Lead Data Engineer

GATX; United States; Remote; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GATX is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to shape enterprise analytics, improve data platforms, and guide architecture. You’ll own end-to-end pipelines, partner with IT, analytics, and business teams, and drive scalable, governed data solutions that power decisions.

Based in the United States with a remote option and Chicago-area preference, you’ll mentor a small team, influence data strategy, and contribute to a modern lakehouse on Databricks and AWS.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT experience with deep data engineering & ETL.
• 4-6+ years of hands-on data pipelines design, build & scale.
• Strong hands-on Databricks (Spark, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) & AWS (S3, IAM, networking).
• Passion for learning and staying current in data analytics.
• Experience in Agile analytics environments with stakeholders.
• Expertise in SQL, Python, data modeling, and distributed processing.
• Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, and modern data architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead enterprise-grade pipelines for batch and streaming data.
• Own the full ETL/ELT lifecycle from design to production support.
• Set standards and best practices for data architecture across the ecosystem.
• Translate business requirements into scalable data solutions.
• Mentor a small team while remaining hands-on; ensure reliability and governance.

Skills

Databricks

Spark

Delta Lake

Unity Catalog

AWS

S3

SQL

Python

Data Modeling

Distributed Processing

CI/CD

DevOps

Job description

Overview

Lead Data Engineer | Build the Future of Data at GATX

Remote (Chicago-area preferred)

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, GATX Corporation (NYSE: GATX) is an industry leader with 125+ years of success - success that is powered by our people. We are proud of our high-performance culture, hard-working and enthusiastic management team, and beautiful office space in the Willis Tower.

Now we are investing in the next evolution of our data, analytics, and artificial intelligence ecosystem. We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer who's ready to do more than just build pipelines on Databricks and AWS. You will help shape enterprise analytics strategy, influence architecture, and partner directly with the business to drive smarter decisions.

Why This Role?

This is a high-impact, highly visible role where you'll:

• Lead the design and implementation of a modern AWS + Databricks Lakehouse platform;


• Partner across IT, analytics, and business teams to turn data into decisions;


• Drive scalable, governed, high-performance data solutions; and


• Influence how data powers analytics, reporting, and AI across the company

Responsibilities

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and lead enterprise-grade pipelines, supporting both batch and streaming data processing;


• Own the full ETL/ELT lifecycle, from design through production support;


• Drive data engineering standards, best practices, and architecture across the data ecosystem;


• Translate business requirements into scalable, high-performance data solutions;


• Mentor a small team while remaining hands-on; and


• Ensure data reliability, performance, governance, and cost optimization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT experience, including deep expertise in data engineering & ETL;


• 4-6+ years of recent hands-on experience in designing, building, and scaling data pipelines;


• Strong hands-on experience with Databricks (Spark, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) and AWS (S3, IAM, networking);


• A passion for continued learning and an interest in staying current with the rapidly evolving data and analytics space;


• Experience working in an Agile analytics environment where close collaboration with key stakeholders to address evolving requirements is the norm;


• Expertise in SQL, Python, data modeling, and distributed processing;


• Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, and modern data architecture (lakehouse, medallion, etc.); and


• Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into solutions that deliver business outcomes.

What Sets You Apart

• You're analytical, curious, and solutions-oriented;


• You thrive in environments where you balance priorities and drive outcomes;


• You're comfortable with ambiguity and can quickly learn the business; and


• You build strong partnerships and bring a \"get things done\" mindset.

Why GATX

• 125+ years of stability with a forward-looking, innovation mindset;


• A high-performing, collaborative culture where your work matters;


• Flexibility to work remote, with access to our iconic Willis Tower headquarters; and


• Opportunities to grow and shape a modern enterprise data and AI platform.

Posting Duration

This posting will remain open until the role is filled.

Salary Range

As of the post date, the salary range for this position is:

• Min USD $111,800.00/Yr.


• Max USD $160,000.00/Yr.

This role may be eligible to participate in the Company's short-term incentive plan, the details of which will be provided to the applicant upon hire.

This range is a reasonable estimate and takes into account several factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including, but not limited to, geographic location, skill set, experience, education, training, internal equity, and other business needs.