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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Engineer Data - **Company:** Empower Retirement - **Location:** Greenwood Village, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $125,400 - $181,875 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Query Performance, Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Automation of Tests, Code Review, Continuous Integration, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Data Structures, Data Systems, Data Warehousing, Dimensional Modeling, Internet Service Provider, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Query Optimization, Standard Sql, SAS (Software), SQL Databases, Data Processing, Snowflake, Procedural Programming, Computer Equipment, Pyspark, Information Technology, Data Management, Software Version Control, Data Pipelines, Amazon Redshift - **Published:** November 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/18865255/Lead-Engineer-Data-Colorado-Greenwood-Village ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent combination of training and experience. * 6-8+ years of data engineering experience with enterprise scale platforms. * Advanced proficiency in SQL, including query optimization and complex transformations, and strong hands-on Python skills. * Strong experience with AWS and modern data platforms. Hands-on Snowflake engineering experience is required. * Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, and data warehousing. Experience with dimensional modeling and reusable business-facing datasets. * SAS/SAS Viya experience is strongly preferred. Candidates with strong SQL, procedural programming, and enterprise ETL experience must be willing and able to learn and support SAS-based workflows. * Demonstrated hands-on production support, persistence in resolving issues, and experience making safe changes to unfamiliar or complex existing code. * Experience leading technical initiatives and mentoring engineers. * Strong problem-solving and communication skills. Ability to explain complex technical matters clearly, listen to business users, and collaborate constructively across teams. * Experience working in Agile environments. * PySpark experience is preferred. Experience preparing governed data for advanced analytics or machine learning is a plus. Work Environment & Disclaimer, ***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.*** ## Description The Lead Data Engineer provides hands-on technical leadership in the design, development, and optimization of scalable data pipelines, ingestion frameworks, and data platforms. This role leads complex initiatives, ensures alignment with architectural standards, and drives delivery of high-quality, secure, reliable and properly governed data solutions and data platforms aligned with enterprise standards. Operating with significant independence, the Lead Data Engineer guides technical decision-making, mentors engineers, and ensures consistent implementation of best practices across teams. Serves as an escalation point for complex data engineering challenges. The team currently uses SAS Viya and Amazon Redshift for data processing, automation, and reporting and is transitioning toward Snowflake. This role combines direct coding, troubleshooting, and support of existing workflows with participation in Snowflake engineering and design alongside enterprise engineering teams. Production ownership and new development remain core responsibilities as the future environment evolves. What you will do: * Lead the design and implementation of advanced data pipelines and ingestion frameworks. Personally develop, test, and maintain the underlying SQL, Python, and ETL code. * Guide technical execution of complex data initiatives across teams. Balance current production commitments with incremental modernization; assess which processes to retain, migrate, redesign, or retire. * Support and troubleshoot SAS Viya and SQL-based production workflows. Trace job failures and data discrepancies to root cause, implement safe corrections, validate outputs, and improve monitoring and recovery. * Translate highly complex business requirements into scalable data solutions. Work with subject-matter experts to clarify business definitions and reconcile outputs into consistent, reusable datasets. * Ensure data platforms are optimized for performance, scalability, and reliability. Consider Snowflake query performance and compute cost. * Enforce data governance, security, and quality standards. * Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership on projects. Share knowledge, document processes, and build backup ownership across the team. * Lead code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards. Use version control, automated testing, and CI/CD practices to support safe releases. * Collaborate with architects and stakeholders to align solutions with enterprise direction. Communicate technical decisions and production issues clearly to technical and nontechnical partners in a matrixed environment. * Drive improvements in automation, efficiency, and platform capabilities. * Support architectural discussions and contribute to design decisions. Help design Snowflake transformations, dimensional models, and shared analytics-ready data structures. * Validate migrations through reconciliation, parallel runs, and rollback planning before retiring established workflows. * Complete other duties as assigned. What you will bring