Data Pipelines
33%
AWS
32%
Azure
31%
ETL
30%
Data Governance
28%
CI/CD
26%
Databricks
22%
Data Warehousing
20%
Power BI
20%
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

187 live roles

See all 187 roles →

Data Engineer

The role involves assessing and migrating metadata from legacy systems to a modern data catalogue within a high-profile UK Defence programme. You'll design metadata mappings, build ETL/ELT pipelines, and collaborate with data architects and analysts to ensure data is discoverable and trustworthy. Work takes place in a hybrid setup with 1-2 days per week on-site in Corsham.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HB, United Kingdom £550 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining data models, reporting frameworks, and analytics solutions to measure product performance and user behaviour. The Data Engineer will create dashboards, integrate data from multiple sources, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data-informed decisions. Focus areas include customer journey analysis, KPI development, and ensuring data quality and governance across digital products.

Intec Select Stratford And New Town, London, E15 1XQ, United Kingdom £30,000 – £34,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

DATA ENGINEER

Data EngineerLocation: Remote – with requirement to visit Hampshire based office 2-3 times a monthHours: 37.5 Hours a week (Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm)Salary Range: £40,000 - £80,000 per annum (Depending on Experience)Contract Type: Permanent, Full-TimeAbout the OpportunityAn outstanding...

Talent Sure Recruitment Limited Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 8NJ, United Kingdom £40,000 – £80,000 pa

Data Engineer

Job title: Data EngineerLocation: Waltham on the WoldsContract length: 12 month contract potential to extendShift Pattern: Monday - Friday 09.00am - 17.00pm (Flexibility)(i.e 08.00am - 16.00pm) Hybrid(8 hour day with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break)Randstad Sourceright, a leading provider...

Randstad Sourceright Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire, LE14 4AW, United Kingdom £233 – £472 pd

Data Engineer

Data Engineer (MOD DV)Salary: Approx £50,000 - £70,000 per annum (DOE)Locations: Corsham - hybrid depending on project requirements)CPS Group are working with a well-established technology consultancy delivering complex digital and infrastructure solutions into the UK Defence sector.As a Data Engineer,...

CPS Group Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0HB, United Kingdom £50,000 – £70,000 pa

Data Engineer

This role involves building and optimizing data pipelines to process and manage large volumes of data, enhancing the central data platform, and ensuring reliable information delivery for investment decision-making. You will work closely with stakeholders to shape data access and leverage it to maximize value.

Noir Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom £45,000 – £80,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and building cloud-based data platforms using modern technologies like Python, PySpark, Databricks, and Snowflake. You will work on complex data pipelines, ensure data quality, and collaborate closely with underwriting, actuarial, and regulatory teams. The position offers a high-impact, engineering-led environment with opportunities for technical leadership and mentorship.

Tenth Revolution Group London, United Kingdom £60,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

The role involves leading the design and development of enterprise data pipelines and platforms, ensuring data reliability and security. The engineer will work with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions, implement data quality controls, and promote best practices in automation and monitoring. This is a remote-first position with occasional on-site meetings, focused on modernising large-scale data infrastructure within a public sector organisation.

Sellick Partnership Bedfordshire, United Kingdom £475 – £575 pd
See all 187 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
58 open

Manchester

Location
11 open

Birmingham

Location
5 open

Leeds

Location
4 open

Southampton

Location
3 open

Milton Keynes

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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