Lead Data Engineer

Overview

This is a remote role that may only be hired in the following locations: NC, CA

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Engineer to design, build, and support scalable enterprise data solutions across AWS and Snowflake platforms. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cloud data engineering, data warehousing, Snowflake, dbt, Python, and ETL/ELT technologies, with proven experience leading teams and driving data modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of scalable data engineering solutions.
• Build, optimize, and support data ingestion, transformation, and data warehouse pipelines using AWS, Snowflake, dbt, and Python.
• Design and implement enterprise ETL/ELT frameworks, data models, data quality controls, reconciliation processes, and governance standards.
• Collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to deliver trusted data products and analytics solutions.
• Drive modernization of legacy data platforms and ETL workloads into cloud-native architectures.
• Ensure operational excellence through performance optimization, CI/CD, testing, documentation, and production support.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and best-practice guidance across engineering teams.
• Leverage AI-powered solutions and enterprise-approved AI tools to automate engineering tasks, improve productivity, accelerate data delivery, and reduce time-to-market.

Qualifications

Bachelor''s Degree and 6 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance OR High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance

• 10+ years of hands-on Data Engineering experience delivering enterprise-scale data solutions.
• 5+ years of experience with AWS data services and cloud platforms, including S3, Glue, Lambda, IAM, Step Functions, and related services.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Snowflake and dbt, including data modeling, ELT development, performance tuning, testing, deployment, and operational support.
• Strong proficiency in SQL (7+ years) and Python (5+ years), with experience developing scalable data pipelines, automation frameworks, data validation processes, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow or Astronomer for scheduling, monitoring, and managing enterprise data pipelines.
• Experience with enterprise ETL/ELT tools such as Informatica, DataStage, SAP BODS, SSIS, or equivalent technologies, along with strong knowledge of data warehousing, dimensional modeling, data governance, and CI/CD practices.
• Practical experience using AI-powered productivity tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Amazon Q) to improve engineering efficiency, code quality, documentation, testing, and delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modernizing legacy ETL platforms such as Informatica, DataStage, SAP BODS, or SSIS into Snowflake and dbt-based cloud data architectures.
• Experience with Snowflake Cortex, CDC, streaming, and real-time ingestion technologies including Kafka, Kinesis, Qlik Replicate, and Snowpipe Streaming.
• Experience integrating data across AWS, on-premises, and Snowflake environments, with exposure to enterprise security, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with Tableau or Power BI for reporting, visualization, and analytics.
• Experience working within Financial Services, Banking, or other highly regulated industries with strong governance, security, compliance, audit, and change management requirements.
• Relevant certifications such as SnowPro, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, AWS Certified Data Engineer, or other AWS/Snowflake cloud data platform certifications.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on quality and delivery.
• Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and business stakeholders.

If hired in CA, the base pay for this position is generally between $129,000 and $190,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Bachelor''s Degree and 6 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance OR High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance

• 10+ years of hands-on Data Engineering experience delivering enterprise-scale data solutions.
• 5+ years of experience with AWS data services and cloud platforms, including S3, Glue, Lambda, IAM, Step Functions, and related services.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Snowflake and dbt, including data modeling, ELT development, performance tuning, testing, deployment, and operational support.
• Strong proficiency in SQL (7+ years) and Python (5+ years), with experience developing scalable data pipelines, automation frameworks, data validation processes, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience with workflow orchestration tools such as Apache Airflow or Astronomer for scheduling, monitoring, and managing enterprise data pipelines.
• Experience with enterprise ETL/ELT tools such as Informatica, DataStage, SAP BODS, SSIS, or equivalent technologies, along with strong knowledge of data warehousing, dimensional modeling, data governance, and CI/CD practices.
• Practical experience using AI-powered productivity tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Amazon Q) to improve engineering efficiency, code quality, documentation, testing, and delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modernizing legacy ETL platforms such as Informatica, DataStage, SAP BODS, or SSIS into Snowflake and dbt-based cloud data architectures.
• Experience with Snowflake Cortex, CDC, streaming, and real-time ingestion technologies including Kafka, Kinesis, Qlik Replicate, and Snowpipe Streaming.
• Experience integrating data across AWS, on-premises, and Snowflake environments, with exposure to enterprise security, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with Tableau or Power BI for reporting, visualization, and analytics.
• Experience working within Financial Services, Banking, or other highly regulated industries with strong governance, security, compliance, audit, and change management requirements.
• Relevant certifications such as SnowPro, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, AWS Certified Data Engineer, or other AWS/Snowflake cloud data platform certifications.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on quality and delivery.
• Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and business stakeholders.

If hired in CA, the base pay for this position is generally between $129,000 and $190,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.