Lead Data Engineer

InterEx Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech consultancy is seeking an experienced Lead Data Engineer / Technical Architect to design and deliver an end-to-end data architecture strategy for a large-scale on-premise data environment in Chicago. The successful candidate will assess existing data systems, design a centralized strategy, and build scalable data lakes and warehouses. Strong expertise in Python, C++, and SQL is essential, along with the ability to advise executive leadership and mentor teams. USC or Green Card Holders only.

Qualifications

• Significant experience designing and delivering on-prem data infrastructure solutions.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate existing distributed data systems.
• Design and implement a centralized data architecture strategy.
• Architect and build a scalable on-prem data lake.
• Design and implement the next-stage data warehouse.
• Define the end-to-end data lifecycle strategy, including governance and best practices.
• Create and deliver a clear roadmap for future scalability.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CIO on data direction and infrastructure decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and mentor team members where required.

Skills

Strong proficiency in Python

Experience with C++

Advanced SQL expertise

Ability to build and manage large‑scale data systems

Experience designing and implementing data lakes and data warehouses

Strong understanding of data architecture, lifecycle management, and governance

Job description

Lead Data Engineer / Technical Architect

Location: Chicago

Reporting to: CIO

Open to SOW to Hire, SOW, or FTE

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Lead Data Engineer / Technical Architect to design and deliver a full end-to-end data architecture strategy for a large-scale, on‑premise data environment.

The organization currently manages approximately over 500TB of data distributed across multiple systems and environments. The CIO is leading an initiative to centralize and modernize the data estate, and we require a senior engineer to evaluate the current state, define the future‑state architecture, and implement the foundational engineering required to support long‑term growth.

This is a hands‑on role combining strategic architecture with practical engineering execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate existing distributed data systems
• Design and implement a centralized data architecture strategy
• Architect and build a scalable on‑prem data lake
• Design and implement the next‑stage data warehouse
• Define the end‑to‑end data lifecycle strategy, including governance and best practices
• Create and deliver a clear roadmap for future scalability
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CIO on data direction and infrastructure decisions
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and mentor team members where required

Technical Requirements

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Python
• Experience with C++
• Advanced SQL expertise
• Ability to build and manage large‑scale data systems
• Experience designing and implementing data lakes and data warehouses
• Strong understanding of data architecture, lifecycle management, and governance

Critical Requirement

All data is hosted on‑premise. Cloud‑based architecture is not in scope. Candidates must have significant experience designing and delivering on‑prem data infrastructure solutions.

What We’re Looking For

• A strategic thinker who can define the long‑term data roadmap
• A hands‑on engineer capable of building foundational systems
• Someone who can confidently advise executive leadership
• A team player with strong communication skills
• A solution‑oriented individual who can “come in and tell us where to go”

USC or Green Card Holders only. No third parties.