Data Engineer Career Path | Ingress Academy
AZRU
Check my level
All career pathsDATA ENGINEER CAREER PATH

From programming and SQL fundamentals to production data pipelines, big data and data platform engineering.

A structured path from SQL and Python fundamentals to production data pipelines, big data systems and database platform engineering.

Check my level Explore the roadmap
5–10 minutes · No payment required · Personalised result
🚀DATA
YOUR DESTINATIONData EngineerLearn · Build · Grow
High industry demandCompanies of all sizes need Data Engineers to build and maintain reliable data pipelines.
Strong salary potentialData engineering roles are consistently among the highest-paid positions in tech.
Clear career progressionGrow from foundational SQL and Python skills to advanced pipeline architecture and platform specialisation.
Hands-on production skillsWork with real open-source tools used in production data engineering environments.
YOUR ROADMAP

One career. 4 levels.
A clear next step at every stage.

Each level groups the core skills you need — and the Ingress training mapped to them.

01
Foundation
Next: Junior Data Engineer

Build programming, SQL and data fundamentals

  • Understand relational databases and data models
  • Write advanced SQL queries
  • Work with joins, subqueries and aggregations
  • Understand indexes and query performance
  • Build a strong foundation in structured data
  • Prepare for production data engineering work
Recommended trainings
Oracle SQL
02
Data Engineer
Next: Data Engineer

Build production-grade data pipelines and platforms

  • Build end-to-end data pipelines
  • Work with production-grade open-source data tools
  • Ingest and transform data
  • Work with batch and streaming data
  • Implement Change Data Capture (CDC) patterns
  • Work with big data systems
  • Build reliable and scalable data workflows
  • Develop data engineering projects in an on-premises environment
  • Complete a comprehensive data engineering capstone
Recommended trainings
Data Engineering Bootcamp
03
Advanced Data Engineer
Next: Senior Data Engineer

Build reliable and scalable data platforms

  • Design scalable data architectures
  • Build production-grade ETL and ELT pipelines
  • Implement advanced batch and streaming architectures
  • Optimize data processing workloads
  • Design reliable data storage and processing layers
  • Implement data quality and validation
  • Monitor and troubleshoot production pipelines
  • Apply data security and access controls
Recommended trainings
Explore all courses
04
Data Platform Specialisation
Next: Senior Data Engineer / Data Platfo

Deepen database platform and reliability expertise

  • Administer production PostgreSQL environments
  • Optimize database performance
  • Implement backup and recovery
  • Manage database security
  • Understand database replication and availability
  • Support data platforms used by engineering teams
Recommended trainings
PostgreSQL Database Administration
SKILL ASSESSMENT

Find your level, then close the gaps.

A practical assessment maps your skills to a personalised plan — in about 10 minutes.

AssessA practical test scores every skill on this path.
LearnA plan built around your specific gaps.
PracticeExercises that target your weak spots.
Track ProgressWatch your grades climb over time.
Assess my skills Takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Receive a personalised learning recommendation.

EXAMPLE RESULT68% · Junior

B
A

SQL FundamentalsStrength — solid fundamentals

88
A

Python ProgrammingStrength

85
B

Git & Version ControlMinor gaps

74
B

Linux BasicsGood — go deeper

71
B

Relational Database DesignSolid

72
C

Apache KafkaGap — below level bar

55
C

Python for Data EngineeringGap

52
D

DockerLargest gap

30
UPCOMING COHORT

Join the next Data Engineer cohort.

Small groups, mentor-led sessions and a fixed schedule so you actually finish.

Start dateAnnounced soon
ScheduleEvenings · 2×/week
SeatsLimited
Register your interest