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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
35
Salary range
£55k – £100k
Hiring companies
29
View 35 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 119 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
32% of listings advertise a salary.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
52
100
93 jobs
Lead
65
113
26 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 108 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
73%
SQL
62%
Data Modelling
36%
AWS
34%
CI/CD
33%
Data Governance
31%
Azure
26%
Data Pipelines
24%
PySpark
24%
Databricks
22%
Data Engineering
21%
Airflow
20%
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

35 live roles

See all 35 roles →

Senior Quantexa Data Engineer - Birmingham

Design and implement robust data pipelines using Quantexa, Spark, and Databricks while configuring platform components and supporting client engagements. Lead technical development of data engineering solutions with opportunities for training and career growth. Work in a hybrid setup with a focus on scalable, cloud-based data integration.

Noir Birmingham, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Quantexa Data Engineer - Leeds

This role involves designing and implementing robust data pipelines within Quantexa-based solutions, configuring core components, and leading technical delivery for client projects. The engineer will work closely with clients to ensure successful data integration and system performance, leveraging big data technologies like Spark, Scala, and Python on Databricks. The position supports high-impact engagements in a globally recognised technology organisation with strong technical mentorship and development opportunities.

Noir Leeds, United Kingdom £60,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Databricks logo

Pre-sales Senior Technical Solutions Engineer (Data and AI)

This role involves working closely with sales teams and customers to demonstrate the technical capabilities of the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, focusing on data, analytics, and AI use cases. The engineer will design custom solutions, deliver technical presentations, and support clients through hands-on evaluations and proof-of-concept projects. Engagement includes building reference architectures, leading technical workshops, and contributing to the broader data and AI community through events and knowledge sharing.

Databricks London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Amazon logo

Senior Electrical Design Engineer, Data Centre Engineering

Amazon Web Services is seeking an Electrical Engineer to become part of a global engineering team, responsible for the design and continuous innovation of our rapidly expanding data center foot print.Join our global engineering team to design and innovate the...

Amazon London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Senior Quantexa Data Engineer - London

Design and implement data pipelines within Quantexa platforms, configuring core components and supporting client engagements. Lead technical development of data integration projects using Spark, Scala, and Python on Databricks, with responsibilities spanning pipeline robustness and system configuration. Work in a hybrid setup with exposure to DevOps practices, containerisation, and cloud-based data solutions.

Noir London, United Kingdom £60,000 – £80,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
See all 35 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
15 open

Manchester

Location
2 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Leeds

Location
1 open

Cardiff

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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