Future Tech Jobs Future Tech Jobs

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 automated web scraping and bulk data workflows. The engineer will implement data transformation, validation, and quality controls while using Infrastructure as Code and containerised applications to support reproducible, observable data processing. Working within a multidisciplinary team, they will translate analytical requirements into robust data solutions and support MLOps practices.

SmartSourcing Ltd Belfast, County Antrim, United Kingdom £49,400 pa
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Engineer AWS

This role involves designing, building, and maintaining scalable data pipelines on AWS to process large and complex datasets. The Data Engineer will implement Infrastructure as Code, containerised applications, and MLOps practices while collaborating with data scientists and analysts. The position supports public-sector data capabilities with a focus on reliability, automation, and reproducibility.

SmartSourcing Ltd Darlington, County Durham, United Kingdom £49,400 pa
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Platform Engineer – Cloud

This role involves leading the migration of legacy Databricks pipelines to a modern AWS cloud infrastructure, with a focus on building automated, scalable data solutions for critical healthcare data. The engineer will work across data migration, cloud platform engineering, and Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, ensuring secure and compliant handling of sensitive data assets. Collaboration with architects and stakeholders is key to supporting platform modernisation and operational readiness.

Velocity Talent Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

SLM Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining robust database solutions, migrating data from legacy systems, and optimising performance for business-critical applications. The engineer will work closely with stakeholders to define data architecture frameworks and support management information systems within a hybrid working model. Key focus areas include data modelling, security, and metadata management in a highly technical engineering environment.

Carbon 60 Stevenage, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £70 – £80 ph
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Data Analytics Engineer

Role:Data Analytics EngineerLocation: NottinghamWorking Arrangement:Remote, quarterly visitsSalary:Up to £48kAre you passionate about turning data into meaningful business insights? Whether you're an experienced Data Analyst looking to move into Analytics Engineering, an early-career professional eager to develop modern data skills, or...

Rebel Recruitment Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £48,000 pa

Staff Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining scalable, production-grade data pipelines on cloud-native platforms using Azure and Databricks. The engineer will lead technical decisions around data processing and modelling, optimise performance, and establish engineering best practices across the data function. It's a high-impact position at the core of a major data transformation within a leading UK retail brand.

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

Data QA Engineer

This role involves ensuring the quality and reliability of data platforms, pipelines, and data products within a modern cloud-based Lakehouse environment. The Data QA Engineer will design and execute testing strategies, collaborate with engineering and analytics teams, and contribute to defect resolution and continuous improvement. Work is conducted primarily in Databricks and PySpark, with a strong focus on functional, integration, and regression testing to support robust data delivery.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Data QA Engineer

This role involves testing data platforms, pipelines, and data products within a modern cloud-based Lakehouse environment, with a focus on functional, integration, and regression testing. You'll collaborate with data engineers and stakeholders to identify risks, validate solutions, and improve quality standards. The role specifically includes working in Databricks and PySpark environments to ensure data reliability and robustness.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
Remote Permanent
See all 187 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring data engineers

See all companies →
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.

Hiring data engineers?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 Basic, anonymous analytics (aggregate counts only, never shared) are always on. Accept to also enable third-party tools — Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Mixpanel, Leadfeeder — which help us match you with relevant Data Engineering roles. We never sell your data or use it for cross-site advertising. See our Cookie Policy.