Explore Senior Data Engineer Jobs

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.

What Senior Data Engineers Do

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.

Skills and Technologies Employers Seek

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.

Senior Data Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

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.

Find the Right Senior Data Engineering Role

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.

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$287K - $320K *

Join a team that's redefining financial insights through AI. As a senior technical leader, you'll shape the multi-year strategy for Reporting & Insights, guiding engineering teams to innovate and scal...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$137K - $182K *

Architect and drive AI-powered applications for drug development, focusing on protocol generation and clinical trials. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance while fostering...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $215K *

Drive innovation in data engineering and AI solutions, leading the design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business value through advanced technol...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$84K - $148K *

Empower database excellence by managing Software AG ADABAS environments, ensuring optimal performance, and providing 24x7 support. Collaborate with vendors and clients to resolve issues, maintain docu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$104K - $166K *

Accelerate automation initiatives by developing end-to-end solutions using Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compl...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$190K - $267K *

Shape the future of app advertising by enhancing backend systems for conversion signals. Drive MMP integrations, SKAN processing, and App CAPI to ensure reliable app installs and in-app events for adv...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$227K - $324K *

Drive the development of advanced machine learning systems to enhance personalized user experiences at scale. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize recommendation models and improve enga...

Boston, MARemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$139K - $188K *

Drive innovative IT solutions by leading multi-disciplinary teams, establishing operational policies, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives that enhance overall organizat...

Minnesota, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $120K *

Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic engineering team dedicated to building scalable and reliable infrastructure, optimizing system performance, and fostering continuous improvement in a collabo...

CanadaRemote

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

The Security Program Manager will be responsible for securing OpenAI's critical product launches by coordinating security reviews and managing risks across cross-functional teams. This role ensures th...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of enterprise applications using C# and .NET, driving modern software practices, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement secur...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Champion innovation by constructing robust data pipelines that power AI applications, enhancing quality management in clinical trials through effective document ingestion and API development within a...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $241K *

Lead the charge in architecting and enhancing AI systems that empower global journalism. Drive technical direction, ensure system scalability, and mentor engineers while shaping the future of content...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $145K *

Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$116K - $145K *

Innovate and enhance user experiences by designing and developing robust software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful projects while mentoring junior engineers and...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $160K *

Unlock potential by driving our AI inference strategy, defining market propositions, and shaping go-to-market motions. Join a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions and customer engagement to es...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$159K - $254K *

Transform the digital dining experience by leading full-stack development efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and enhance guest interactions through cutting-edge web solutio...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$272K - $374K *

Drive value-based growth by building relationships with key executives in Fortune 500 accounts. Leverage expertise in Big Data, AI, and advanced analytics to exceed sales targets and expand business o...

Georgia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $147K *

Transform the member experience by delivering innovative full stack solutions using React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Kafka. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive, scalable applica...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Join us to create cutting-edge solutions for data management in maritime security. You'll work on impactful projects, collaborating on application development, data modeling, and machine learning, all...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$107K - $172K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative automation solutions, enhancing enterprise efficiency through cutting-edge technology and collaboration across various business units. Drive impact...

North Carolina, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Transform customer experiences by delivering expert guidance on Atlassian Cloud and AI solutions. Collaborate with clients to solve complex challenges, drive value realization, and expand service oppo...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $193K *

Lead AI/ML initiatives by designing, developing, and deploying innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive enterprise strategy, ensuring compliance and operational excellenc...

Minnetonka, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $198K *

Lead the charge in building AI platform capabilities that power next-gen experiences, enabling teams to create scalable systems and multi-step workflows. Collaborate with engineers to develop reliable...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead product strategy and execution for a suite of wargaming tools, collaborating with users and engineers to transform complex technical capabilities into impactful solutions in high-stakes environme...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Senior Data Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.