Freelance Microsoft Data Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

We are seeking a Data Engineer to join our growing Data & Analytics team. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining data pipelines and enterprise data solutions while contributing to the continued evolution of our data architecture and analytics platform.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in data engineering and enjoys working across multiple technologies to build scalable, reliable data solutions. This individual will partner closely with business stakeholders to understand requirements, develop data integration solutions, and support reporting and analytics initiatives.

As our data platform continues to evolve, this role will have the opportunity to contribute to architectural decisions and gain experience with emerging technologies including Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Snowflake, and AI-enabled development tools.

This is a full-time, in-office position.

• Design, develop, and maintain ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, SQL Server, SSIS, and Python.
• Develop SQL queries, stored procedures, views, and database objects to support enterprise reporting and analytics.
• Build and maintain reliable data integrations from internal and external data sources.
• Partner with business users to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Support the design and enhancement of enterprise data models and data architecture.
• Collaborate with BI developers to provide optimized datasets for Power BI reporting and semantic models.
• Utilize Azure DevOps and Git for source control, deployments, and CI/CD processes.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize data pipelines for performance and reliability.
• Contribute to data quality, governance, documentation, and engineering standards.
• Explore and leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering productivity and solution quality.
• Continuously learn and evaluate emerging data platform technologies.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of professional experience in data engineering or a related technical role.
• Strong experience with SQL, Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL development.
• Experience developing ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory or similar integration tools.
• Experience programming with Python.
• Experience working within Azure cloud environments.
• Experience using Git and Azure DevOps or similar source control and CI/CD platforms.
• Working knowledge of Power BI datasets and data modeling concepts.
• Experience gathering business requirements and working directly with stakeholders.Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience or familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Codex, or similar technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, or Snowflake.
• Knowledge of enterprise data architecture and data modeling principles.
• Experience with Azure Data Lake Storage.
• Familiarity with dimensional modeling and data warehouse concepts.
• Experience integrating REST APIs and semi-structured data.
• Interest in AI, advanced analytics, and modern cloud data platforms.

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.