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Lead Data Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mondo

$130/hr

Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead, location is in LA. The start date is ASAP for this contract position. Job Title: Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead Location-Type: LA Start Date Is: ASAP Duration:

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 ...

Capital One

Lead Data Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$134K - $162K/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 ...

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Qcells

Lead Data Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$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

San Francisco, CA

$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

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 ...

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 & Entertainment

Lead Data Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Data Engineer responsible for designing and building a reliable data warehouse architecture that unifies business data across various systems, while mentoring engineers and ...

Ravh IT Solutions

Lead Data Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Data Engineering POD Lead Location: Irvine, CA onsite Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Data Engineering POD Lead with a strong background in Asset Management/Investment Management to lead a ...

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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 Jul 18, 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 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,163 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Lead Data Engineer

Lead Data Engineer

Mondo

$130/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Apply now: Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead, location is in LA. The start date is ASAP for this contract position.

Job Title: Lead Data Engineer / Delivery Lead
Location-Type: LA
Start Date Is: ASAP
Duration: Contract
Compensation Range: $130-150K
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Job Description:
Lead end-to-end data engineering delivery while serving as the primary client-facing program owner, ensuring scalable data solutions and successful project execution.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Lead development and optimization of data pipelines using Databricks, SQL, Python, and PySpark
  • Design and maintain data models, Lakehouse architecture, and data marts
  • Orchestrate and monitor ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring performance and reliability
  • Act as primary point of contact for stakeholders, running meetings and providing updates
  • Manage timelines, deliverables, and overall workstream execution
  • Coordinate across onshore/offshore teams and unblock technical challenges
  • Conduct code reviews, enforce best practices, and mentor engineering team members
  • Oversee data quality, monitoring, alerting, and production issue resolution
  • Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions

Requirements:

  • Must-Haves:
    • 8–12 years of experience in data engineering or analytics roles
    • Strong hands-on experience with Databricks (critical requirement)
    • Proficiency in SQL, Python, and PySpark
    • Experience building and maintaining scalable ETL/ELT pipelines
    • Strong understanding of data warehousing and dimensional modeling
    • Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow)
    • Cloud experience (AWS preferred; any cloud acceptable with Databricks)
    • Proven experience in client/stakeholder management and communication
    • Experience owning projects, managing timelines, and delivering end-to-end solutions
    • Leadership experience guiding teams and coordinating across multiple workstreams
  • Nice-to-Haves:
    • Media or entertainment industry experience
    • Experience leading offshore teams
    • Prior experience in a tech lead, delivery lead, or solutions role
    • AWS-specific expertise
    • Master's degree in a relevant field