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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

We're recruiting a Data Engineer to join an organisation that's modernising its enterprise data platform and preparing for the next generation of analytics and AI driven solutions.Working Pattern: 3 days per week in the officeYou will be responsible for shaping...

Synergy Resourcing International Bloomsbury Square, London, United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining data pipelines in a high-pressure environment, with a focus on Python, SQL, and cloud-based data technologies. The engineer will work on Spark and Delta Lake implementations, support incident resolution within SLAs, and contribute to data architecture using Medallion principles. The position requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate effectively across both legacy and modern data systems.

Hays Technology Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £400 pd
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining ETL/ELT pipelines, supporting a central data lake, and improving data automation and governance. The engineer will work across technical and business teams to enhance data quality, reporting consistency, and support strategic insight, with exposure to data warehousing and ethical AI preparation. It's a hands-on position contributing to foundational data transformation in a hybrid environment.

Liquid Cathedrals, London, United Kingdom £500 ph
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

Design and maintain a centralized Azure-based data platform to consolidate data from various sources, enabling reliable reporting and dashboarding. Serve as the lead technical specialist for data engineering and BI infrastructure within a cross-functional IT team. Focus on building scalable data solutions and robust data models to support organizational insights.

One Manchester Manchester, United Kingdom £55,557 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

Data Engineer2-3 days p/w on site in Milton KeynesContract until the end of the yearTechnical Skills.Expert in Data Bricks, ADF & SQL (SQL queries, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) (Stored Procedures Development).Expert in Data Modelling & Data Schema creation including...

Hays Technology Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £400 pd

Data Engineer

Data EngineerDartford£35,000 - £40,100 + £25,000 Available in Overtime / Travel Time (£60,000 realistic first-year earnings) + Van + Fuel Card + Holiday + Pension Stability + Family Feel Company + Immediate StartStep into a role working with a family-feel...

Excellis Recruitment Ltd Dartford, Kent, United Kingdom £35,000 – £40,000 pa

Data Engineer

Your New RoleShort term contract for 4x experienced Data Cabling Engineers to join a commercial installation project.This role is ideal for engineers who are confident installing, terminating and testing Cat 6A structured cabling and are comfortable working at height using...

Red King Resourcing Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom £180 pd

Data Engineer

Design and implement cloud-based data solutions integrating multiple sources, with a focus on Salesforce and marketing data. Build scalable ELT pipelines and support data-driven campaign activation. Contribute to AI and transformation projects in a high-performing analytics team.

Datatech Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RE, United Kingdom £50,000 pa
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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