Senior QA Lead - Data Engineering & Analytics Testing

Job DescriptionSenior QA Lead - Data Engineering & Analytics TestingRemote (U.S.) | Contract Opportunity | Potential for Long-Term ExtensionCompensation: $60-$70/hour DOEEmployment Type: W2 Contract OnlyEligibility: No Corp-to-Corp (C2C), Third-Party Vendors, or SubcontractorsAbout the OpportunityJoin a globally recognized retail and mobility organization undergoing a large-scale enterprise data transformation. This position will support a strategic Data Platform modernization initiative focused on migrating and validating critical business data across modern cloud-based platforms.We are seeking a Senior QA Lead - Data Engineering & Analytics Testing to drive quality assurance efforts across data engineering and analytics projects. This role is heavily focused on backend data testing (85-90%), including ETL/ELT validation, data reconciliation, transformation testing, and data quality assurance.This is a unique opportunity to join a new project pod from inception, helping define testing strategy, validation frameworks, and quality standards while providing leadership to a small team of QA professionals.What You'll Be DoingData Validation & Quality AssuranceLead testing efforts for enterprise data engineering and analytics initiatives.Validate complex data transformations, calculations, aggregations, and business rules.Perform end-to-end ETL/ELT testing, including source-to-target reconciliation.Ensure data integrity across cloud-based platforms and large-scale migration efforts.Validate data across Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers within Medallion Architecture environments.Develop and execute SQL-based test cases against large and complex datasets.Build and maintain cross-system data reconciliation processes using source-to-target mappings.QA Strategy & LeadershipDefine and execute comprehensive testing strategies, plans, and test cases.Establish quality standards and QA best practices across projects.Review test cases, Jira tickets, and defect documentation for quality and completeness.Mentor and guide junior QA team members.Ensure edge cases and complex business scenarios are adequately tested before release.Partner with Data Engineers, Architects, Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and Business Analysts throughout the development lifecycle.Automation & Continuous ImprovementSupport the transition from manual testing toward automated testing capabilities.Help design and implement reusable automation frameworks for data validation.Contribute to automation initiatives leveraging modern tools and Snowflake-native capabilities.Participate in Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives, and daily standups.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.7+ years of experience in:Quality AssuranceData Warehouse TestingETL/ELT TestingData Quality ValidationStrong hands-on experience with:SnowflakeSQLDatabricksAzure Data Factory (ADF)Azure Data LakeAdvanced SQL skills with the ability to independently write and execute test queries.Extensive experience with data reconciliation and source-to-target validation.Experience validating complex business rules and data transformations.Strong understanding of data warehousing concepts and modern cloud data platforms.Experience working within Agile/Scrum environments.Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.Preferred QualificationsPrevious QA Lead or Test Lead experience.Python and PyTest automation experience.Experience building or supporting test automation frameworks.Experience with Streamlit or similar automation and workflow platforms.Knowledge of Snowflake Data Quality Monitoring and Data Metric Functions (DMFs).Exposure to Power BI or reporting validation.Experience with Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines.Knowledge of Data Governance and Data Quality frameworks.Experience supporting enterprise data migration initiatives.Leadership ExpectationsThis role is approximately:70% Hands-On Individual Contributor30% Team LeadershipYou will:Lead and mentor 2-3 junior QA professionals.Review testing artifacts and ensure quality standards are met.Provide guidance on defect management and validation approaches.Serve as the senior QA authority for your project team.Participate in business-facing discussions and support release readiness activities.What Makes a Strong Candidate?Successful candidates typically have experience with:Snowflake TestingData Warehouse TestingETL/ELT ValidationData Quality & Reconciliation TestingSource-to-Target Mapping ValidationSQL & Database TestingData Migration ProjectsAutomation Framework DevelopmentQA Leadership & MentoringWork EnvironmentFully remote position within the United States.Team operates on Eastern Time.Daily collaboration begins around 8:00 AM ET.Candidates outside Eastern Time must be able to support the team schedule.Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential in this highly visible role.Why Consider This Opportunity?Join a major enterprise data modernization initiative from the ground floor.Work on large-scale cloud data platforms and migration programs.Gain visibility with Data Engineering, Architecture, and Analytics leadership.Long-term engagement with an expected initial duration of approximately 18 months.Strong potential for extension based on project needs and performance.Opportunity to influence quality standards for business-critical data platforms used at global scale.If you have deep experience in Snowflake testing, SQL, ETL/ELT validation, and data quality assurance and are ready to lead while remaining hands-on, we'd love to speak with you.