About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and technically accomplished Lead Data Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable data infrastructure and engineering solutions. This role will combine hands-on technical expertise with engineering leadership to build reliable data pipelines, modern data platforms, and high-performance systems that support analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and strategic business initiatives.
The Lead Data Engineer will collaborate with Data Scientists, Software Engineers, Analytics teams, Product leaders, Cloud Architects, and business stakeholders to establish robust data architecture and ensure high standards for data quality, security, scalability, and performance.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in data engineering, cloud platforms, distributed systems, and modern data technologies, along with the ability to mentor engineers and influence technical direction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of scalable data pipelines and data platforms.
- Design reliable batch and real-time data processing solutions.
- Build and optimize ETL and ELT workflows across multiple data sources.
- Develop high-quality data models supporting analytics, reporting, AI, and machine learning initiatives.
- Design data architectures using cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Develop and maintain data warehouses, data lakes, and lakehouse environments.
- Establish data quality, governance, lineage, security, and reliability standards.
- Optimize data processing systems for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Collaborate with Data Scientists and Analysts to provide reliable datasets and analytical infrastructure.
- Implement monitoring, testing, alerting, and observability for critical data pipelines.
- Evaluate and introduce new data engineering technologies and architectural approaches.
- Lead technical design reviews and establish engineering best practices.
- Mentor Data Engineers and provide technical guidance across engineering projects.
- Partner with Software Engineering, DevOps, Security, and Product teams on cross-functional initiatives.
- Support CI/CD practices and infrastructure-as-code for data engineering environments.
- Troubleshoot complex data pipeline, infrastructure, and performance issues.
- Develop technical documentation, architecture diagrams, standards, and operational procedures.
Job Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
- 7+ years of professional experience in data engineering or related engineering disciplines.
- 2+ years of technical leadership or team leadership experience preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and data engineering programming concepts.
- Strong experience with Apache Spark, Kafka, Airflow, dbt, or comparable data technologies.
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Strong knowledge of data warehouses and platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, or similar technologies.
- Experience designing scalable distributed data processing systems.
- Strong understanding of relational and NoSQL databases.
- Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, or similar DevOps technologies preferred.
- Strong knowledge of data modeling, ETL/ELT architecture, data governance, and data quality.
- Excellent technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Personal Capabilities and Qualifications
- Strong technical leadership and architectural judgment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Deep curiosity about emerging data and cloud technologies.
- Strong understanding of scalable and reliable system design.
- Excellent communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong mentoring and team-development abilities.
- Detail-oriented approach to engineering quality and data integrity.
- Ability to balance long-term architecture with immediate business requirements.
- Highly collaborative and proactive.
- Comfortable working independently within a distributed remote engineering organization.
Strategic Support
The Lead Data Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for developing the data infrastructure that enables analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
By establishing scalable architecture, improving data reliability, modernizing engineering practices, and mentoring technical teams, this role contributes directly to the organization’s ability to turn data into measurable business value.
Working Conditions
- Fully Remote position within the United States.
- Standard Monday through Friday schedule with flexibility for critical production incidents.
- Frequent collaboration with distributed Engineering, Data Science, Analytics, Product, and Technology teams.
- Primarily computer-based technical work using cloud infrastructure and development environments.
- Occasional travel for engineering planning sessions, conferences, and company events.
Job Function
The Lead Data Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of enterprise data infrastructure, pipelines, processing systems, and data platforms. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, architecture, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation Package: $220,000 – $350,000 annually, based on data engineering experience, technical leadership, cloud expertise, system complexity, industry background, and overall qualifications.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Annual performance bonus
- Equity and long-term incentive opportunities
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching
- Flexible paid time off and company holidays
- Paid parental and family leave
- Remote work and home office reimbursement
- Cloud and technology certification support
- Technical conference and professional development opportunities
- Learning and education reimbursement
- Advanced engineering technology resources
- Employee wellness and mental health resources
- Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Flexible remote work environment
- Career advancement toward Principal Data Engineer, Data Engineering Manager, Architect, and Director-level positions
Why Join Us
Join a remote-first technology organization where data engineering is foundational to innovation and growth. As a Lead Data Engineer, you will influence technical architecture, build scalable data infrastructure, mentor engineers, and work on challenging data initiatives involving cloud computing, analytics, AI, and machine learning.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer seeking greater technical ownership and leadership responsibility while continuing to work hands-on with modern data technologies.
Job Features
| Job Category | Technology, Data Engineering & Cloud Computing |