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.
Lead Infrastructure Engineer - Hybrid Cloud & Automation Solutions
$130K - $155K *
Optimize and implement scalable, secure infrastructure solutions across Windows, Citrix, AWS, and Azure. Drive automation and collaborate with teams to design zero-trust architectures, enhancing infra...
2 weeks ago
SENIOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ANALYST
$87K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...
5 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Fintech
$225K - $325K *
Elevate your career by driving innovation in FinTech. As a key engineer, you'll shape the future of revenue management systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability while collaborating across teams to op...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...
3 days ago
Sr Offensive AI Security Engineer II
$157K - $238K *
Join a dynamic team to leverage AI in enhancing application security. You'll assess vulnerabilities, implement fixes, and shape AI security strategies, driving innovation in a fast-paced environment w...
2 weeks ago
$116K - $210K *
Transform environmental remediation projects as a technical leader, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex regulatory challenges, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compl...
3 weeks ago
Lead Fullstack Engineer (Frontend Focused)
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop high-quality software solutions, focusing on front-end technologies while leveraging back-end expertise. Collaborate closely with customers to enhance an indu...
1 week ago
Senior Customer Success Manager - Data / Storage / Cloud (Central or East)
$125K - $180K *
Transform customer experiences by owning the full lifecycle, ensuring adoption, retention, and measurable outcomes for enterprise clients while fostering long-term relationships and driving value real...
1 week ago
$185K - $260K *
Join Reddit's Ads team as a Machine Learning Engineer, where you will design, build, and deploy machine learning models to enhance ad ranking, bidding, and optimization. This hands-on role involves ta...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Join Reddit's Ads team as a Machine Learning Engineer, where you will design, build, and deploy machine learning models to enhance ad ranking, bidding, and optimization. This hands-on role involves ta...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of automating workflows across teams by building AI agents using Claude and Microsoft Copilot. Collaborate with various departments to identify automation opportunities, ensuring securi...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud infrastructure by managing a vast AWS estate. Drive automation, maintain platform health, and deliver new features while ensuring compliance in a regulat...
1 week ago
Data Engineer (Supply Chain) - Clearance Required
$108K - $160K *
Optimize data integration and analysis for supply chain decisions, focusing on parts, procurement, and risk data. Collaborate with experts to identify constraints and enhance workflows, ensuring trace...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Compute Platform
$186K - $218K *
Elevate operational excellence by engineering reliable Kubernetes solutions that streamline compute orchestration, enhance automation, and drive AI integration for a robust developer experience across...
Reposted 1 week ago
$108K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as you manage project costs, drive strategic initiatives, and foster relationships. Leverage your expertise in cost management to deliver value and support growth while mentoring o...
4 days ago
Marketing Data Analytics Engineer (CA)
$82K - $92K *
Drive impactful marketing analytics by building robust data pipelines and automating reporting workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and leverage AI tools for insi...
2 weeks ago
$164K - $226K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving a robust entity data platform, ensuring accurate and timely data delivery while enhancing system reliability and reducing manual validation through innovative...
2 weeks ago
$164K - $226K *
Lead the charge in revolutionizing Excel with AI-driven insights, enhancing workflows for financial professionals using cutting-edge technology. Impact major decisions and mentor engineers in best pra...
1 month ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of AI systems by building robust data pipelines and APIs. Collaborate with Product to refine specifications and enhance user experience, ensuring high-quality delivery and continu...
2 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer - Databases Tempo | US | Remote
$154K - $185K *
Lead the evolution of Tempo, enhancing observability products through innovative solutions, operational excellence, and high-performance APIs while mentoring engineers and collaborating across teams t...
1 week ago
Senior Product Manager, Data Products
$130K - $155K *
Elevate data product experiences by defining metrics that drive value for Mural. Collaborate across teams to shape insights, enhance reporting, and ensure data integrity, empowering organizations to m...
4 days ago
$103K - $160K *
Drive product development by leading a senior engineering pod to deliver high-quality software for city permitting and community operations, leveraging AI tools and coding agents to enhance efficiency...
2 weeks ago
Lead Machine Learning Engineer
$220K - $270K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of machine learning in autonomous vehicles. Enhance driving capabilities, lead innovative teams, and drive commercial-scale solutions with cutting-edge techno...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$69K - $107K *
Champion client success by leveraging technical expertise to enhance platform value, optimize workflows, and drive measurable outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative so...
3 weeks ago
Senior Lead Electrical Engineer, Datacenter
$162K - $220K *
Drive innovation in electrical engineering for hyperscale data centers. Lead design activities, manage project teams, and ensure quality assurance while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver resi...
1 week 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.