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

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

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Adecco Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom £21 ph

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will work at the intersection of engineering, production, and data systems, transforming raw data into usable assets. Your responsibilities include data analysis, pipeline management, and collaboration with engineering teams to deliver high-quality data solutions. You will also contribute to expanding Domin’s AI/ML capabilities and maintain high code quality standards.

YT Technologies Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £30,000 – £42,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will work within the Data Labs Team at a leading university, focusing on the development and maintenance of robust data pipelines using Azure Data Factory and DBT. Your role involves designing scalable data models, ensuring data quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance data accessibility and analytics capabilities.

WEG Tech Coventry, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £47,389 – £56,535 pa
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

The Data Engineer will join Salix's growing Data & Analytics team to build and maintain robust data pipelines, ensuring high-quality data for reporting, analytics, and operational decision-making. You will work closely with analysts and business stakeholders to develop scalable data solutions and support strategic initiatives, including the creation of a historical data repository and preparation for a new CRM platform.

Nobul Resourcing Solutions Manchester, United Kingdom £41,000 pa
Hybrid Contract Part-time Clearance Required

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and developing enterprise-scale data pipelines, integrating data from multiple sources, and building cloud-native data solutions using AWS and Azure. You will collaborate with architects, developers, and business stakeholders to ensure data quality, performance, and reliability, while contributing to Agile delivery teams and driving engineering excellence.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler London, United Kingdom £400 – £429 pd
Hybrid Contract Flexible Clearance Required

Data Engineer

This role involves designing, building, and maintaining end-to-end data pipelines on a modern Azure-based platform using Databricks. You will work closely with architecture and delivery teams to ensure robust, scalable, and governed data solutions, while implementing data quality, lineage, and security controls.

RedRock Resourcing Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £55,000 – £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent

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
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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