{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"8eef7e28baf59e715a6b8df9","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8eef7e28baf59e715a6b8df9","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8eef7e28baf59e715a6b8df9","title":"Lead / Principal Data Engineer","description":"We're looking for a Lead / Principal Data Engineer with deep hands-on expertise in the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem and a strong background in modernizing enterprise data platformsResponsibilitiesLead the design and implementation of modern cloud data platforms.Build scalable and reliable data pipelines.Drive modernization initiatives across enterprise data solutions.Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence.Improve platform performance, automation, and reliability.Introduce AI-assisted development practices where appropriate.Collaborate with architects, engineers, and business stakeholders.Own technical decisions and lead by example.Skills Required8–12+ years of hands-on Data Engineering experience.Strong expertise in the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem.Extensive experience with Databricks, Spark, Delta Lake, Azure Data Factory (ADF), Azure Synapse, Azure SQL, and SSIS.Strong Python and SQL skills.Proven experience designing scalable data platforms and large-scale data pipelines.Hands-on experience modernizing and migrating legacy data platforms to modern cloud architectures.Deep understanding of data modeling and enterprise data architecture.Experience implementing modern engineering practices, including AI-assisted software development.Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.Leadership mindset with the ability to mentor engineers and drive technical initiatives.Engagement Model: Direct Independent Contractor (Please read carefully)This is an independent contractor opportunity based on a direct contractual relationship between Zoolatech and the individual service provider.To facilitate this direct partnership, we engage with professionals who are registered and operate as a sole proprietorship, private entrepreneur, or an equivalent self-employment status in your country.Please note, our model does not accommodate contracts through third-party intermediaries such as agencies, incubators, or umbrella companies. The essential requirement is your ability to enter into a service agreement and invoice Zoolatech directly. This is not an offer of direct employmentPlease note that only candidates whose profiles closely match our requirements will be contacted.","company":"Zoolatech","rawCompany":"zoolatech","city":"Jonesboro","state":"IL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-04T09:19:50.649Z","occupations":[{"code":"15-1243.01","title":"Data Warehousing Specialists","slug":"data-warehousing-specialists"},{"code":"15-1243.00","title":"Database Architects","slug":"database-architects"},{"code":"15-1299.08","title":"Computer Systems Engineers/Architects","slug":"computer-systems-engineers-architects"}],"industries":[{"code":"541512","title":"Computer Systems Design Services","slug":"computer-systems-design-services"},{"code":"541511","title":"Custom Computer Programming Services","slug":"custom-computer-programming-services"},{"code":"513210","title":"Software Publishers","slug":"software-publishers"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Lead / Principal Data Engineer","description":"We're looking for a Lead / Principal Data Engineer with deep hands-on expertise in the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem and a strong background in modernizing enterprise data platformsResponsibilitiesLead the design and implementation of modern cloud data platforms.Build scalable and reliable data pipelines.Drive modernization initiatives across enterprise data solutions.Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence.Improve platform performance, automation, and reliability.Introduce AI-assisted development practices where appropriate.Collaborate with architects, engineers, and business stakeholders.Own technical decisions and lead by example.Skills Required8–12+ years of hands-on Data Engineering experience.Strong expertise in the Microsoft Azure data ecosystem.Extensive experience with Databricks, Spark, Delta Lake, Azure Data Factory (ADF), Azure Synapse, Azure SQL, and SSIS.Strong Python and SQL skills.Proven experience designing scalable data platforms and large-scale data pipelines.Hands-on experience modernizing and migrating legacy data platforms to modern cloud architectures.Deep understanding of data modeling and enterprise data architecture.Experience implementing modern engineering practices, including AI-assisted software development.Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.Leadership mindset with the ability to mentor engineers and drive technical initiatives.Engagement Model: Direct Independent Contractor (Please read carefully)This is an independent contractor opportunity based on a direct contractual relationship between Zoolatech and the individual service provider.To facilitate this direct partnership, we engage with professionals who are registered and operate as a sole proprietorship, private entrepreneur, or an equivalent self-employment status in your country.Please note, our model does not accommodate contracts through third-party intermediaries such as agencies, incubators, or umbrella companies. The essential requirement is your ability to enter into a service agreement and invoice Zoolatech directly. This is not an offer of direct employmentPlease note that only candidates whose profiles closely match our requirements will be contacted.","datePosted":"2026-07-04T09:19:50.649Z","dateModified":"2026-07-04T09:19:50.649Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Zoolatech","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Jonesboro","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"8eef7e28baf59e715a6b8df9"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8eef7e28baf59e715a6b8df9"}}