Senior Data Engineers design and operate the systems that help organizations turn raw information into dependable, useful data. They build scalable data platforms, develop resilient pipelines, and enable analytics, machine learning, and business decision-making. Explore vetted Senior Data Engineer opportunities on Ladders, where featured professional roles pay $100,000 or more.
In a senior data engineering role, you may own data architecture, create batch and streaming pipelines, improve data quality, and make datasets easier for teams to discover and use. You may also guide technical standards, review code, mentor colleagues, and partner with data scientists, analysts, product teams, and business leaders.
Employers commonly look for deep SQL and programming experience, often with Python, Java, or Scala. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as distributed processing tools, orchestration systems, data warehouses, and lakehouse technologies, can be valuable. Strong data modeling, testing, security, and system design skills help senior engineers build trustworthy platforms at scale.
Compensation varies by location, industry, company size, scope, and experience. Senior-level roles often pay six-figure salaries, particularly when they involve platform ownership, cloud architecture, or leadership responsibilities. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, making it easier to explore opportunities aligned with your experience and compensation goals.
Compare roles by technology stack, business domain, team structure, and level of ownership. Tailor your resume to show measurable outcomes—such as faster pipeline performance, improved data reliability, lower infrastructure costs, or broader access to trusted data. Browse Senior Data Engineer jobs on Ladders to find a position where you can make a meaningful impact.
Staff Software Engineer - Data
$198K - $297K *
Join us to lead the design and evolution of a cutting-edge Real-Time Analytics Platform, driving high-throughput, low-latency data solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance scalabi...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Data Engineering Lead
$152K - $283K *
Lead the development of high-quality, compliant data engineering practices that enhance enterprise data governance and accelerate data-driven decision-making for improved patient outcomes across the o...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer: Back-end
$125K - $165K *
Lead the charge in designing and scaling foundational APIs and backend services, optimizing cloud data stores, and ensuring high-availability for a robust platform. Elevate technical standards while s...
1 week ago
Senior Cost Manager: Pre-Con (Data Centers)
$108K - $145K *
Shape the future of project management as a Senior Cost Manager, driving cost efficiency and strategic decision-making. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance client value and foster strong relatio...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize runtime authorization strategies across diverse segments, driving technical wins and enabling Sales Engineers. Leverage deep IAM and PAM expertise to deliver impactful solutions, ensuring com...
6 days ago
Senior Director, US Decision Science & AI Innovation
$186K - $311K *
Join a team that's redefining analytics in the pharmaceutical industry. Lead the development and deployment of AI-driven methods that transform data into actionable commercial insights, ensuring scien...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$160K - $195K *
Shape the future of insurance technology by developing AI-driven full stack solutions. Collaborate across teams to innovate and implement intelligent systems that enhance user experience and streamlin...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of passenger rail by leading mechanical systems integration and validation. Collaborate with suppliers and clients to ensure compliance and deliver manufacturable designs for refurbis...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Customer Facing Applied AI
$158K - $248K *
Lead the charge in shaping cutting-edge AI solutions for clients by setting the technical direction, building innovative systems, and guiding product integration, all while mentoring engineers and inf...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in managing a skilled data engineering team, ensuring quality workflows and establishing data standards. Drive innovative solutions for efficient data ingestion and delivery across ent...
Reposted 4 days ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Join us to develop scalable full-stack applications using React, TypeScript, and Java. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and contribute to best practices in a cloud-native microservi...
1 week ago
Lead AI Engineer with Machine Learning
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to shape the future of AI computing. Leverage your expertise in neural networks and machine learning to design innovative solutions and enhance performance across advanced systems...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$225K - $265K *
Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...
1 week ago
Staff Engineer, Experimentation
$182K - $251K *
Champion the creation of advanced statistical engines and experimentation systems, driving data-informed decision making at scale. Collaborate across teams to enhance product impact and performance, w...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $225K *
Create innovative data solutions by designing scalable pipelines and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and security, driving impactful analytics and machine lea...
2 days ago
Senior SAS/Python Model Validation and Modernization Developer
$85K - $95K *
Elevate your career by validating and modernizing statistical models using SAS and Python. Collaborate with analysts and stakeholders to enhance analytical systems and ensure accuracy in mission-criti...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI solutions by leading design and implementation of robust enterprise systems, driving innovation, and establishing engineering excellence while mentoring developers and collabora...
3 weeks ago
Senior Strategic Program Lead, GFCO
$130K - $154K *
Shape the future of financial crimes compliance by leading complex programs that enhance operational efficiency and regulatory adherence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic ini...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Analyze technical sales opportunities from discovery to close, leveraging AI tools and client data to drive business cases. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation an...
2 days ago
Senior Customer Success Associate
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining customer success in cybersecurity, driving engagement, onboarding, and adoption through innovative solutions. This role combines communication, relationship management, a...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
1 week ago
$145K - $160K *
Transform HR data analytics by leveraging advanced Excel and Power BI skills. Drive reporting automation and process optimization to enhance efficiency and accuracy in a remote, project-based environm...
2 weeks ago
What does a Senior Data Engineer do?
A Senior Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data platforms and pipelines. The role often includes setting technical standards, improving data quality and reliability, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with analytics, machine learning, and business teams.
What skills are needed for Senior Data Engineer jobs?
Common requirements include advanced SQL, programming in languages such as Python, Java, or Scala, data modeling, distributed data processing, cloud infrastructure, and pipeline orchestration. Employers may also value experience with data warehouses, streaming systems, security, and technical leadership.
How much do Senior Data Engineers earn?
Pay depends on location, industry, employer, experience, and role scope. Many senior positions offer six-figure compensation. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.
What qualifications are typically required for a Senior Data Engineer role?
Employers often seek several years of hands-on data engineering experience and a track record of delivering production data systems. A degree in computer science or a related field may be preferred, though equivalent practical experience is often considered.
How can I find a Senior Data Engineer job on Ladders?
Browse Senior Data Engineer listings on Ladders and compare opportunities by employer, location, technology stack, and responsibilities. Highlight relevant systems work and measurable results in your resume when applying.