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.
Sr Director Analyst, Data Management for AI Enablement
$172K - $202K *
Champion innovative insights and strategies as a Senior Director, driving impactful research and analysis to empower clients globally. Engage with stakeholders to deliver actionable advice and elevate...
3 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (Atlanta, Georgia)
$110K - $130K *
Transform client challenges into innovative AI solutions. Collaborate with teams to design, build, and deploy production-quality software, ensuring reliable AI applications that deliver measurable imp...
Reposted 6 days ago
$112K - $130K *
Collaborate with VA stakeholders to analyze business needs and drive effective solutions for the modernization of financial tracking tools, ensuring clear, actionable requirements are delivered throug...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower the Demand Generation Team by owning Network API use cases, translating complex technical capabilities into compelling market narratives and customer value propositions, while mentoring peers...
3 days ago
Senior Program Manager - Data Security & Information Governance
$135K - $178K *
Transform data governance by leading initiatives that bridge legal compliance, data security, and technology operations. Drive innovative self-service workflows while ensuring compliance across divers...
Reposted 2 days ago
Principal Engineer - Agentic AI Applications
$168K - $240K *
Join us to define and deploy autonomous AI agents at scale, transforming cutting-edge LLM capabilities into reliable, high-availability products while mentoring a team of engineers and setting industr...
2 weeks ago
Sr Infrastructure Engineer I (Kubernetes EKS Engineer)
$105K - $165K *
Drive the design and management of AWS EKS Kubernetes clusters, ensuring high availability and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize cloud infrastructure and automate processes...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Payments (AirCover Insurance Platform)
$212K - $265K *
Advance your career by leading the design of scalable insurance systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and drive technical excellence in a dynamic environment...
2 weeks ago
$114K - $155K *
Lead innovation by developing and maintaining secure software solutions for public access to court electronic records. Collaborate with diverse teams, ensuring compliance with security standards and d...
4 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff - GPU Performance Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Optimize performance by designing custom CUDA kernels and integrating research ideas into production code to enhance training, post-training, and inference workflows. Collaborate with a small, agile t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$133K - $180K *
Help us transform healthcare solutions as you engage with clients, translate complex AI capabilities into actionable plans, and drive successful implementations within a collaborative environment focu...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, GTM Systems Architecture
$135K - $160K *
Lead the evolution of our GTM Systems Architecture, enhancing Salesforce and its tech stack for AI-native workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build a trusted data foundation and driv...
1 week ago
Senior Cloud Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
$104K - $166K *
Champion cloud reliability by designing Python-based AWS solutions and engineering tools. Leverage Infrastructure-as-Code with Terraform to enhance platform reliability and automate processes across t...
3 days ago
Senior Mechanical Application Engineer
$115K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative mechanical solutions for prefabricated platforms. Leverage your expertise in HVAC to lead the development and ensure alignment with customer and operational goals...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Integration Engineer (Chicago)
$110K - $130K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to drive client success and revenue. Lead integration engineering from architecture to code, educate users on best practices, and provide technical leadership in the...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading frontend architecture for scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and drive technical excellence in a dynamic, enterprise-l...
5 days ago
Senior Solution Consultant (Planning)
$147K - $221K *
Lead the charge in shaping enterprise planning solutions that drive value for CFOs and finance leaders. Utilize your expertise in analytics and stakeholder engagement to deliver compelling demonstrati...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Plumbing Engineer/Designer, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$110K - $130K *
Transform large-scale data center plumbing systems as a lead engineer. Collaborate with teams, provide technical expertise, and ensure quality control while delivering innovative solutions to meet cli...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Innovate with a dynamic team of engineers to shape architecture and drive product expansion as you build reliable software solutions for healthcare, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Services Engineer (B2Bi/CFT)
$110K - $130K *
Engage with our team as a Senior Services Engineer, driving B2B integration and managed file transfer solutions. Ensure operational excellence and reliability in mission-critical systems while providi...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (TypeScript + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $140K *
Unlock potential by embedding with enterprise teams to architect and deliver AI solutions. This multifaceted role combines consulting, engineering, and operational expertise to drive impactful results...
Reposted yesterday
Forward Deployed Engineer (TypeScript + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by embedding with enterprise teams to architect and deliver AI solutions. Engage in consulting, engineering, and operational roles, ensuring real-world application of AI in regulat...
Reposted yesterday
Forward Deployed Engineer (TypeScript + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in embedding AI solutions within enterprise teams, architecting and delivering robust systems that meet real-world demands. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure successful i...
Yesterday
Forward Deployed Engineer (TypeScript + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $140K *
Lead the charge in embedding AI solutions within enterprise teams, architecting and delivering robust systems that meet real-world demands. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure seamless int...
3 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer (TypeScript + AI) - Remote - USA
$120K - $140K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of AI integration, collaborating with enterprise clients to architect and deploy robust systems that drive real-world impact. Leverage your engineering expertise to...
3 days 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.