Data Engineer

Job Posting: Data Engineer / Data Architect Contract Duration: 6 months with potential for permanent hire Location: Downtown Phoenix, AZ Work Model: 100% on-site, in-office Start Timing: Targeting an ASAP start at the beginning of 2026 CornerStone Technology Talent Services is partnering with a public-sector organization on an upcoming opportunity for an experienced Data Engineer / Data Architect. This role is a backfill for a senior team member planning to retire at the end of 2025 and supports a mission-critical financial system. The contractor will work within an established team structure and report directly to departmental leadership. This is a hands-on, senior-level technical role focused on data architecture, data engineering, and data integration, with an emphasis on building, optimizing, and maturing foundational data practices. Role Summary The Data Engineer / Data Architect will serve as a senior technical resource supporting a large-scale public-sector financial system. This individual will be responsible for designing, enhancing, and maintaining data architectures and pipelines that support system performance, scalability, and long-term data governance. The role includes hands-on development, system optimization, and collaboration with internal stakeholders to support ongoing enhancements and future-state data strategy. Key Responsibilities • Design, implement, and maintain scalable data architectures supporting enterprise financial systems • Develop and optimize data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and system integrations • Support performance tuning, data quality, and data reliability initiatives • Establish and enhance data management standards, documentation, and best practices • Collaborate with application teams, business stakeholders, and technical leadership on system enhancements • Troubleshoot complex data-related issues and deliver sustainable technical solutions • Contribute to architectural planning, modernization efforts, and technical roadmaps Required Qualifications • Senior-level experience in data engineering and/or data architecture roles • Proven experience designing and supporting enterprise-scale data architectures • Hands-on experience building and maintaining data pipelines and integrations • Experience supporting financial systems or highly regulated environments • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate independently in a hands-on role • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively within established teams This opportunity offers the chance to step into a stable, well-established environment, work closely with experienced leadership, and make a meaningful impact on a critical public-sector system.