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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
192
Salary range
£30k – £130k
Hiring companies
106
View 192 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

A typical day for 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 – £130k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 137 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
38
1 job
Junior
35
41
2 jobs
Mid
35
113
57 jobs
Senior
40
100
39 jobs
Lead
40
110
12 jobs
Director
130
130
1 job
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

192 live roles

See all 192 roles →
Belcan logo

Technical Data Engineer

The role involves authoring, reviewing, and maintaining Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM) and Troubleshooting Manuals (TSM) for Landing Gear systems. You will work within a transnational technical data environment, ensuring maintenance documentation accurately reflects aircraft configuration and meets regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities include managing source data, responding to customer queries, and driving continuous improvement in technical data processes.

Belcan Filton, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £45 ph
Hybrid Contract Part-time Clearance Required

Technical Data Engineer

On behalf of our client, we are seeking to recruit a Technical Data Engineer on an initial 6-month contract. As the Technical Writer you will become a member of a team and be responsible for providing the technical data maintenance...

Line Up Aviation Filton, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £45 ph

Data Engineer

This role involves designing, building, and optimizing scalable data solutions using Azure services, implementing data governance, and developing robust data pipelines. You will work closely with the Lead Technology Architect to shape the future of data at a growing national healthcare staffing business, ensuring high performance, security, and cost efficiency.

Nurseplus Kent, United Kingdom £50,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Data Engineering Lead

This role involves leading the design and implementation of a modern Microsoft Fabric data platform, including data warehousing, data pipelines, and self-service analytics. You will manage a small team, define technical standards, and collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

ECS Resource Group Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1EA, United Kingdom £60,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible

Data Engineer (Talend & Unix Specialist)

The Data Engineer role involves designing and implementing secure, scalable data integration and ETL solutions using Talend and Unix. You will build and maintain data pipelines, collaborate with stakeholders, support incident resolution, and contribute to Agile ceremonies. The position also includes mentoring team members and ensuring high service reliability in a secure government environment.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Telford, Shropshire, SY2 5TN, United Kingdom £400 – £450 pd
Hybrid Contract Flexible Clearance Required

GenAI Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining scalable data pipelines using PySpark and Python, optimizing AWS-based data and AI infrastructure, and developing GenAI/LLM models. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GenAI capabilities into production systems, ensuring high-quality data and operational reliability.

DCV Technologies London, United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Contract

GenAI Data Engineer

This role involves designing and implementing large-scale data pipelines using PySpark, SQL, and Python, with a focus on integrating GenAI and LLM models. You will work with distributed systems, optimize data warehousing, and handle both structured and unstructured data, contributing to a team that values advanced data engineering and machine learning capabilities.

Vallum Associates London, United Kingdom £500 – £525 pd
Hybrid Contract

Data Engineer

The Data Engineer role involves designing, building, and supporting robust data integration and ETL solutions using Talend and Unix. Key responsibilities include creating scalable data pipelines, ensuring high service reliability, collaborating with stakeholders, and mentoring team members in a secure government environment.

CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Telford, Shropshire, SY2 5TN, United Kingdom £400 – £450 pd
Hybrid Contract Flexible Clearance Required
See all 192 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
53 open

Manchester

Location
17 open

Birmingham

Location
10 open

Leeds

Location
7 open

Bristol

Location
5 open

Cardiff

Location
4 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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