Lead Data Engineer

Were hiring a hands-on Lead Data Engineer to help modernize an enterprise data platform from legacy on-prem systems to a cloud-native AWS lakehouse. This is a lead individual contributor role with high ownership and a strong hands-on focus (approximately 70%) balancing deep technical delivery with design guidance code reviews and mentorship.

While we leverage AWS S3 Tables (managed Apache Iceberg) success in this role requires a solid understanding of how modern table formats operate under the hood beyond reliance on fully managed tooling.

This position will offer flexibility for hybrid work schedules to include both in-office presence and telecommute/virtual work to be based from either Houston or Dallas TX.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design build and operate end-to-end production-grade data pipelines in AWS
• Re-engineer legacy ETL into a lakehouse architecture (Bronze/Silver/Gold) on S3
• Work hands-on with open table formats in AWS (S3 Tables / Apache Iceberg) and understand their metadata snapshots schema evolution and performance characteristics
• Develop pipelines using Python PySpark and Spark on AWS Glue and/or EMR
• Orchestrate workloads using Airflow or AWS Step Functions
• Partner with data architects to translate business requirements into data products
• Perform code reviews mentor engineers and contribute hands-on in production
• Support agile development practices including planning demos and reviews

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS in Computer Science Engineering or a related field plus at least 8 years of hands-on data engineering experience or demonstrated equivalent experience and education
• Strong current hands-on experience with AWS data services including S3 and Spark-based processing
• Hands-on experience with an open table format (such as Apache Iceberg Delta Lake or Hudi) with a clear understanding of table metadata schema evolution partitioning and performance tradeoffs
• Proficiency in Python and PySpark for production data pipelines
• Experience designing building and operating data pipelines end-to-end in AWS
• Experience orchestrating data pipelines using Airflow or AWS Step Functions
• Strong communication skills and ability to operate as a hands-on technical lead

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in a relevant field
• Experience working with AWS S3 Tables or native Apache Iceberg in AWS environments
• Experience modernizing on-prem or legacy data warehouse platforms
• Familiarity with lakehouse performance tuning schema evolution and partitioning
• Experience with data pipeline orchestration frameworks
• Exposure to AI/ML data readiness or downstream analytics use cases
• Experience working in large complex enterprise environments

Additional Information :

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position
• Sponsorship for US work authorization is not available for this position now or in the future.

Why Youll Love Working Here:

• Leadership Impact: Shape the direction of our enterprise data platform and mentor the next generation of data engineers
• Enterprise Reach: Work with diverse large-scale datasets from critical business systems.
• Modern Tech Stack: AWS-first environment with continuous improvement and best-practice adoption.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance into architecture or senior leadership roles.

Join us in shaping the future of data engineering and contribute to the development of innovative data solutions that drive business success.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status AECOM benefits may include medical dental vision life AD&D disability benefits paid time off leaves of absences voluntary benefits perks flexible work options well-being resources employee assistance program business travel insurance service recognition awards retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities we solve our clients complex challenges in water environment energy transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory planning design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at . 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts youll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills helping you build the career youve always envisioned. Here youll find a welcoming workplace built on respect collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time