Technical Lead - Operational Data Governance & Modernization | Onsite - Delaware

PhotonUnited Statesfull timeLead
Active

Job description

Key Responsibilities

  • Own delivery of relational and canonical data models and the organization's MDM (master data management) strategy.
  • Set standards for advanced SQL usage and appropriate use of NoSQL patterns where relational modeling doesn't fit.
  • Define schema-first data contract design using JSON Schema/Avro/Protobuf.
  • Drive rollout of the data catalog and enforce PII classification and data-regulation compliance across pipelines.
  • Own delivery of the Snowflake/enterprise data warehouse and data pipelines between ODS and warehouse.
  • Drive delivery of data change detection (CDC) and the data validation/quality testing framework.
  • Own "contract as code" governance: data schema management via CI/CD and Git-based data governance.
  • Select and stand up appropriate AWS data services for the platform.
  • Run day-to-day delivery of the offshore team: sprint commitments, code/design review, real-time unblocking, and hands-on work on critical-path pipelines.
  • Report delivery status, risks, and blockers to engineering leadership.

Must-Have Qualifications

  • 8+ years in data engineering, with 3+ years as a tech lead owning end-to-end delivery (not a pure design/review architect role).
  • Proven track record of shipping data platforms on committed timelines, including hands-on troubleshooting under delivery pressure.
  • Deep expertise in relational and canonical data modeling and MDM design.
  • Expert-level SQL and solid understanding of when NoSQL patterns are appropriate.
  • Proven experience designing schema-first data contracts (JSON Schema/Avro/Protobuf).
  • Experience architecting data catalog tooling and PII classification/data regulation compliance (critical given financial-services context).
  • Strong hands-on architecture experience with Snowflake or an equivalent enterprise data warehouse.
  • Proven design of data pipelines between operational data stores and the warehouse.
  • Experience architecting change-data-capture and data validation/quality frameworks.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing "contract as code" — schema management via CI/CD, Git-based governance.
  • Solid knowledge of relevant AWS data services (e.g., RDS, Redshift, Glue, DMS, Lake Formation).
  • Financial-services or similarly regulated-industry data governance experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong stakeholder communication; able to directly manage day-to-day delivery of an offshore team (standups, unblocking, sprint accountability).

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

  • Experience with specific data catalog tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, AWS Glue Data Catalog).
  • Exposure to multiple warehouse platforms beyond Snowflake.
  • Experience building data-quality frameworks with tools like Great Expectations or dbt tests.
  • Relevant certifications (Snowflake SnowPro, AWS Data Analytics Specialty).

Compensation, Benefits and Duration

Minimum Compensation: USD 56,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 196,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full-time employees.
This position is not available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post