Lead Data Engineer

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.

The Lead Data Engineer will provide technical leadership in the design, development, and optimization of scalable data pipelines, ingestion frameworks, data solutions, and data platforms. This role leads complex initiatives, guides technical decision-making, mentors engineers, and ensures secure, reliable, properly governed data solutions that align with enterprise and architectural standards. The Lead Data Engineer also serves as an escalation point for complex data engineering challenges.

What you will do:

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced data pipelines and ingestion frameworks.

• Guide technical execution of complex data initiatives across teams.

• Translate highly complex business requirements into scalable data solutions.

• Ensure data platforms are optimized for performance, scalability, and reliability.

• Enforce data governance, security, and quality standards.

• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership on projects.

• Lead code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards.

• Collaborate with architects and stakeholders to align solutions with enterprise direction.

• Drive improvements in automation, efficiency, and platform capabilities.

• Support architectural discussions and contribute to design decisions.

• Complete other duties as assigned.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent combination of training and experience.

• 6 to 8+ years of data engineering experience with enterprise scale platforms.

• Advanced proficiency in Python, PySpark, and SQL.

• Strong experience with AWS and modern data platforms.

• Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, and data warehousing.

• Experience leading technical initiatives and mentoring engineers.

What will set you apart:

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

• Experience working in Agile environments.

This job operates in a professional office environment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) –  BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play.