About the job TLK Consulting Services Overview TLK Consulting Services is a boutique data engineering consulting firm specializing in architecting and delivering scalable, high-performance cloud solutions. We partner with enterprise clients to build robust data platforms that power analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence at scale. Our team thrives at the intersection of engineering excellence and practical business impact. We work closely with clients to design cloud-native architectures, optimize data pipelines, and enable actionable insights that drive measurable outcomes. Join us at TLK Consulting Services! \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Lead Azure Data Engineer Remote – Must work EST/CST hours We are seeking an experienced Lead Azure Data Engineer for a 12+ month contract (strong likelihood of extension). This is a fully remote opportunity to work on high-impact data engineering initiatives for a major enterprise client. Summary As a Lead Azure Data Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize cloud-based data solutions using Azure technologies. You will lead the development of scalable, fault-tolerant pipelines, enable advanced analytics, and mentor other engineers. You will work in a collaborative, agile environment to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage modern big data platforms. Responsibilities • Design and maintain optimal Azure-based data pipeline architecture • Assemble large, complex datasets meeting functional and non-functional requirements • Automate processes, optimize data delivery, and re-engineer infrastructure for scalability • Build infrastructure for efficient ETL/ELT from diverse data sources using SQL and big data technologies • Ensure high-quality, performant analytics platforms through automation and lean processes • Collaborate with data and analytics teams to maximize platform functionality • Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices in data engineering Qualifications, Skills, And Experience • Azure Certifications required • 10+ years of data engineering experience, with leadership capabilities • Expertise in PySpark, Spark SQL, and Delta Lakes • Proven experience with Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse, Synapse Serverless • Skilled in Azure Data Factory and Databricks • Strong database design and pipeline optimization skills • Experience with ETL development in Azure environments • Knowledge of Docker and/or Kubernetes a plus • Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on optimizing data pipelines • Excellent communication skills for cross-team collaboration • Experience in DevOps and Agile environments • Exposure to multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, IBM Cloud) preferred Additional Information • Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder. • No sponsorship provided for this role. Contract Type: 12+ Month Contract (Strong likelihood of extension) Location: 100% Remote (EST/CST working hours required)