Data Engineer Jobs

The backbone of modern data infrastructure. Building, maintaining, and optimising the pipelines that power data-driven decisions.

Open roles
174
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

174 live roles

See all 174 roles

Data Engineer

This role involves designing and building robust, scalable data pipelines and AI/ML solutions for large-scale transformation projects. You will work with cross-functional teams, integrate data from multiple sources, and ensure strong data quality and governance. The focus is on practical, real-world applications of data and AI technologies.

Tenth Revolution Group Ireland, Alba / Scotland, ZE2 9GA, United Kingdom £35,000 – £45,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Amazon logo

Data Engineer, Strategic Account Services

What is the Amazon Marketplace?Amazon is the largest marketplace on earth. Millions of customers shop in Amazon’s marketplaces globally. Every day, customers browse, purchase, and review products sold by third-party (3P) sellers right alongside products sold by Amazon. Since 2000,...

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Data Engineer (Mid Level) (Snowflake)

This role involves designing and building end-to-end data engineering solutions on modern cloud platforms, with a focus on greenfield projects. The engineer will develop data pipelines, transformations, and models while orchestrating workflows and optimising performance. Close collaboration with stakeholders and clients ensures clear communication throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £45,000 – £60,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Data Engineer | | Newcastle | SC Clearance Essential

This role involves building and maintaining real-time data pipelines using technologies like Kafka, Flink, and Spark. You will work with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and tools like Databricks, Snowflake, or BigQuery to create robust, scalable data solutions. The position is a 12-month fixed-term contract with a strong possibility of converting to a permanent role, and requires SC clearance.

Opus Recruitment Solutions Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 4JA, United Kingdom £35,000 – £57,000 pa
Hybrid Contract Flexible Clearance Required

Data Engineer / Architect - Aderant

Design and build a modern global data lakehouse using Microsoft Fabric, integrating Aderant and other legal tech systems to enable advanced analytics and AI-driven insights. Translate complex legal and financial data workflows into scalable, governed data solutions while ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.

Tank Recruitment London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Data Engineer (Snowflake / dbt) – Fully , UK

Data Engineer (Snowflake / dbt) – Fully Remote, UKFully remote (UK-based)£50,000 – £80,000 (Mid or Senior considered) + profit share + benefitsA high-growth technology business is hiring a Data Engineer to help rebuild its data platform from the ground up....

Partnerscale Ox11Aw, OX1 1AW, United Kingdom £50,000 – £80,000 pa
Remote
Amazon logo

Data Engineer, Prime Video Finance BI Team

As a Data Engineer on the Prime Video Finance BI Team, you will work on a global data platform that powers analytics and data science, focusing on big data processing, data warehouse design, and automated data quality detection. You'll collaborate with global business partners and technical teams to solve complex problems and deliver data products that influence strategic decisions, from content selection to customer experience.

Amazon London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Data Engineer & Analyst

As a Data Engineer & Analyst, you will build and scale the company’s data capability by developing robust data pipelines, maintaining the data warehouse, and delivering high-quality analytics and reporting. You will work closely with the Head of Data to ensure data is reliable, accessible, and transformed into actionable insights that drive growth across marketing, e-commerce, operations, and finance.

Catalyst Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom £35,000 – £40,000 pa
On-site 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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