Lead Data Platform Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce is looking for a Lead Data Platform Engineer for a contract to hire opportunity in Kansas City, MO.

Summary:
We are creating a unified data foundation that accelerates innovation and drives measurable business impact. As a visionary Lead Data Platform Engineer to architect, you will evolve, and lead our next-generation AI and data ecosystem. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical depth, strategic thinking, and shaping the technical vision of a modern data, data analytics, AI, and ML platforms. You'll drive the design, development, and optimization of our enterprise data platform, integrating Power Platforms, Microsoft Fabric components with modern cloud-native and AI-driven technologies.

Duties:
* Architect & Build:Design and deliver scalable data AI platform solutions using Microsoft Fabric, Data Lake, SHIR, Power BI, Fabric-native services and Power Platforms
* Lead Initiatives:Drive end-to-end implementation of data projects, from ingestion and transformation to governance, observability, and consumption. Ensure high standards of data reliability, security, and performance
* Modernize Infrastructure:Migrate legacy systems to cloud-native and AI-enabled architectures, ensuring performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency
* Enable Data & AI Products:Collaborate with analytics, visualization, engineering, and business teams to deliver reusable data assets, semantic models, and self-service capabilities
* Promote Data Mesh Principles:Work with domain teams to decentralize data ownership and promote self-service capabilities that include data and AI services
* Champion Best Practices:Establish and enforce standards for data quality, lineage, security, and monitoring
* Mentor & Guide:Provide technical leadership, coaching, and career development for data engineers and platform developers
* Cross-Functional Partnership:Work closely with product managers, business leaders and vendors to prioritize and deliver high-value outcomes

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in a related field or the equivalent through a combination of education and related work experience
* 7+ years of proven experience designing, implementing, and leading enterprise-scale data platforms
* Deep expertise in Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Services and modern data and AI architecture patterns
* Strong proficiency in SQL, Python and data modeling techniques
* Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps for data, ML Ops practices, and infrastructure-as-code
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Demonstrated ability to lead small teams while remaining hands-on with complex technical challenges

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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