Data & AI
Data Scientist
Builds statistical and machine learning models to uncover patterns in data and predict future outcomes.
TechnicalResearch HeavyStem
Data & AI
Data Engineer
Designs and maintains the pipelines and infrastructure that move and store data reliably at scale.
Also known as: Data Platform Engineer, ETL Engineer
Compare with another careerWhat you do
Builds and maintains data pipelines that extract, transform, and load data from many source systems into warehouses or data lakes. Optimizes databases for performance, automates data quality checks, and works closely with data scientists and analysts to make sure the data they depend on is accurate and available on time.
Typical work environment
Desk-based software engineering work, usually inside a larger data or platform engineering team, sometimes including on-call rotations to fix pipeline failures.
Typical entry point
Junior data engineer or backend engineer role in a company's data platform team
Relevant subjects
Core
Computer Science
Also relevant
Mathematics
Relevant interests
Core
ProgrammingComputers
Also relevant
AI / Data
Useful skills
Programming· AdvancedPython· AdvancedProblem solving· AdvancedOrganization· IntermediateAnalytical thinking· Intermediate
These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.
Common education routes
Bachelor's degree—Computer Science EngineeringPrimary route
Bachelor's degree—Information TechnologyPrimary route
Bachelor's degree—Software EngineeringCommon route
These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.
Career characteristics
High job securityRemote-work friendlyDeep technical specialisationStrong salary potentialGood international mobility
General tendencies for this career, not a guarantee — actual roles vary by employer and location.
Industries
SoftwareDataCybersecurity
Tags
STEMTechnicalOffice-based
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