Lead Data Engineer

TL;DR

Lead Data Engineer (Data Science ML): Architecting, building, and operating distributed data pipelines and cloud-native data systems with an accent on scalable, secure data integration and AI/ML data foundations. Focus on designing high-performance data platforms, driving engineering standards, and mentoring teams in a hybrid work environment based in Illinois.

Location: Hybrid in Illinois, United States

Salary: $150,000–$224,000

Company

hirify.global powers critical legal, compliance, and investigative work with a focus on Legal Data Intelligence and AI-assisted evidence analysis.

What you will do

• Architect, build, and operate distributed data pipelines and services processing massive structured and unstructured data.
• Design scalable, secure, and observable data integration and ETL solutions using dbt.
• Collaborate with AI/ML engineers and data scientists to support model training and deployment.
• Drive improvements in data quality, lineage, reliability, and SLAs.
• Contribute reusable patterns and best practices for Azure cloud-native data platforms.

Requirements

• Must be located in or able to work hybrid in Illinois, United States.
• 6+ years experience in data engineering, backend engineering, or data architecture with distributed systems and cloud-first platforms.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to lead technical decisions and mentor teams.
• Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL/ELT design, and workflow orchestration.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex data concepts.
• Commitment to building clear and insightful data systems.

Nice to have

• Expertise with Databricks and Azure-based data architectures.
• Experience supporting ML workflows or AI-driven applications.
• Background in modernization or migration of large-scale data platforms.
• Knowledge of observability and cost-optimization strategies for cloud data systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual performance bonus and long-term incentives.
• Hybrid work format based in Illinois.
• Commitment to fair and equitable compensation practices.