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Lead Data Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Long Finch Technologies

Lead Data Engineer

Irvine, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Technology Lead / Lead Data Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in Python, AWS, and SQL. The ideal candidate will lead data engineering initiatives, build scalable ...

New

Capital One

Lead Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Lead Data Engineer Do you love building and pioneering in the technology space? Do you enjoy solving complex business problems in a fast-paced, collaborative, inclusive, and iterative delivery ...

Mondo

Lead Data Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Mondo is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to oversee end-to-end data engineering delivery while acting as the primary client-facing program owner. The role involves ensuring scalable data solutions ...

Deloitte

Lead Data Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$122K - $146K/yr

Work You'll Do As a Lead Data Engineer on the AI & Data team, you will be responsible for leading large-scale data and artificial intelligence programs that help clients modernize platforms, improve ...

Deloitte

Lead Data Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$122K - $146K/yr

Work You'll Do As a Lead Data Engineer on the AI & Data team, you will be responsible for leading large-scale data and artificial intelligence programs that help clients modernize platforms, improve ...

Vega Intellisoft Inc.

Lead Data Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

Lead Data Engineer Location : Foster City, CA (Onsite) Duration : Full time Experience : 10+ years needed Hiring Data Engineering Lead with strong expertise in Databricks on AWS, MDM, and enterprise ...

New

Anaheimducks

Lead Data Engineer

Anaheim, CA

$140K - $180K/yr

Lead Data Engineer Pay Details: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $140,000 to $180,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job ...

OCVIBE

Lead Data Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Lead Data Engineer Pay Details: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $140,000 to $180,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job ...

OCVIBE

Lead Data Engineer

Anaheim, CA

$140K - $180K/yr

Lead Data Engineer Pay Details: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $140,000 to $180,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job ...

ALO

Lead Data Engineer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

OVERVIEW We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer to architect, build, and evolve the foundational data platform that powers analytics, real-time decisioning, and operational intelligence across Alo.

OC Sports and Entertainment

Lead Data Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Lead Data Engineer Pay Details: The annual base salary range for this position in California is $140,000 to $180,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job ...

Qcells

Lead Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Description POSITON DESCRIPTION We are seeking a Lead Data Engineer to architect, build, and lead the development of scalable, cloud-based data platforms that support enterprise analytics ...

Qcells

Lead Data Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Description POSITON DESCRIPTION We are seeking a Lead Data Engineer to architect, build, and lead the development of scalable, cloud-based data platforms that support enterprise analytics ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Data Engineer JobsLead Data Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Data Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$122.2K

$178.1K

How much do lead data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead data engineer in California is $122,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Lead Data Engineer typically collaborate with data scientists and other engineering teams?

As a Lead Data Engineer, you play a central role in bridging the gap between raw data and actionable insights. You’ll collaborate closely with data scientists to understand their requirements, ensuring data pipelines deliver clean, reliable datasets for modeling and analysis. Additionally, you’ll work with software engineers and DevOps teams to integrate data solutions into production systems, maintain data infrastructure, and uphold best practices for data governance and security. Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork are key aspects of this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Data Engineer, you need advanced expertise in data architecture, database design, and programming languages like Python or Scala, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and relevant certifications such as Google Professional Data Engineer are highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help drive team performance and translate business needs into technical solutions. These skills ensure robust, scalable data pipelines and successful collaboration across technical and business stakeholders.

What is the difference between Lead Data Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectLead Data EngineerData Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS, Data Science, or related; often certifications in cloud platforms or data toolsBachelor's in CS, Data Science, or related; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads data projects, mentors teams, designs architectureBuilds data pipelines, maintains databases, implements data solutions
Industry UsageUsed in organizations with complex data needs, overseeing data teamsCommon in companies handling large-scale data processing

The main difference is that Lead Data Engineers oversee data projects and teams, focusing on architecture and strategy, while Data Engineers focus on building and maintaining data pipelines. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but the Lead Data Engineer has additional leadership responsibilities.

What are Lead Data Engineers?

Lead Data Engineers are senior professionals responsible for designing, building, and managing large-scale data systems and architectures within an organization. They oversee data engineering teams, set technical standards, and ensure efficient data flow and storage. Their role involves collaborating with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to deliver reliable data solutions that support business goals. Lead Data Engineers also mentor junior engineers and help define best practices and strategies for data management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Data Engineer jobs in California? For Lead Data Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Data Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Data Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lead Data Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lead Data Engineer job openings:
Lead Data Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Data Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,163 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Lead Data Engineer

Long Finch Technologies

Irvine, CA

$110K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Technology Lead / Lead Data Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in Python, AWS, and SQL. The ideal candidate will lead data engineering initiatives, build scalable data processing pipelines, and collaborate closely with architecture and business teams in a client-facing environment.

This role requires strong technical leadership, experience working in Agile delivery models, and prior exposure to enterprise or financial industry environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable data engineering solutions using Python
  • Build and optimize data processing, transformation, and orchestration pipelines
  • Work extensively with AWS cloud services for data storage, processing, and deployment
  • Collaborate with architects, business analysts, and stakeholders to gather and refine requirements
  • Translate business needs into technical solutions and system designs
  • Participate in design discussions and provide technical leadership for data platforms
  • Ensure data quality, performance, and reliability across pipelines
  • Work in an Agile/Scrum environment with distributed (onshore/offshore) teams
  • Support integration of AI/ML-related initiatives where applicable
  • Engage directly with client teams for requirement gathering and solution delivery
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in Data Engineering or related field
  • Strong hands-on experience in Python for data engineering
  • Proven experience with AWS cloud services (e.g., S3, Glue, Lambda, EMR, Redshift, etc.)
  • Strong proficiency in SQL and data modeling
  • Experience in data transformation and orchestration frameworks
  • Strong communication skills and client-facing experience
  • Experience working in Financial Services or Banking domain preferred
  • Ability to work onsite/hybrid in Irvine, CA

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