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Senior Data Engineer Jobs

Experienced professionals who design, build, and maintain the data infrastructure that powers modern businesses. A critical role in ensuring data is accessible, reliable, and scalable.

Open roles
33
Salary range
£40k – £110k
Hiring companies
26
View 33 live roles → Get an alert

Senior Data Engineers are the backbone of data infrastructure in organisations. They design, build, and maintain the systems that enable data to be collected, processed, and stored efficiently. These professionals work closely with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure that data is accessible and reliable. They are responsible for creating robust data pipelines, optimising data warehousing solutions, and implementing DataOps practices to streamline data operations. Whether in scaleups, research-heavy startups, or the larger consultancies, Senior Data Engineers play a crucial role in driving data-driven decision-making.

What the role does

A typical day for a Senior Data Engineer

A typical week for a Senior Data Engineer is a mix of hands-on technical work and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and implement data pipelines for ETL/ELT processes.
  2. 02
    Optimise data warehousing solutions for performance and scalability.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to understand data requirements.
  4. 04
    Monitor and maintain data infrastructure to ensure reliability and security.
  5. 05
    Document and communicate data architecture and processes.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest data engineering tools and technologies.
Salary on the board

£40k – £110k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 28 priced live listings on the board. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
40
100
23 jobs
Lead
65
110
5 jobs
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for senior 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 the design and implementation of data pipelines and basic data warehousing solutions.

  2. Level 2

    Data Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Takes ownership of specific data pipelines and contributes to the overall data infrastructure design.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Data Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Leads the design and implementation of complex data infrastructure, ensuring scalability and reliability.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Data Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Strategic leader in data infrastructure, driving innovation and best practices across the organisation.

Pathway

How to become a Senior Data Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn the Fundamentals

    Start with a strong foundation in data engineering principles, including ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, and SQL.

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on real-world projects to build and maintain data pipelines, and collaborate with data scientists and analysts.

  3. 3

    Specialise in Advanced Topics

    Deepen your expertise in areas like big data processing, DataOps, and cloud data infrastructure.

  4. 4

    Lead Projects and Teams

    Take on leadership roles, managing data engineering projects and mentoring junior team members.

  5. 5

    Drive Strategic Initiatives

    Influence the organisation's data strategy, driving innovation and best practices in data infrastructure.

  6. 6

    Become a Thought Leader

    Contribute to the broader data engineering community through speaking engagements, writing, and open-source contributions.

Live jobs

33 live roles

See all 33 →

Senior Data Engineer – Central London

The Senior Data Engineer will work on enterprise-level data pipelines using modern technologies like Python, SQL (dbt), Azure Functions, and Tableau. The role involves improving data quality and streamlining operations for a rapidly-scaling digital transformation consultancy and SaaS business in the property management sector. The team values work-life balance, offering a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office and flexible scheduling.

Ada Meher Mayfair, London, W1K 3DN, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible
RSM logo

Senior Data Engineer

The Senior Data Engineer / Analytics Lead will establish and lead the data engineering and analytics capability within RSM's Forensic Technology team. Responsibilities include designing and building data pipelines, working directly with clients and regulators, mentoring junior staff, and setting technical standards. This greenfield role offers the opportunity to shape the function and deliver impactful forensic solutions.

RSM London, United Kingdom £70,000 – £100,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Data Engineer - Microsoft Fabric

This role involves building and maintaining scalable data pipelines, data models, and analytics solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Azure. You will work closely with stakeholders to translate their requirements into technical solutions, manage data ingestion and transformation, and mentor junior team members. The position offers the chance to work on a cutting-edge, AI-enabled data platform with a focus on innovation and growth.

Roc Search Europe Limited Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £70,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Lead Data Engineer

The Lead Data Engineer will develop mission-critical data solutions for National Security clients, working with cutting-edge technologies such as AI/DS, Cyber, Cloud, DevOps/SRE, and Platform Engineering. Responsibilities include designing and implementing sophisticated data pipelines, ensuring data quality and security, and leading agile teams to solve complex, high-stakes challenges.

