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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
153
Salary range
£40k – £100k
Hiring companies
81
View 153 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 584 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
16% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Entry
28
41
6 jobs
Junior
30
56
19 jobs
Mid
40
85
177 jobs
Senior
50
100
183 jobs
Lead
54
118
65 jobs
Director
95
126
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 389 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
68%
SQL
67%
Data Modelling
37%
AWS
32%
Data Pipelines
32%
Azure
31%
ETL
30%
Data Governance
29%
CI/CD
27%
Databricks
21%
Data Warehousing
20%
Power BI
19%
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

153 live roles

See all 153 roles →

Junior Data Engineer

This role involves building and optimizing data pipelines within an AWS-based data platform, working closely with experienced professionals. Responsibilities include designing data ingestion pipelines, maintaining data models, and supporting AI-driven data products.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Leeds, United Kingdom £35,000 – £45,000 pa

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves leading and mentoring a team of Data Engineers while designing, building, and supporting Azure-based data pipelines and data warehouse solutions. You will work closely with stakeholders to enhance data platforms, optimize SQL procedures, and drive continuous improvement in the data estate.

Tenth Revolution Group Oxford, United Kingdom £75,000 – £90,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves leading and mentoring a team of Data Engineers, designing and building Azure-based data pipelines and data warehouse solutions, and driving continuous improvement in the data platform. The position offers exposure to modern Microsoft data technologies and a clear path for career progression.

Tenth Revolution Group Bristol, United Kingdom £75,000 – £90,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Junior Data Engineer

This role involves building and optimizing data pipelines within a modern AWS-based data platform, working closely with experienced professionals. Responsibilities include designing data ingestion pipelines, monitoring and optimizing data flows, and supporting the development of AI-driven data products.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa

AWS Data Engineer

This role involves designing and building scalable cloud-based data platforms and ETL/ELT pipelines using AWS, Databricks, and Agentic AI. You'll work directly with clients to understand their requirements and deliver high-quality data solutions, while also exploring emerging technologies.

Lynx Recruitment Sw1E5Lb, United Kingdom £40,000 – £60,000 pa

IT Data & Platform Engineer

Design and maintain data pipelines, lakehouses, and data warehouses within Microsoft Fabric using PySpark, Python, T-SQL, and DAX. Employ Infrastructure as Code, Git, and Azure DevOps for scalable, secure data platforms while ensuring data quality and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance analytics and business intelligence through innovative engineering solutions.

Frontpoint Partners Ltd Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB, United Kingdom £70,000 – £80,000 pa
Experis logo

Software and Data Engineer

Design and build data pipelines and APIs while maintaining business-critical applications in Python and TypeScript. Work across Google Cloud, BigQuery, and MongoDB to automate processes and improve data quality. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions and enhance system reliability.

Experis Birmingham, West Midlands (county), United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Adecco logo

Business Intelligence Data Engineer (CYPE)

Design and maintain data pipelines and corporate data models on a Microsoft Azure-based BI platform, integrating data from multiple source systems to support reporting and analytics for children and families services. Develop Power BI dashboards and enable self-service data access for operational and senior stakeholders. Work within a transformation programme to improve data quality, governance, and performance across the local authority.

Adecco South Croydon, London, United Kingdom £650 pd
Hybrid Contract
See all 153 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
43 open

Manchester

Location
14 open

Leeds

Location
8 open

Oxford

Location
8 open

Birmingham

Location
7 open

Bristol

Location
5 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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