Freelance Databricks Data Engineer Jobs in Texas

Req ID: 378574 

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a Lead Databricks Platform Engineer / Solutions Architect to join our team on-site in either Plano, TX; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; or Atlanta, GA.

Job Description: Databricks Platform & Data Engineer (CoE)
Locations: Plano, TX | Minneapolis, MN | Chicago, IL | Atlanta, GA
Organization: NTT DATA – Databricks Center of Excellence (CoE)
Experience: 12+ years overall; 5+ years with Databricks (enterprise-scale)

Overview
NTT DATA is seeking a senior Databricks Platform & Data Engineer to join our Databricks Center of Excellence (CoE). This role blends platform engineering, architecture, and hands-on data engineering, with a focus on building and scaling enterprise-grade Databricks environments for large, regulated clients.
The ideal candidate will lead platform setup, governance, and adoption, while partnering directly with clients to design and deliver high-impact use cases leveraging the latest Databricks capabilities (e.g., Dataflow, Unity Catalog, AI/BI, Genie).
This is a client-facing consulting role requiring strong technical depth, communication skills, and the ability to translate business requirements into scalable data platform solutions.

Key Responsibilities
Platform Engineering & Architecture

Design and deploy enterprise-scale Databricks Lakehouse platforms across AWS/Azure
Establish secure, governed environments using Unity Catalog, role-based access controls, and data lineage
Define platform standards, reusable patterns, and guardrails for scalable adoption
Optimize platform performance, cost, and reliability for production workloads
Implement CI/CD, environment promotion, and DevOps automation for Databricks

Databricks Feature Enablement

Lead adoption of modern Databricks capabilities including:

Unity Catalog: centralized governance, access control, lineage
Dataflow / declarative pipelines: build scalable ingestion and transformation frameworks
Genie / AI-assisted development: accelerate developer productivity and data accessibility

Enable AI/BI dashboards, model serving, and advanced analytics use cases [Databricks...I - Jun 17 | PowerPoint], [NTT DATA -...Solutions | PowerPoint]

Data Engineering & Use Case Delivery

Build and optimize batch and streaming data pipelines using Spark and Delta Lake
Develop data products and domain-oriented pipelines aligned to enterprise data strategies
Lead end-to-end use case delivery, from requirements to production deployment
Drive data quality, observability, and pipeline reliability

Client Engagement & Advisory

Act as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders (architecture, data, risk, and business teams)
Translate business requirements into technical architecture and delivery roadmaps
Lead workshops, solution design sessions, and platform adoption strategies
Support proposals, solutioning, and client innovations within regulated industries

CoE Contribution

Build and contribute to NTT DATA accelerators, frameworks, and reusable assets
Define best practices, reference architectures, and playbooks for enterprise Databricks adoption
Mentor junior engineers and support capability building across the CoE

Required Qualifications

12+ years of experience in data engineering, platform engineering, or data architecture
5+ years hands-on experience with Databricks in large enterprise environments
Deep expertise in:

Apache Spark (Scala/Python)
Delta Lake and Lakehouse architectures
Databricks workspace setup, cluster policies, and job orchestration

Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Experience implementing data governance, security, and compliance controls
Proven ability to design and deliver scalable, production-grade data platforms
Strong client-facing and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in financial services or other regulated industries
Familiarity with data governance frameworks, regulatory reporting, and risk data environments
Databricks certifications (e.g., Data Engineer, Solutions Architect)
Experience with:

Real-time streaming (Kafka, Structured Streaming)
MLOps / Model Serving
Data marketplace / data product architectures

Exposure to AI-assisted development workflows and agent-based tooling

Candidates must be within reasonable commuting distance of or able to relocate to Plano, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Chicago, IL; or Atlanta, GA.

NTT DATA provides a reasonable range of compensation for U.S.-based positions. The starting pay range for this role will depend on the location of the successful candidate.

For candidates in and Plano, TX and Atlanta, GA the starting pay range is $134,625-$224,375. For candidates in Chicago, IL or Minneapolis, MN the starting pay range is $148,088-$246,812.  Actual compensation will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate’s actual work location, relevant experience, technical skills, and other qualifications.

This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation based on individual and/or company performance. If the position offered in temporary, the position will not be eligible for incentive compensation.

This position is eligible for company benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with an employer contribution, flexible spending or health savings account, life and AD&D insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program with company match, and additional voluntary or legally-required benefits.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30 billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. our consulting and Industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees. NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com, @nttdatafed.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.

NTT DATA endeavors to make https://us.nttdata.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. NTT DATA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here. For Pay Transparency information, please click here.