Searchability NS&D Gloucester, United Kingdom £65,000 – £85,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves managing and monitoring the ETL pipeline for financial reporting, driving the migration to a cloud-native data platform, and collaborating with IT and business stakeholders to fix data issues and gather requirements. The position offers the opportunity to shape the cloud architecture and improve the efficiency of the finance function.

Eden James Consulting Ltd London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £70,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior Data Engineer - Insurance

This role involves designing and building scalable cloud-based data platforms using Medallion Architecture, engineering data pipelines with Python and PySpark, and integrating data from multiple sources. The position offers the opportunity to work on complex data challenges in the London insurance market, collaborating with data architects, modellers, and business stakeholders to deliver modern cloud solutions.

Tenth Revolution Group London, United Kingdom £75,000 – £95,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves designing, building, and owning end-to-end data pipelines for real-time and batch analytics. You will work on high-volume, low-latency data use cases, focusing on reliability and scalability. The position offers the chance to influence data engineering practices, collaborate with analytics and product teams, and contribute to a growing, modern data platform.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, United Kingdom £90,000 – £100,000 pa
Remote Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Engineer (Azure & Databricks)

This role involves leading the design, build, and optimization of a modern Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform. You will provide technical leadership, collaborate with engineers and stakeholders, and ensure the platform is scalable, secure, and reliable. Key responsibilities include developing and deploying the Lakehouse, managing Databricks administration, and implementing CI/CD pipelines and monitoring systems.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £80,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Lead Data Engineer (Azure & Databricks)

This role involves leading the design, build, and optimization of a modern Azure Databricks Lakehouse platform. You will work closely with engineers and stakeholders to ensure the platform is scalable, secure, and reliable, while taking ownership of key data platform initiatives and driving technical excellence.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Leeds, United Kingdom £80,000 – £85,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves building and optimizing end-to-end data pipelines using Databricks, PySpark, and Spark SQL. You will act as a subject matter expert, partnering with stakeholders to gather requirements and drive continuous improvement in a newly established data function within a global organization.

Robert Half Birmingham, United Kingdom £65,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves designing and maintaining end-to-end ELT and ETL pipelines within a large-scale AWS environment, building well-structured data models, and improving data quality and governance. You will lead architectural decisions, support transformation projects, and mentor a junior engineer in a digital-focused financial services organization.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa
Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves designing, building, and optimizing cloud-based data pipelines and warehouses for a fast-growing financial services company. You will shape data architecture, improve processes, and mentor a junior engineer while working in a collaborative, agile environment with a focus on innovation and governance.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Leeds, United Kingdom £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Data Engineer

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will design and build scalable data infrastructure to support renewable energy systems. Your key responsibilities include developing and optimizing ETL pipelines, ensuring data quality, and mentoring team members in a collaborative, agile environment.

VIQU IT Recruitment London, United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Engineer

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will work within a high-calibre team to build and evolve core ETL pipelines, focusing on reliable and scalable data assets. You will use AWS, Snowflake, Python, and SQL to create data ingestion and modelling processes, and manage data orchestration with tools like Terraform and Airflow.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £80,000 – £100,000 pa
Remote Permanent
Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment logo

Senior Data Engineer

As a Senior Data Engineer, you will work within a high-calibre team to build and evolve core ETL pipelines, focusing on reliable and scalable data assets. You will use AWS, Snowflake, Python, and SQL to create data ingestion and modelling processes, and orchestrate data workflows with tools like Airflow or Dagster.

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment Birmingham, United Kingdom £80,000 – £100,000 pa
Remote Permanent
See all 33 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring senior 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
8 open

Manchester

Location
4 open

Leeds

Location
4 open

Birmingham

Location
3 open

Edinburgh

Location
1 open

Reading

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Key skills include expertise in ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, SQL, and cloud data infrastructure. Strong problem-solving abilities and collaboration skills are also essential.

  • Common tools include Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Snowflake. Familiarity with programming languages like Python and SQL is also important.

  • The typical progression is from Junior Data Engineer to Data Engineer, then Senior Data Engineer, and finally Principal Data Engineer. Each step involves increasing responsibility and leadership.

  • For specific salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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