Senior Data Engineer or Backend Engineer

Description

Hybrid in McLean, VA

Our client is building an abstraction layer, API integrations, and batch data pipelines to enable seamless customer experiences while core data remains with a third-party data host. The team seeks Senior-level Data Engineers and Backend/Full Stack Engineers skilled in Python, PySpark, big data tooling, AWS, and modern software delivery. Engineers who leverage AI tools to improve speed and output will align with the project’s productivity goals. Work will focus on performant data flows, services, and infrastructure that keep downstream users insulated from future platform migrations.

We can facilitate w2 and corp-to-corp consultants. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $55.00 to $75.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an abstraction layer that decouples downstream experiences from underlying data location.
• Build and maintain APIs and batch data flows that source data from external repositories and expose it to internal consumers.
• Develop data pipelines using Python and PySpark across big data platforms, including AWS EMR and related services.
• Stand up and harden backend services and infrastructure in AWS to support scalable and reliable delivery.
• Deliver backend features with emphasis on performance, reliability, and maintainability, with optional light front-end integration.
• Apply AI-assisted engineering practices to accelerate development, testing, and documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure transparent data access and minimal disruption to users.
• Contribute to code reviews, automation, and continuous integration to improve quality and speed.

Experience Requirements:

• Senior-level experience in data engineering or backend software engineering.
• Proficiency with Python and PySpark for data processing and pipeline development.
• Hands-on experience with big data tools and AWS services such as EMR.
• Experience building and consuming APIs and managing batch data pipelines.
• Background in standing up new infrastructure and delivering software in AWS environments.
• Ability to build backend systems with some exposure to front-end frameworks such as Angular or React.
• Demonstrated use of AI tools to improve engineering throughput and quality (preferred).
• Prior experience within similar large-scale financial services environments (preferred).