Sr. Data Engineer

Job#: 3029040

Job Description:
Data Engineers Needed!!!

Location: Lisle, IL or Columbia, MD (Onsite 4 days/week, Monday-Thursday)

Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6 months)

About the Role

Apex Systems is seeking Data Engineers to join highly collaborative onsite teams responsible for building and supporting scalable, reliable data infrastructure. These roles focus on designing and maintaining batch and real-time data pipelines that support critical business functions across marketing, enrollment, and student operations.

This is a hands-on data engineering role for individuals who thrive in collaborative environments, are passionate about building high-quality data platforms, and can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. If you or anyone you know would be interested or you would like to learn more, please apply now or send all resumes to
What You'll Do

• Design, build, and maintain batch and real-time data pipelines
• Develop and optimize complex SQL queries for analytics and downstream use cases
• Build and maintain data models, including schemas, tables, and partitions
• Orchestrate workflows using Apache Airflow
• Write clean, reliable Python code for data processing and automation
• Partner with analytics, product, and business teams to understand data needs
• Translate technical concepts into clear, accessible explanations for non-technical stakeholders
• Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and data quality initiatives
• Take ownership of system reliability, performance, and scalability over time

Required Technical Skills

• Strong SQL skills (advanced query writing and optimization required)
• Proficiency with Python for data engineering use cases
• Experience building data pipelines (batch and/or streaming)
• Apache Airflow experience (required)
• Solid understanding of:
  • Data warehousing concepts
  • Data modeling (tables, schemas, partitions)
• Cloud experience:
  • Google Cloud Platform preferred
  • Other cloud platforms (e.g., AWS) acceptable

This role requires a true data engineering background.
Experience Expectations by Level

• Associate Data Engineer:
  • 1-2+ year of experience, or a strong academic foundation with relevant hands-on projects
• Data Engineer:
  • 3-4+ years of professional data engineering experience
• Senior Data Engineer:
  • 6-8+ years of experience with demonstrated ownership of complex data systems and pipelines

Additional Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts in plain language
• Business-oriented mindset with curiosity about how data drives outcomes
• Proactive, self-directed, and comfortable taking ownership
• Collaborative team player who thrives in an onsite environment
• Comfortable working on-site four days per week in a highly interactive setting

Interview Process

• Round 1: Virtual technical interview (SQL, Python, and core data engineering concepts)
• Round 2: In-person technical and team interview (onsite participation required)

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

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.