The primary role of a data engineer is to design, construct, and maintain the systems that enable organizations to manage and analyze large datasets. They ensure that data is accessible, reliable, and structured in a way that supports data analytics and business intelligence efforts. Data engineers develop and optimize data pipelines, define data models, and often collaborate with data scientists to ensure that the data infrastructure meets analytical needs. Their work is fundamental for effective data utilization, enabling businesses to derive actionable insights from their data resources efficiently.