Lead Data Engineer

Job#: 3028517

Job Description:

We're looking for a Lead Data Engineer to own the design and evolution of our modern data platform at Catalyst Brands, powering data-driven decisions across our portfolio of retail and consumer brands. You'll lead complex, high-impact data initiatives using AWS, Snowflake/Redshift, Spark, and modern orchestration and governance tools to build scalable, reliable, and trusted data products. This role blends hands-on technical expertise with architecture ownership and cross-functional leadership, partnering closely with product, analytics, and business stakeholders to unlock new insights, optimize performance, and enable the next generation of data and analytics solutions.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and reliable data pipelines and platforms.

Define and enforce data engineering standards, best practices, and architecture patterns.

Partner with business, product, analytics, and data science teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.

Drive performance, scalability, and cost optimization across data infrastructure.

Establish data governance, quality, security, and compliance practices.

Own code quality through mandatory design and code reviews.

Lead cross-functional data initiatives and provide technical direction across teams.

Mentor and coach data engineers, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or related field with 8+ years of data engineering experience.

Strong programming skills in Python and/or PySpark.

Experience with cloud data warehouses like Snowflake and Redshift.

Strong knowledge of AWS services, including S3, EC2, EMR, Glue, Athena, Lambda, and CloudWatch.

Expertise in Apache Spark or similar distributed data processing engines.

Experience with following tools Apache Airflow, DBT, GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, Docker, and Kubernetes.

Strong SQL and data modeling experience.

Experience mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction across multiple teams.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate business requirements into complex technical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.

Experience in a lead/architect role within data engineering teams.

Knowledge of data streaming services like Apache Kafka.

Experience with Data Governance tools like Great Expectations and DataHub.

Experience implementing and scaling data governance frameworks, including metadata management and data cataloging.

Experience in high-volume retail, e-commerce, or consumer-facing environments.

Familiarity with cost optimization techniques for cloud data platforms.

Familiarity of impleting AI based solutions within Data and Analytics platforms.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.