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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
19
Salary range
£50k – £100k
Hiring companies
16
View 19 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

£50k – £100k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 25 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
50
100
25 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 1 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Snowflake
100%
AWS
100%
Python
100%
SQL
100%
AWS Glue
100%
AWS Lambda
100%
AWS S3
100%
AWS Step Functions
100%
ETL
100%
Data Warehousing
100%
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.

No Senior Data Engineer Jobs jobs right now

We don't have any matching roles at the moment, but new jobs are added daily.

Latest jobs

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RSM logo

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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.

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Databricks logo

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Genomics England logo

Bioinformatics Engineer (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds & London)

The Bioinformatics Engineer will develop and scale knowledge platforms that support the NHS Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Genomic Medicine Service. Key responsibilities include building APIs, data models, and pipelines for high-quality genomic data, collaborating with genomic data scientists and engineers, and ensuring clinical and biological accuracy in software. The role involves working in an agile team to deliver robust, testable, and clinically relevant systems.

Genomics England Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom £56,000 – £65,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
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Technical Data Engineer

The role involves authoring, reviewing, and maintaining Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM) and Troubleshooting Manuals (TSM) for Landing Gear systems. You will work within a transnational technical data environment, ensuring maintenance documentation accurately reflects aircraft configuration and meets regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities include managing source data, responding to customer queries, and driving continuous improvement in technical data processes.

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Hybrid Contract Part-time Clearance Required
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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
5 open

Leeds

Location
2 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Manchester

Location
1 open

Reading

Location
1 open

Bolton

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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