Lead Data Engineer (MS SQL)

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced **Lead Data Engineer** with strong expertise in **Microsoft SQL Server** , data warehousing, ETL/ELT development, and cloud\-based data platforms. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and optimization of enterprise data solutions, ensuring scalability, performance, security, and reliability across the organization's data ecosystem. Key Responsibilities * Lead the design and development of enterprise\-scale data platforms and data pipelines. * Design, build, and maintain high\-performance **Microsoft SQL Server** databases, data warehouses, and data marts. * Develop and optimize ETL/ELT processes using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and modern data integration tools. * Collaborate with business stakeholders, architects, analysts, and developers to understand data requirements and translate them into technical solutions. * Design and implement data models supporting reporting, analytics, and operational systems. * Optimize database performance through indexing, partitioning, query tuning, and performance monitoring. * Lead data migration and modernization initiatives from legacy platforms to cloud environments. * Implement data quality, data governance, and master data management best practices. * Establish standards for data engineering, coding, deployment, and documentation. * Mentor and guide data engineers and developers. * Work closely with DevOps and Cloud teams to automate deployment and monitoring processes. * Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements. Mandatory Skills Database \& SQL * 8\+ years of hands\-on experience with **Microsoft SQL Server** . * Strong expertise in: * T\-SQL * Stored Procedures * Functions * Views * Triggers * Query Optimization * Performance Tuning * Experience managing large\-scale databases (TB\+ environments). Data Engineering * Strong experience building: * Data Warehouses * Data Lakes * Data Pipelines * Data Integration Solutions * Expertise in ETL/ELT development. * Experience with: * SSIS * SQL Server Agent * Data Migration projects Data Modelling * Strong understanding of: * Dimensional Modelling * Star Schema * Snowflake Schema * Data Vault * Kimball Methodologies Cloud Data Platforms * Experience with one or more: * Azure Data Factory * Azure Synapse Analytics * Microsoft Fabric * Azure SQL Database * Databricks Programming * Strong SQL scripting skills. * Experience with: * Python * PowerShell * C\# (preferred) Leadership Responsibilities * Lead technical design discussions and solution reviews. * Own data architecture decisions and roadmap planning. * Drive best practices around database design, coding standards, and deployment automation. * Coach and mentor junior and mid\-level data engineers. * Manage stakeholder expectations and delivery timelines. * Participate in project estimations, planning, and risk management. Preferred Skills * Microsoft Fabric experience. * Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS). * Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines. * Experience with Power BI datasets and semantic models. * Exposure to Spark or Databricks. * Experience with real\-time data streaming technologies. * Knowledge of Data Governance and Data Quality frameworks. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline. * 8\-15\+ years of overall IT experience. * 5\+ years of experience leading data engineering teams or large\-scale data initiatives. Preferred Certifications * Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate * Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate * Azure Solutions Architect Expert * Microsoft SQL Server Certifications * Databricks Certified Data Engineer