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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
174
Salary range
£30k – £240k
Hiring companies
97
View 174 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

£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 →

Senior Data Engineer - London

Senior Data EngineerLondon, Hybrid, 3 days in the office each week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)£70,000 to 80,000 depending on experienceRef: J13073A growing AI SaaS business, where data sits at the centre of everything they build, is looking for a Senior...

Datatech London, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Permanent

Azure Data Engineer

Design and build scalable data pipelines and migration solutions in Microsoft Azure, using tools like Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and PySpark. Develop and optimise ETL/ELT workflows, manage data across ADLS Gen2 and Synapse, and ensure data quality and performance. Work in a hybrid setup with a strong focus on cloud-based data engineering and transformation.

Queen Square Recruitment Coventry, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £420 pd
Hybrid Contract

SAS Data Engineer

As a SAS Data Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain SAS-based data solutions, support data acquisition and management, and work across the full software development lifecycle. You will collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, secure, and reliable data solutions for essential public services.

83zero Worthing, West Sussex, United Kingdom £60,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves leading the design and implementation of scalable data architectures and pipelines using Azure-based tools. You will provide technical leadership, support the transition to modern cloud pipelines, and mentor junior data engineers.

Queen Square Recruitment Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom £450 pd
Contract

AWS Data Engineer | | (Active SC Clearance Required)

Design and build scalable data pipelines on AWS, modernising legacy ETL systems and supporting Power BI reporting. Work within a consultancy environment with architectural input and mentoring responsibilities. Leverage PySpark, Python, and SQL within EMR, S3, and Lambda to deliver robust data solutions.

Opus Recruitment Solutions Tower Of London, London, United Kingdom £400 – £425 pd
Contract Clearance Required

AWS Data Engineer

Location: Leicestershire, hybridSalary: circa £70,000 - £80,000Summary:We are looking for a hands-on Data Engineer to lead the build of a modern AWS-based data platform, taking ownership from core infrastructure through to curated, business-ready datasets.Key Responsibilities:Design, build, and operate a scalable...

Bis Henderson Leicestershire, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Fabric Data Engineer

Design and maintain data pipelines within Microsoft Fabric, integrating Salesforce data into a unified platform. Build scalable ETL/ELT processes and apply dimensional modelling best practices to support enterprise analytics. Work closely with stakeholders to deliver robust data architectures on Azure.

Opus Recruitment Solutions United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Remote Contract

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves partnering with engineers and stakeholders to design and develop data pipelines, migrate data to new platforms, and implement data quality checks. You'll work on large-scale financial projects and contribute to shaping the data architecture in a collaborative environment.

Fraser & Co. Talent Partners Limited London, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa
Remote Permanent
See all 174 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
50 open

Manchester

Location
11 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Leeds

Location
6 open

Bristol

Location
3 open

Newcastle

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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