Lead Data Engineer in Los Angeles

Job DescriptionJob Description

Apply now: Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead, location is in LA. The start date is ASAP for this contract position.

Job Title: Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead
Location-Type: LA
Start Date Is: ASAP
Duration: Contract
Compensation Range: $130-150K
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Job Description:
Lead end-to-end data engineering delivery while serving as the primary client-facing program owner, ensuring scalable data solutions and successful project execution.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Lead development and optimization of data pipelines using Databricks, SQL, Python, and PySpark
• Design and maintain data models, Lakehouse architecture, and data marts
• Orchestrate and monitor ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring performance and reliability
• Act as primary point of contact for stakeholders, running meetings and providing updates
• Manage timelines, deliverables, and overall workstream execution
• Coordinate across onshore/offshore teams and unblock technical challenges
• Conduct code reviews, enforce best practices, and mentor engineering team members
• Oversee data quality, monitoring, alerting, and production issue resolution
• Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions

Requirements:

• Must-Haves:
  • 8–12 years of experience in data engineering or analytics roles
  • Strong hands-on experience with Databricks (critical requirement)
  • Proficiency in SQL, Python, and PySpark
  • Experience building and maintaining scalable ETL/ELT pipelines
  • Strong understanding of data warehousing and dimensional modeling
  • Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow)
  • Cloud experience (AWS ; any cloud acceptable with Databricks)
  • Proven experience in client/stakeholder management and communication
  • Experience owning projects, managing timelines, and delivering end-to-end solutions
  • Leadership experience guiding teams and coordinating across multiple workstreams
• Nice-to-Haves:
  • Media or entertainment industry experience
  • Experience leading offshore teams
  • Prior experience in a tech lead, delivery lead, or solutions role
  • AWS-specific expertise
  • Master's degree in a relevant field