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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
153
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
81
View 153 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 584 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
16% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Entry
28
41
6 jobs
Junior
30
56
19 jobs
Mid
40
85
177 jobs
Senior
50
100
183 jobs
Lead
54
118
65 jobs
Director
95
126
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 389 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
68%
SQL
67%
Data Modelling
37%
AWS
32%
Data Pipelines
32%
Azure
31%
ETL
30%
Data Governance
29%
CI/CD
27%
Databricks
21%
Data Warehousing
20%
Power BI
19%
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

153 live roles

See all 153 roles →

Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data pipelines and ingestion processes using technologies like Apache Spark, NiFi, and AWS. Work within secure government environments, integrating data from multiple sources and optimizing data platforms for performance. Collaborate with Agile teams to deliver high-quality, reliable data solutions.

Copello Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Data Engineer

As a Data & AI Engineer, you will design and build scalable data pipelines, integrate data from multiple sources, and develop advanced analytics and AI solutions. You'll work closely with analysts and stakeholders to deliver high-impact, production-ready solutions, with a focus on data quality and performance.

Tenth Revolution Group Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom £45,000 – £51,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

Design and maintain data pipelines using Databricks, Azure, and the Microsoft data stack, with a focus on ETL/ELT development, SQL, and Python/PySpark. Optimize data platforms for performance and scalability while collaborating with analysts and stakeholders. Shape the evolution of the data estate in a growing, innovation-driven team.

Tenth Revolution Group Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £45,000 – £60,000 pa

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and building scalable data platforms, advising senior stakeholders on data strategy, and ensuring AI readiness across a diverse investment portfolio. You will work hands-on with data engineering and collaborate with multiple teams to drive commercial impact.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £100,000 – £120,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Data Engineer

This role involves taking ownership of SQL-driven data development and reporting, building and maintaining ETL pipelines using SSIS and Azure Data Factory, and developing Power BI dashboards. You'll support both day-to-day activities and long-term transformation projects, contributing to the modernisation of the data warehouse and the transition to new technologies like Python and Microsoft Fabric.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Liverpool, United Kingdom £30,000 – £40,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer at Clariti AI, you will play a key role in improving the production quality of the company's price optimization software. Your responsibilities will include building and optimizing machine learning ETL/ELT pipelines, scaling data infrastructure, and collaborating with clients on onboarding and pricing expertise. This role offers significant growth opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects in a fast-scaling startup.

Step 2 Recruitment LTD London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer - Oxford

A short-term contract role focused on migrating SQL data from MySQL to Google Cloud Platform and BigQuery. The engineer will work on-site in Oxford, supporting a manufacturing client with scripting, data migration, and API integration. Strong Python and PHP skills are required, with familiarity in Medallion architecture layers.

Opus Recruitment Solutions Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £400 – £425 pd
On-site Contract

Data Engineer (Microsoft Fabric)

Design and build production-grade data pipelines using Microsoft Fabric, PySpark, and Azure technologies for high-regulation clients. Develop Lakehouse and Warehouse solutions on OneLake, implement data governance, and collaborate with data architects and scientists on large-scale transformation projects. Focus on scalable, cloud-native engineering practices with strong emphasis on quality and CI/CD.

TXP Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £1 pa
See all 153 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
43 open

Manchester

Location
14 open

Leeds

Location
8 open

Oxford

Location
8 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Bristol

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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