Sr. Python Developer & Lead -W2 Contract

Job Title: Sr. Python Developer & Data Engineering Lead
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Remote: Yes – 100% Remote
Duration: Long-term Contract (12+ months)
Experience: 10+ Years Overall IT Experience

Job Overview

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer & Technical Lead (Sr. Python Developer & Lead) to drive large-scale data engineering initiatives within the Data & Advanced Analytics domain. This role is hands-on and leadership-focused, requiring strong expertise in Python, PySpark, Airflow, CI/CD, and workflow orchestration, along with experience mentoring engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize scalable data pipelines using Python and PySpark for batch and streaming workloads

• Build, schedule, and monitor complex workflows using Apache Airflow

• Architect and implement CI/CD pipelines for data engineering projects using GitHub, Docker, and cloud-native tools

• Apply TDD practices and automate unit and integration testing for data pipelines

• Implement secure coding practices and reusable design patterns

• Collaborate with Data Architects, QA teams, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions

• Create and maintain technical documentation, including data flows and system design artifacts

• Lead and mentor junior engineers; provide technical guidance and best practices

• Troubleshoot and resolve pipeline failures, performance issues, and production incidents

• Cross-train team members (operations/support teams) to ensure knowledge continuity

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of overall IT experience

• 5+ years of hands-on Data Engineering experience using Python and PySpark

• Strong expertise in Apache Airflow (enterprise-scale DAG development and management)

• Proven experience building CI/CD pipelines for data engineering workflows

• Strong Python (OOP) skills with dependency management and best practices

• Experience with Docker and cloud platforms (Google Cloud Platform preferred)

• Proficiency in Git (branching, merging, pull requests, GitHub/GitLab workflows)

• Strong Unix/Linux command-line skills

• Solid SQL skills for data ingestion and analysis

• Experience working in Agile, Iterative, and Waterfall methodologies

• Strong communication and leadership skills; experience in technical lead roles

Nice to Have

• Experience with streaming data pipelines

• Familiarity with 12-factor app principles

• Exposure to data security and governance standards

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, or related field

• Equivalent professional experience will be considered