Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer | No Sponsorship Available

Job Details – Lead Data Engineer

Compensation: $180,000 - $220,000
Location: Chicago, IL
Work Environment: Hybrid
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO

Overview – Lead Data Engineer

The Lead Data Engineer will play a key role in the design, development, and optimization of a modern cloud-based data platform. This position combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership, focusing on scalable data solutions, AI-enabled applications, and cloud technologies. The ideal candidate will bring strong Python expertise, extensive data engineering experience, and the ability to lead technical initiatives while mentoring team members.

Key Responsibilities – Lead Data Engineer

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• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines, integrations, and data services.
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• Lead the architecture and implementation of cloud-based data platforms and modern data solutions.
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• Develop and support AI-driven and data-intensive applications.
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• Partner with business and technical stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable solutions.
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• Improve platform performance, reliability, security, and scalability.
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• Establish engineering best practices, development standards, and technical governance.
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• Mentor and guide engineers while providing leadership on complex technical initiatives.
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• Drive projects through the full lifecycle from design and development to deployment and ongoing support.
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Qualifications – Lead Data Engineer

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• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or
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• related field.
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• 10+ years of data engineering experience required.
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• Strong hands-on Python development experience.
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• Experience building and supporting enterprise-scale data pipelines and architecture.
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• Cloud platform experience, preferably AWS.
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• Exposure to AI, machine learning, LLMs, or AI-enabled solutions.
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• Strong SQL, data modeling, and database experience.
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• Experience with Snowflake, DevOps practices, CI/CD, Docker, or similar modern technologies.
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• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and solve complex technical challenges.
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• Strong communication skills with experience working across technical and business teams.
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• Previous technical leadership, mentoring, or project lead experience preferred.
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Build a rewarding long-term career with us at CFS—when we knock, doors open.

Timing is everything. Whether you are aggressively in a job search or simply passive and looking for the ideal position, we would like to have the chance to share our opportunities with you. We specialize in placement of IT professionals. Please contact me for more information about this role as well as other opportunities.

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