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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
39
Salary range
£55k – £100k
Hiring companies
25
View 39 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

Inside the role of 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

£55k – £100k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 169 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
42% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
51
100
136 jobs
Lead
66
120
33 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 107 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
73%
SQL
63%
Data Modelling
36%
CI/CD
34%
AWS
34%
Data Governance
32%
Azure
25%
PySpark
24%
Data Pipelines
24%
Databricks
22%
Airflow
21%
Data Engineering
21%
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

39 live roles

See all 39 roles →

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

Senior Data Engineer

This role involves leading the design and delivery of greenfield data engineering projects, building and maintaining robust data pipelines, and deploying cloud-based data solutions. You will work independently, take ownership of projects, and communicate directly with stakeholders and clients, contributing to the continuous improvement of the data platform.

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment London, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa
Remote Permanent

Senior Data Engineer (Databricks)

Build and optimize scalable data pipelines in Databricks to unify marketing, CRM, and paid media data into a centralized lakehouse. Collaborate with analytics and marketing teams to develop data models supporting dashboards, attribution, and marketing mix modeling. Work in a greenfield environment to establish a single source of truth across diverse data sources.

Lawrence Harvey Uxbridge, London, UB8 1SB, United Kingdom £69,000 – £72,000 pa

Senior Data Engineer Microsoft Fabric Azure data

Senior Data Engineer Microsoft Fabric Azure dataThis is a new and exclusive opportunity for a Senior Data Engineer with strengths in Microsoft Azure data to be a key lead in strengthening, evolving, and modernising our core data platforms.Job detailsTitle: Senior...

Huxley Associates London, United Kingdom £50,000 – £75,000 pa

Senior Data Engineer - Python, Airflow, Pyspark, SQL

Design and build scalable data pipelines on a cloud-based SaaS platform using PySpark, Airflow, and Azure. Integrate complex data sources and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver a unified data solution. Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the evolution of a modern data architecture.

TRIA United Kingdom £50,000 – £72,000 pa

Senior Data Engineer (AWS) - Manchester

This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining robust data pipelines and ETL processes using AWS services. You will spearhead the evolution of the company's data infrastructure, develop real-time data solutions, and provide technical guidance to junior team members.

Noir Manchester, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Senior AWS Data Engineer

Senior AWS Data Engineer (Fixed Term Contract)When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.We’re looking for a...

Microlise Langley Mill, Derbyshire, NG16 4BS, United Kingdom £55,000 pa
Contract
See all 39 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
10 open

Manchester

Location
5 open

Leeds

Location
2 open

Bristol

Location
2 open

Oxford

Location
2 open

Birmingham

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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