Data · Role
Data Engineer
A data engineer builds and maintains the systems that collect, store, and move data within an organisation. Without this infrastructure, analysts and data scientists have no reliable data to work with.
In this role you might set up a data pipeline, fix a broken data flow, or work with a data analyst to make a new data source available.
The goal of a data engineer is to make sure that data gets from its source to the people and systems that need it, reliably and on time. If that infrastructure breaks, reporting stops and analyses become unreliable.
Most of the daily work involves building and maintaining data pipelines. A pipeline is a process that automatically moves data from one place to another, for example from a sales system into a central database. You also monitor existing pipelines, fix errors, and make sure data is stored in a clean and consistent format.
The main tools are SQL, Python, and cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. Tools like Apache Spark or dbt are common for processing large amounts of data. Data engineers also work with orchestration tools like Airflow to schedule and monitor pipelines.
The role sits close to software engineering. The work is more technical and less focused on analysis than a Data Analyst role. At larger companies, data engineers work in dedicated teams. At smaller companies, the role often overlaps with data analysis or software development. In the Netherlands, financial institutions, tech companies, and large retailers all employ data engineers. The role connects closely to Data Analyst and Data Scientist roles, which depend on the infrastructure a data engineer provides.
Related sectors
Sectors where Data Engineer roles are most common.
Projects
Projects relevant to Data Engineer, grouped by problem type.
Companies
Organisations where graduates typically work as Data Engineer.
Triple A · Amsterdam
Triple A - Risk Finance is een onafhankelijk en innovatief consultancybedrijf gespecialiseerd op het gebied van actuariaat en risicomanagement.
Berenschot · Utrecht
Berenschot is een onafhankelijk Nederlands organisatieadviesbureau dat al meer dan 85 jaar werkt aan complexe maatschappelijke vraagstukken, van zorg en openbaar bestuur tot energietransitie en…
Rewire · Amsterdam
Rewire is a Data & AI consultancy that helps large organisations accelerate and scale the impact of data and artificial intelligence.
Bain & Company · Amsterdam
We’re a management consulting firm that advises other businesses on their toughest challenges.
Datacation · Eindhoven +1 more
Datacation is de data- en AI-partner waar inhoud, kwaliteit en eigenaarschap centraal staan.
ADC Consulting · Amsterdam
At ADC, our ambition has been clear from the start: revolutionise the future by harnessing the power of data and AI.
Infor · Barneveld
Discover Infor – where technology meets real-world impact.
Valcon · Utrecht
Valcon is een Europees consultancybedrijf dat business, data, AI en technologie combineert om complexe vraagstukken op te lossen en organisaties duurzaam te transformeren.
Capgemini · Utrecht
Capgemini Nederland is een van de grootste organisaties op het gebied van IT-consultancy, technologie en digitale transformatie in Nederland.
Lynxx · Amersfoort
Wij zijn een high-tech data science club die organisaties helpt om échte waarde uit hun data te halen.
MarketResponse · Utrecht
Our company is all about understanding the customer/citizen/employee. In a strong combination of using company data, open data and classical surveys we want to discover what is really going on and…
Metyis · Amsterdam
Metyis is a global firm delivering AI & Data, Digital Commerce, and Global Business Solutions, as well as Advisory Services, to drive long-lasting impact for its business partners and clients.
CBS · Den Haag +2 more
Working at CBS: In a world full of opinions, we work on the facts.
Deloitte · Amsterdam
At Deloitte, it’s all about people, each of whom has something unique to offer. We work closely with our clients and make great things happen. In doing so, we create real change.
Note: this list is an approximation. An organisation's actual work, roles, and terminology can differ from the categories shown here.