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Lead Data Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107 - $183/hr

Works with technologies encompassed within the cloud and on-prem data management technology stack while also having knowledge and capabilities as a systems developer. Coordinates, designs, builds ...

Lead Data Engineer, (Python, AWS)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

Lead Data Engineer, (Python, AWS) 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, (Python, AWS)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

Lead Data Engineer, (Python, AWS) 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 - Hybrid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$117K - $175K/yr

The Actuarial Engineering/Data Management Department's Global Specialty team is seeking a skilled Lead Data Engineer with a proven track record. The ideal candidate will use deep technical expertise ...

Lead Data Engineer - Hybrid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$117K - $175K/yr

The Actuarial Engineering/Data Management Department's Global Specialty team is seeking a skilled Lead Data Engineer with a proven track record. The ideal candidate will use deep technical expertise ...

Remote As a Senior Lead, Data Engineering, you will serve as a technical leader who helps shape the future of enterprise data solutions. In this role, you will drive complex data initiatives ...

Senior Lead Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

As a Senior Lead Data Engineer on the Data Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing Python data pipelines that build business data objects used to support applications What You Will ...

Senior Lead Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$128 - $209/hr

As a Senior Lead Data Engineer on the Data Engineering team, you will be responsible for developing Python data pipelines that build business data objects used to support applications What You Will ...

New

Head of Analytics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

Lead Data Engineer We are a major cryptocurrency-based startup that is profitable, with about 100 employees, and looking to double in size next year. We're seeking our first Lead Data Engineer, where ...

Head of Analytics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

Lead Data Engineer We are a major cryptocurrency-based startup that is profitable, with about 100 employees, and looking to double in size next year. We're seeking our first Lead Data Engineer, where ...

Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$134K/yr

This role will report to the Lead Data Engineer. We would love to find someone in the Chicagoland area who can collaborate with the team in the office, but are also open to the right candidate in ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Data Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$127.6K

$186.1K

How much do lead data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead data engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead data engineer?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead data engineer?

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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Lead Data Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,617 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Lead Data Engineer

Alliant Credit Union

Chicago, IL • On-site

$107 - $183/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Provides continuous build-up and operationalization of an enterprise-class modern data environment, which may include various components within the Azure, Hadoop, SQL server, and Informatic stack. Works with technologies encompassed within the cloud and on-prem data management technology stack while also having knowledge and capabilities as a systems developer. Coordinates, designs, builds, and integrates complex application technology solutions, aligned to architectural standards and definitions and ensures IT services are delivered effectively and efficiently.

  • Development, operation and support of modern data environments such as new concepts, practices, and approaches
  • Design, build, deploy and maintain data pipelines using modern data tools on batch and streaming data in relational and non-relational databases in cloud and on-prem
  • Collaborate with different teams on infrastructure setup, testing, monitoring, tuning/optimizing, troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Collaborate with development and strategy teams on component and software vendor services in the cloud and on-prem, recommendation, installation and management of cloud-native and on prem jobs
  • Collaborate with the data teams in technical investigations, development, and prototypes and corporate IT function around integrating data management ecosystem(s) with critical enterprise systems
  • Develop and manage data management testing activities and create roadmaps for ongoing data management technology and growth
  • Perform capacity monitoring and capacity planning on infrastructure and cloud resources
  • Manage activities through the implementation and maintenance of security and governance components across various data protocols
  • Participate in the design and implementation of a disaster recovery strategy for modern data components and the alignment activities with pertinent audit and compliance activities
  • Provide input and develop new processes and standards in support of the organization's business/functional short-term strategies.
  • Address data-related problems in regard to systems integration, compatibility, and multiple-platform integration
  • Support existing data pipelines on-prem, cloud and business engineering extract
  • Provide technical support to meet application service level agreements
Education & Years of Experience
  • Minimum - 4 Year Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or Related
  • Minimum - 5 Years Data warehouse, data lake, cloud technology or related
In Lieu of Education
  • 8 Years Data warehouse, data lake, cloud technology
Typical hiring range:

$106,500.00 to $182,600.00 Annually. Actual compensation will be determined using factors such as experience, skills & knowledge.

Benefits:

Alliant provides a benefits package including health care, vision, dental, and 401k with employer match including:

  • Annual performance bonus
  • Work from home up to 3 days a week
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employee discount programs
  • Time off including paid personal and sick days
  • 11 paid holidays

*Note that eligibility and cost of benefits can vary depending on the number of regularly scheduled hours, and job status such as regular full-time, regular part-time, or temporary employment.

Adhere to and ensure compliance of all business transactions with policy and process of the Bank Secrecy Act. Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, company procedures and policies. Maintains integrity and ethics in all actions and conversations with or regarding credit union members and their accounts; complies with Privacy Act directives.

The responsibilities listed do not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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