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Freelance Databricks Data Engineer Jobs in Edwards, CA

Freelance Databricks Data Engineer information

See Edwards, CA salary details

$15

$48

$133

How much do freelance databricks data engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance databricks data engineer in Edwards, CA is $48.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.57 and $62.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance Databricks data engineer?

Freelance Databricks Data Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines and analytics solutions using the Databricks platform. They work on a contract basis, often helping organizations with data integration, ETL processes, and leveraging Apache Spark for big data analytics. These engineers typically have expertise in cloud platforms, SQL, Python, and other data engineering tools, and they offer flexible support based on project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Databricks data engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Databricks Data Engineer, you need strong skills in data engineering, SQL, Python or Scala, and a solid understanding of big data concepts, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Proficiency with Databricks, Apache Spark, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (like Databricks Certified Data Engineer) is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and self-management skills are essential for collaborating remotely with clients and handling diverse projects. These skills enable efficient data pipeline development, scalable analytics, and successful client delivery in dynamic freelance environments.

How do freelance Databricks data engineers typically collaborate with client teams during projects?

Freelance Databricks Data Engineers often work remotely and interact with client teams through regular virtual meetings, project management platforms, and collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Clear communication is crucial, as you'll coordinate closely with data scientists, analysts, and IT stakeholders to understand requirements, deliver solutions, and troubleshoot issues. Establishing a structured workflow and providing frequent progress updates help ensure alignment and project success. Flexibility and proactive problem-solving are especially important in adapting to each client's unique data infrastructure and business goals.

What is the difference between Freelance Databricks Data Engineer vs Freelance Data Engineer?

AspectFreelance Databricks Data Engineer

Required SkillsProficiency in Databricks, Spark, Python, SQL, cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, client-specific
CertificationsDatabricks certifications, cloud platform credentials
Industry UsageData analytics, big data projects, AI/ML integrations

Freelance Databricks Data Engineers specialize in building and maintaining data pipelines using Databricks and Spark, often working on big data projects in cloud environments. Freelance Data Engineers may have broader skills across various tools and platforms but might not focus specifically on Databricks. Both roles are remote, project-based, and require similar certifications, but the Databricks-specific expertise makes the Freelance Databricks Data Engineer more specialized in Databricks ecosystems.

What cities near Edwards, CA are hiring for Freelance Databricks Data Engineer jobs?

Cities near Edwards, CA with the most Freelance Databricks Data Engineer job openings:

Chief Architect - Data Engineering (Databricks Practice)

Unison Group

California City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

We are building a fast-growing Databricks practice delivering enterprise data and AI solutions across APAC. As Lead Solution Architect – Data Engineering, you will be the technical anchor of the practice: leading solution design on client engagements, owning and defending enterprise architectures in presales, and driving large-scale migration and cloud transformation programs. This is a hands-on leadership role for a builder who can equally command a whiteboard in front of a CTO and a Spark UI when a pipeline misbehaves. You will also shape the practice itself — mentoring engineers, creating accelerators and reusable assets, and converting delivery success into case studies and go-to-market offerings.

Architecture & Delivery

  • Own end-to-end architecture and design decisions on Databricks engagements, ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, performant, and aligned with Lakehouse best practices.
  • Lead delivery of production-grade data platforms — ingestion, transformation, orchestration, governance through Unity Catalog, and downstream BI/ML enablement.
  • Lead large-scale migrations (legacy DW/ETL, Hadoop, on-prem estates) and cloud transformation projects to Databricks on Azure/AWS/GCP, including assessment, wave planning, and cutover.
  • Stay hands-on: performance tuning, debugging, code and design reviews, and setting engineering standards for the team.

Presales & Stakeholder Management

  • Own and defend enterprise solution designs in front of architecture boards, CIOs, and CTOs — and enjoy it.
  • Drive presales end-to-end: discovery, solutioning, estimation, PoCs, RFPs, and proposals that convert.
  • Translate hard technical trade-offs into decisions executives can act on — from engineer to boardroom without changing gears.

Who Thrives Here

  • A builder at heart — 12+ years in data engineering/architecture, 3+ on Databricks at enterprise scale, and still happiest when hands are on the keyboard.
  • Deep Spark expertise — architecture, performance tuning, streaming, debugging, the advanced stuff that separates architects from diagram-drawers.
  • Lakehouse fluency — Medallion architecture, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, governance, orchestration (Workflows, DLT/Lakeflow, Airflow, ADF); Microsoft Fabric exposure a bonus.
  • Battle-tested in migrations — you've led large transformation programs and have the scars and success stories to show for it.
  • Presales instinct — you don't just design solutions; you sell them, price them, and defend them under fire.
  • Modern edge — strong Python/SQL/Scala, CI/CD for data platforms, and comfort integrating ML/AI (MLflow, LLM APIs like OpenAI and Anthropic) into what you build.
  • Certified credibility — Databricks Data Engineer Professional / SA accreditations strongly preferred.
  • Founder energy — curiosity, adaptability, and the drive to build offerings, not just deliver projects