Lead Data Engineer

Application Instructions Sterling is looking for a hands-on Lead Data Engineer who loves building, optimizing, and owning data solutions end-to-end. This is a contract role for someone who can jump in, lead with confidence, and deliver high-impact data solutions in a fast-moving environment. If you enjoy working close to the business, leading offshore development teams, and designing modern data platforms in Microsoft Fabric and Azure, this role was built for you. Why This Role Stands Out • True hands-on leadership — not just oversight • Modern Azure and Microsoft Fabric tech stack • Direct visibility and impact across multiple business units • Opportunity to lead meaningful data initiatives without long-term red tape Position Description What You’ll Be Doing • Partner closely with business stakeholders to understand needs and translate them into scalable technical solutions • Lead and coordinate an offshore development team to deliver integrations on tight timelines • Design, build, and maintain data lakes in Microsoft Fabric • Develop and optimize data pipelines using Azure Data Factory (ADF) and Databricks • Integrate systems using REST APIs, SFTP file transfers, and Azure Blob Storage • Write and optimize SQL and Python for data transformations, integrations, and reporting • Work with SQL and NoSQL databases to support reliable data storage and retrieval • Support analytics and reporting initiatives using Power BI and SSRS (preferred) • Ensure security best practices and Azure standards are followed • Troubleshoot performance issues and continuously improve scalability • Document technical designs, workflows, and support procedures • Provide responsive, professional support to administrators and business users Position Requirements What We’re Looking For • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience • 5+ years of data engineering experience, ideally in Azure-based environments • Strong expertise with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Factory, and Databricks • Proven experience building and managing data lakes • Solid understanding of modern data integration patterns • Advanced SQL skills and strong Python experience • Experience with NoSQL databases (Cosmos DB, MongoDB, etc.) • Familiarity with Power BI and SSRS is a plus • Comfortable leading teams and explaining technical concepts to non-technical partners • Experience with Git, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.