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Lead Data Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Data Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

$119K - $143K/yr

Lead Data Engineer At MetaPhase, we believe Quirky is Cool and being authentic is the only way to be!We take the work we do very seriously and do a lot of important mission-focused work for our ...

Senior 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 ...

Lead Data Engineer (Finance Tech) 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 ...

Lead Data Engineer (Finance Tech)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Lead Data Engineer (Finance Tech) 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 ...

Lead Data Engineer (Finance Tech)

Mclean, VA

$115K - $139K/yr

Lead Data Engineer (Finance Tech) 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 ...

Lead Data Engineer (Bank Tech) 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 ...

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Lead Data Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$42.1K

$122.7K

$179K

How much do lead data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead data engineer in Virginia is $122,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,600.00 and $133,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead data engineer?

A lead data engineer is a senior technical role responsible for designing, building, and maintaining an organization’s data infrastructure and pipelines. They often oversee data teams, ensure data quality, and work with tools like SQL, Spark, and cloud platforms to support data analytics and business decision-making.

How much do lead data engineers get paid?

Lead data engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include expertise in big data tools like Hadoop and Spark, and may involve leadership responsibilities and advanced certifications.

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.

Is AI replacing data engineers?

AI is transforming the role of data engineers by automating routine tasks such as data cleaning and integration, but it does not replace the need for skilled professionals to design, manage, and oversee data infrastructure. Data engineers are essential for building scalable data pipelines, ensuring data quality, and implementing AI models effectively. Their expertise remains critical in managing complex data environments and integrating new technologies.

What engineers make 500,000?

Lead Data Engineers and senior engineering roles in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in big data tools, cloud platforms, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Lead Data Engineer

$119K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Lead Data Engineer
At MetaPhase, we believe Quirky is Cool and being authentic is the only way to be!We take the work we do very seriously and do a lot of important mission-focused work for our clients. We are individuals with different passions and strengths who take as much joy in the work we do as from those we work with. Today, we have a team that is invested in creatingnew solutionsthat lean forward, challenge the status quo, but also reflect our intimate knowledge of our customers'business. Over the years we have fostered a culture in which we are united by shared values-passion, solidarity, generosity, curiosity, and boldness-and these come alive in the work we do and how we do it.
Together, we know our people are ourdifference-for our clients and our colleagues.
Are you ready to:
  • Work alongside a dedicated and diverse set of people to offer honest advice and practical guidance to ourclients?
  • Learn and grow by taking advantage of every opportunity available toyou?
  • Join a company which prides itself on its shared values and inclusive culture?
  • Be the difference and make it happen?
Role Summary
MetaPhase is seeking an experienced and strategic Data Engineer with 7+ years of experience to provide hands-on technicalexpertisewith data architecture, data modeling, and data engineering tasks in an Azure environment. This role will provide both hands-on technical leadership and people management for a team of three data engineers supporting enterprise-wide data initiatives. In addition, the ideal candidate will lead database development work and help coordinate tasks withthe webdevelopers to ensure a robust integrated solution is built.
What You Will Be Doing
  • Act as a servant leader and mentor a lean high performing team of data professionals.
  • Manage workload prioritization, sprint planning, and delivery oversight for database related tasks.
  • Maintain and enhance data models (ERDs), Data Dictionaries (DD), Source-to-Target mappings (STM)and other data related documentation to sustain existing operations while building new analytical capabilities.
  • Design, develop andmaintainscripts for Azure SQL database that create/modifydatabase objects (tables, views, constraints, triggers) and data integration routines (ETL) that support change data capture.
  • Design, develop andmaintainAzure Data Factory object and components, Elastic Job Agents and Azure Functions that support database activities.
  • Review database deployment plans for scheduled releases and provide feedback.
  • Peer review database code to provide feedback and coach team members.
  • Create andmaintainother technical documentation relating to data architecture.
  • Troubleshoot orassistteam members with troubleshooting data issues toidentifyroot causes, propose recommendations, and implement solutions that will improve data availability, increase data quality, andoptimizeperformance.
  • Coordinate and act as a liaison with other groups including OCIO, Azure DBAs and Engineers
  • Managing Power BI workspaces and on-premises MS data gateways
What We NeedFromYou(Required)
  • A minimum of 7+ years of hands-on experience with database architecture, design, development, deployment, preferably in Azure environments.
  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certificationrequired; candidates mustpossessan active CSM certification uponhireor obtain certificationimmediatelyfollowing employment.
  • Data modeling experience with both transactional and analytical data stores.
  • Data integration experience with Python and Azure Data Factory (ADF), from design to implementation.
  • Report design, development, and deployment experience with Microsoft Power BI.
  • Expert introubleshootingdatabases, SQL scripts, and clean coding techniques.
  • Team leadership experience.
What Sets You Apart (Preferred)
  • Consulting experience in a federal government environment.
  • Data architecture experience on an enterprise scale, integrating multiple systems with different methods to accommodate various data structures and access protocols.
  • Leverage Python and PowerShell as needed for automation and data cleaning.
  • Demonstratedproficiencythrough Microsoft Azure Data & AI certifications, including certifications such as DP-700, DP-300, AZ-305, DP-420, and/or DP-100.
Work Location
  • Client location: Remote.
Travel
  • N/A
Education Level
  • Bachelor's degree in data analytics engineering, computer science, or a related technical field required; aMaster'sdegree is preferred.
Clearance Level
  • Ability to Obtain a Public Trust
  • U.S. Citizenshiprequired(NO EXCEPTIONS)
About MetaPhase Consulting
MetaPhase Consulting is different with a purpose - demonstrating a new approach to the industry that puts employees and culture first! We continue to be recognized by industry as one of the fastest growing and most impactful consultancies in the nation, and are aggressively hiring to grow our team:
Fastest Growing
  • Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Washington Technology Fast 50 Award - 2020, 2021
  • Financial Times America's Fastest Growing Companies - 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026
Best Places to Work
  • USA TODAY Top Workplaces - 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Washington Post Best Places to Work - 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Washington's Business Journal's Best Places to Work - 2021, 2022
  • Virginia Businesses Best Place to Work - 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Northern Virginia Technology Council Top 100 Technology Firms - 2020

Company & Individual Awards

  • 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 Moxie Award Finalist
  • 2022 SECAF Government Contractor Awards ($27.5 to $50 Million in Revenue)
  • 2022 FedHealth IT and G2XChange Women in in Leadership Awards - Beth Angerman
  • 2022 George Mason University Prominent Patriots in Business - Fred Costa
  • 2022 TiE DC Capital ELITE Award
  • 2023, 2024, 2025 Elev8 Engage GovCon Finalist
  • 2023, 2024 Maryland Tech Council ICON Awards Finalist for Government Contracting Company of the Year: Over $50 Million
  • 2023 Greater Washington Government Contractor of the Year ($25 to $75 million) Awards Finalist
  • 2024 Consulting Magazine Tech Innovator
  • 2025 Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech100 Company
  • 2026 FORUM Innovation Awards - ChallengeAI by Brian Funk (CTO)
  • 2026 FORUM Disruptive Tech Change Agent - Brian Funk (CTO)
  • 2026 Orange Slices Elev8[X] Finalist

MetaPhase Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other factors protected by federal, state, or local law.
#dice
#LI-Hybrid
Employment Type: Sold and Funded