Freelance Data Analytics Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Role Overview

The Full Stack Data & Analytics Engineer is Collectiv's most versatile technical consultant, combining deep data engineering expertise with advanced Power BI and analytics delivery capabilities. This role closes the gap between backend data platform work and front-end analytics, enabling a single consultant to take a client from raw data ingestion through to polished, insight-ready dashboards.

You design and implement modern lakehouse architectures on Microsoft Fabric and Databricks, build performant ELT/ETL pipelines, develop rich semantic models, and deliver complex Power BI reports, all while acting as a trusted technical advisor to enterprise clients. You thrive on translating ambiguous business requirements into scalable, well-documented technical solutions and are equally comfortable deep in Spark transformations or fine-tuning DAX formulas.

This role sits at the intersection of Collectiv's Data Engineering and Senior Power BI Consultant practices and is designed for experienced professionals who refuse to choose a lane.

Key Responsibilities

Data Platform & Lakehouse Engineering

• Design and implement modern data platforms leveraging Microsoft Fabric (OneLake, Lakehouse, Data Factory) and Databricks (Spark, Delta Lake, SQL Warehouses)

• Build and optimize data ingestion, transformation, and orchestration pipelines using ELT/ETL best practices

• Develop scalable lakehouse architectures that support analytics, reporting, and downstream data products

• Translate business and analytical requirements into technical data models (star schemas, semantic models, lakehouse patterns)

• Write, optimize, and tune SQL and Spark-based transformations for large-scale analytical workloads

• Apply version control, CI/CD concepts, and code review standards to all data engineering workflows

Power BI & Analytics Delivery

• Design and implement complex data models utilizing Power BI, including enterprise-grade semantic layer development

• Create visually compelling, interactive reports and dashboards that drive measurable client decisions

• Develop, optimize, and peer-review DAX formulas for accuracy and performance at scale

• Integrate data from diverse sources into Power BI, leveraging SQL skills for efficient extraction and transformation

• Ensure data quality, reliability, and usability across the analytics platform

• Enable self-service analytics by partnering with client business teams to deliver trusted datasets and dashboards

Client Consulting & Advisory

• Work directly with client stakeholders to gather requirements, communicate technical concepts, and manage expectations

• Provide expert guidance on Power BI solutions and data platform decisions; ensure precision in all data discussions

• Conduct in-depth research on emerging tools and trends to keep clients ahead of the curve

• Act as a core technical asset in Collectiv's marketing and business development efforts

• Facilitate training sessions and support client teams through platform adoption and change

• Build strong client relationships through clear communication, confidence with stakeholders, and a warm, personable presence

• Take a proactive approach to delivery and client relationships by anticipating needs, following through on commitments, and looking for opportunities to add value

Engineering Excellence & Collaboration

• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and fellow consultants to align technical delivery with project goals

• Ensure solutions meet quality criteria related to performance, scalability, security, and maintainability

• Contribute to internal documentation, reusable patterns, and knowledge sharing across Collectiv

• Participate in post-project retrospectives and contribute to Collectiv's data platform standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university

• 5+ years of combined experience in data engineering, analytics engineering, and/or BI consulting

• Hands-on production experience with Microsoft Fabric and/or Databricks (both strongly preferred)

• Advanced proficiency in Power BI, including complex data modeling, DAX authoring, and performance optimization

• Power BI dataset modeling at enterprise scale and embedding/API scenarios

• Strong SQL skills, including performance tuning and analytical query design

• Experience designing analytics data models (star schemas, semantic models, lakehouse patterns)

• Demonstrated ability to integrate data from diverse sources into both data platforms and BI tools

• Proven track record in a client-facing consulting role, working independently and managing stakeholder expectations

• Strong written and verbal communication style; data-filled, precise, and client-ready

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience migrating or modernizing legacy data warehouses to lakehouse architectures

• Experience integrating data platforms with downstream applications or external APIs

• Consulting experience spanning multiple clients, industries, or verticals

• Relevant certifications: Azure Solutions Architect, Azure Data Engineer, Microsoft Fabric (DP-600/DP-700), Databricks certifications

• Exposure to advanced analytics use cases: AI/ML model integration, predictive dashboards, or advanced statistical analysis

What Success Looks Like

• Clients trust you as their go-to technical advisor across both data platform and analytics decisions

• Delivered solutions are scalable, well-documented, secure, and aligned to best practices

• Consistently maintain a minimum 75% utilization rate by balancing high-quality client delivery, internal collaboration, and business priorities.

• Business users are fully enabled through reliable semantic models and analytics-ready datasets

• Power BI reports you build are cited by clients as transformative to their decision-making process

• You actively contribute to Collectiv's data platform standards and continuously raise the bar for consulting excellence

• You serve as a force multiplier; unblocking teammates and elevating the quality of every engagement you touch

Why Collectiv

Join Collectiv for a rewarding career in a fully remote work environment with quarterly in-person team experiences and competitive compensation. We provide a clear growth trajectory with professional development opportunities and a top-shelf benefits package. Enjoy unlimited time off and 100% covered health insurance, encompassing medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family. Our comprehensive offerings, from a competitive 401(k) with a 4% match to educational assistance, tech stipend, and discounts on various goods and services, demonstrate our commitment to your well-being and success. At Collectiv, your career thrives with a perfect blend of remote flexibility, growth potential, and unparalleled benefits prioritizing your financial, physical, and emotional well-being.

Collectiv is the leading boutique consulting and strategy firm specializing in Analytics, Planning and AI with Power BI and the Microsoft Data Stack.

Our mission at Collectiv is simple: We help enterprises make better decisions.

Our Core Values

Growth Mindset- Bring solutions, not problems.

Excel with Humility- Be humbly brilliant.

Communicate Actively and Empathetically- Listen, ask, understand, help.

Work Hard, Play Hard- Results are proportional to effort.

Keep Calm and Carry On- Stay cool, calm and Collectiv.

Collectiv is the leading boutique consulting and strategy firm specializing in Analytics, Planning, and AI with Power BI and the Microsoft Data Stack. Our mission: We help enterprises make better decisions.