The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s/applicant’s qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship not available.

Our client is seeking a Data Engineer in Richmond, VA

Role Description

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to lead the design and implementation of end-to-end data solutions within a modern Azure-based cloud environment. This hands-on, technical role will partner closely with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to ensure that data is accurate, accessible, and optimized for analytics, reporting, and operational needs. You will play a key role in building scalable data pipelines and integrations while championing best practices, mentoring junior engineers, and leading strategic data initiatives across teams.

• Architect and implement secure, scalable data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Azure Functions, and Azure Data Lake Storage
• Design and build reliable ETL/ELT processes using Python (pandas, PySpark) and SQL, integrating data from diverse sources including REST APIs and various file formats (CSV, JSON, XML, Parquet)
• Collaborate cross-functionally to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical deliverables
• Lead modernization and optimization efforts, improving pipeline performance, maintainability, and scalability
• Detect and resolve data quality issues; implement automated audits and monitoring processes
• Act as a technical leader on schema design, performance tuning, and Azure data architecture
• Mentor and support junior engineers across data engineering, analytics, and BI teams
• Participate in and lead code reviews, promoting clean, well-documented, and testable code
• Stay current on trends in data engineering and cloud technologies, identifying opportunities to innovate

Skills & Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in data engineering, including
• 2+ years with Azure cloud-native solutions
• Expertise in MS SQL Server, Python (pandas, PySpark), Azure Data Factory, Azure Functions and Azure Data Lake Storage.
• Experience working with a variety of file formats (e.g., CSV, JSON, XML, Parquet).
• Familiarity using REST APIs for data extraction and integration.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data solutions.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture, data warehousing and modern data stack components.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis on data and processing issues
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• A successful history of manipulating, processing and extracting value from large disparate datasets
• Experience with Big Data technologies such as Databricks, Spark, or Azure Synapse
• Knowledge of CI/CD workflows, version control, and agile development practices
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy, and compliance frameworks
• Experience with data warehousing, analytics tools, and BI platforms
• 4-year degree in computer science, engineering or other related IT field of study, or equivalent professional work experience
• General office demands
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent reaching, handling, and fine manipulation for using office equipment, filing, and managing paperwork.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other office tools.
• Occasional standing, walking, and bending.
• Ability to lift up to 10-20 pounds occasionally.
• Vision abilities required include close vision for computer work and reading documents.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Azure
• Databricks
• API experience

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there’s a position you really want, you’re fully prepared to get it.

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Unsure how to write a new resume?

Visit the Hays Career Advice section to learn top tips to help you stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays’ guiding principles is ‘do the right thing’.
We also believe that actions speak louder than words.
In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text 813.336.5570.

Drug testing may be required; please contact a recruiter for more information.

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