Lead Staff Data Engineer
Chicago, IL
Full Time
$160k - $180k
We’re looking for a Lead Staff Data Engineer to join our Chicago-based team and take ownership of building powerful, cloud-native data solutions using today’s most in-demand tools—AWS, Snowflake, DBT, Python, and Kubernetes. This is a full-time role based in our Merchandise Mart office, offering the chance to work on high-impact projects that drive real business value.
You’ll be joining a small, sharp, and collaborative team focused on pricing strategy—a major lever for business growth. You won’t just be writing code; you’ll be designing scalable systems, leading technical direction, mentoring engineers, and partnering with data scientists and analysts to turn complex data into meaningful insights. If you love solving big problems with modern tech, enjoy collaborating across teams, and want to grow your career while helping others grow theirs—this is your kind of role.
Required Skills & Experience
- 10+ years working on modern data engineering projects
- 5+ years building cloud-native solutions (preferably using AWS)
- Hands-on experience with Snowflake, DBT, Python, Docker/Kubernetes
- Experience designing data lakes and working with data mesh architecture
- Strong skills with Git, CI/CD, and orchestration tools like Airflow
- Proven ability to mentor engineers and lead technical efforts
- Experience with BI tools (like Power BI or Tableau)
- Familiarity with machine learning and advanced analytics
- Strong understanding of data quality, transformation, and enrichment
- Background supporting pricing or financial analytics is a plus
What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown
- 60% AWS, Snowflake, DBT, Python
- 20% Docker/Kubernetes, CI/CD, Airflow
- 20% BI tools and enabling analytics/ML
- 70% Hands On
- 10% Management Duties (mentoring, leading)
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20% Team Collaboration (working with architects, data scientists, and product managers)
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