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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 AWS

The role involves designing, building, and maintaining scalable data pipelines on AWS to process large and complex datasets, including web scraping and bulk data acquisition. The engineer will implement data transformation and quality controls, manage containerised analytics applications, and use Infrastructure as Code for cloud-based workflows. Collaboration with data scientists and analysts is key to translating requirements into technical solutions.

SmartSourcing Ltd Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 2AF, United Kingdom £49,400 pa
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer AWS

The role involves designing, building, and maintaining scalable data pipelines on AWS to process large and complex datasets, including automated web scraping and bulk data acquisition. The engineer will implement data transformation and quality controls, develop containerised analytics applications, and use Infrastructure as Code to manage cloud workflows. Working within a multidisciplinary team, they will support reproducible data processing and MLOps while collaborating with data scientists and analysts to deliver actionable insights.

SmartSourcing Ltd Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom £49,400 pa
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer (Azure)

This role involves designing and building scalable data platforms on Microsoft Azure for enterprise clients. The engineer will create data pipelines using Azure Data Factory and Databricks, develop analytics solutions with Synapse and Data Lake Storage, and optimise ETL/ELT processes. A key aspect is direct client engagement to understand requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mentor junior team members, with room for growth into architecture or leadership.

Lynx Recruitment Sw1E5Lb, SW1E 5LB, United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer (Azure/Fabric)

This role involves designing and building end-to-end data pipelines on a modern Azure-based platform, supporting analytics, self-service access, and future AI initiatives. The engineer will develop scalable data models, optimise ETL/ELT workflows, and contribute to an enterprise ontology for improved data governance within a care provider undergoing digital transformation.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Oxfordshire, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer (Full-Stack Data Products)

The ClientWe are delighted to be ,once more, recruiting on behalf of our prestigious client, a newly created JV Technology Consulting business formed by global leaders in the fields of management consulting and investment fund management. Based in Newcastle upon...

Catalyst Ne11Ad, NE1 1AD, United Kingdom
Adecco logo

Data Engineering Lead

Data Engineering LeadLondon/Hybrid12 months contractDay rate £745 via Umbrella CompanyOur commitment is to provide equal opportunity regardless of, for example, your gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or beliefs. We also engage with employers to develop programmes and pathways that...

Adecco London, United Kingdom

Data Engineering Lead

The Data Engineering Lead is responsible for building and leading the data engineering capability at ICAEW, ensuring data is collected, transformed, and made available securely and efficiently. The role involves leading a team, designing scalable data architectures, and collaborating with data architects and other teams to support current and future analytical needs.

ICAEW Milton Keynes, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineering Manager

Lead and grow a data engineering team while remaining hands-on in designing and building scalable cloud-based data platforms. Collaborate with AI and platform teams to productionise machine learning solutions and establish engineering best practices. Shape the technical roadmap and evolve into a future Head of Data Engineering as the team expands.

Datatech London, United Kingdom £85,000 – £95,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
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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