Lead Data Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Data Engineer to join our dynamic data team. The ideal candidate has extensive experience designing, building, and optimizing modern data pipelines and cloud-based data platforms. In this role, you will help shape scalable data infrastructure that supports analytics, machine learning, and business-critical applications across the organization.

What you will do:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable data pipelines to ingest, transform, and deliver large and diverse datasets.
• Write efficient, reusable SQL and/or Python for data ingestion, transformation, and integration.
• Optimize data workflows for performance, reliability, security, and cost-efficiency in cloud environments.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, application teams, and business stakeholders to understand data requirements and deliver technical solutions.
• Implement data governance and security practices across pipeline components and data assets.
• Monitor data flows, troubleshoot issues, and ensure data quality, availability, and integrity.
• Integrate data from various internal and external sources into centralized data platforms.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and support knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Evaluate emerging tools and architectures, recommending improvements to existing systems and processes.
• Conduct performance tuning and optimization across ingestion, transformation, and storage layers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 12-14+ years of experience in data or related engineering roles, with 8+ years focused on data engineering.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and/or Python for data processing, transformation, and automation.
• Hands-on experience building and optimizing data pipelines and integration workflows.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, performance optimization, and query tuning.
• Experience working with cloud platforms and their data ecosystem.
• Knowledge of ETL/ELT concepts, orchestration patterns, and automated data workflows.
• Understanding of data governance, data security, and handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., PII).
• Experience with version control and CI/CD practices.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with experience in complex or unstructured data environments.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, including root-cause analysis., * Experience with distributed data processing or declarative pipeline frameworks.
• Familiarity with cloud-native functions and workflow orchestration tools.
• Experience with data governance frameworks, metadata management, or cataloging solutions.
• Knowledge of columnar storage and big-data file formats.
• Familiarity with modern table formats such as Parquet, Delta, or Iceberg.

Required Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities, with a focus on elevating team capability and fostering knowledge sharing.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align engineering work with broader business objectives.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Collaboration-oriented mindset, thriving in cross-functional environments with product, analytics, and engineering partners.
• Adaptability and resilience in navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, or evolving technical landscapes.
• Proactive initiative, consistently identifying opportunities for improvement and driving solutions forward.
• Commitment to quality and craft, with a strong sense of ownership over system performance and reliability.
• Growth mindset, continuously seeking new knowledge, tools, and approaches to improve team outcomes.

3.73.7 out of 5 stars Dupont, CO 80024 $135,000 - $160,000 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account, AIR offers attractive total compensation packages designed to recognize and reward performance at the individual, team and company levels. We start with a competitive base salary and add bonus opportunities and benefit choices topped off with:
• Expected pay rate of $$135,000 - $160,000 plus annual bonus. You will be provided a pay rate that is in line with your skills and experience as they relate to the requirements of the job.
• 25% Discounted Rent at AIR communities (certain exclusions apply, and an application is required).
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options available. HSA with company sponsored contributions, FSA (traditional and dependent care FSA).
• Short and long-term disability paid by the company.
• 401(K) plus company contributions.
• Paid Vacation, 14 Paid Holidays, and Paid Sick Time.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Commuter Benefits and Pet-Insurance.
• Up to 100% Reimbursement on Professional Certification/Licensing for Job Related Curriculums.
• Paid parental leave of up to 16 weeks, following the birth or adoption of a child.
• Consumer discounts from various products and services including travel planning, wireless phones, health and fitness, home appliances, and more.
• 15 hours of paid time annually to give-back to your community.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth including realistic job previews, in person and virtual leadership training, and performance improvement courses.