Data Engineer

About the role

Our client, a leading Financial Services provider, is seeking a Data Engineer to join their team on a contract basis. The role focuses on supporting vital vendor modernization initiatives, comparing legacy and target systems, migrating tools, and building data pipelines for advanced AI solutions. This position is W‑2 only; third‑party firms or C2C arrangements are not considered.

Core Responsibilities

• Compare data structures across legacy and target systems to identify nuances, inconsistencies, and migration gaps.
• Build automated tools and data pipelines to correct data discrepancies and streamline system transformations.
• Migrate legacy tools and frameworks to modern Spark and Scala ecosystems.
• Design robust data pipelines to ingest, process, and clean data for machine learning and generative AI models.
• Support feature development activities within a team of junior and senior data engineers.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate AI models and Model Context Protocol (MCP) capabilities into backend workflows.

Required Skills / Experience (Must‑Haves)

• Advanced Python software engineering experience for data manipulation, automation, and AI‑driven development.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Apache Spark and Scala for large‑scale data processing and migration initiatives.
• Experience building stateful, multi‑agent applications using LangGraph and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Practical knowledge of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and integrating AI models with external tools and data sources.
• Deep understanding of generative AI frameworks, tools, and deployment methodologies.
• Expertise in prompt engineering, including prompt design, testing, and optimization.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and modern software deployment practices.

Preferred Skills / Experience (Nice‑to‑Haves)

• Experience within financial services, banking, payments, or large‑scale modernization programs.
• Experience deploying traditional machine learning models alongside generative AI solutions.
• Background in developing automation solutions for data auditing, validation, and migration quality assurance.
• Exposure to enterprise‑scale data lakes, cloud platforms, and data warehouse environments.
• Experience working in Agile engineering teams with diverse levels of technical seniority.

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset.
• Collaborative and team‑oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Adaptability in rapidly evolving technical environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.
• Proactive and solution‑focused attitude.

Work Environment

Location: McLean, VA; Richmond, VA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX.
Work Model: Hybrid.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $52.00 – $75.00 (estimate; final compensation may vary based on background, skills, location, and compliance with local wage minimums).

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee‑Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401K offered