Great new opportunity for a Software Engineer Lead in Glendale, AZ for our major Oil & Gas / Energy client.Job Title: Software Engineering LeadLocation: Glendale, AZDuration: 12 months (potential contract to perm)Pay Rate Range: $60-$75/hrPosition OverviewLooking for a seasoned Software Engineering Lead to drive the company's data platform strategy, with a strong emphasis on Azure Data Lake and its surrounding ecosystem. This leadership role requires deep technical expertise in data architecture, hands-on experience with Azure and Databricks, and a solid grasp of cloud security principles. The ideal candidate will have a history of leading high-performing engineering teams and delivering secure, scalable data solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitecture & ImplementationDesign and build scalable, efficient data platforms using Azure Data Lake and Databricks.Establish and uphold best practices for data ingestion, processing, storage, and access.Optimize data pipelines for performance and cost-effectiveness.Data Security & GovernanceImplement robust security frameworks aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.Manage RBAC, encryption, and other critical security protocols across Azure environments.Partner with security teams to conduct audits and ensure platform integrity.Leadership & CollaborationLead, mentor, and grow a team of data engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and IT teams to deliver business-aligned data solutions.Promote agile methodologies and oversee timely project delivery.Platform OptimizationOversee deployment, management, and performance monitoring of Azure Data Lake and Databricks.Establish alerting systems to maintain high availability and operational stability.Continuously evaluate emerging Azure services to enhance the platform's capabilities.Strategic DirectionDefine and execute a long-term roadmap for data engineering aligned with enterprise goals.Stay current on trends in data architecture, cloud technologies, and governance practices.Advise on future-state architectures, including lakehouse models and cloud cost optimization.Required QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, IT, or related discipline.8+ years in data engineering, including 3+ years in a leadership capacity.Proven experience with Azure Data Lake, Databricks, and large-scale data architecture.US Citizenship is mandatory for this role.Core CompetenciesTechnicalAdvanced proficiency in SQL and data modeling.Deep knowledge of Azure security concepts (RBAC, encryption, subscription management).Experience building and managing ETL pipelines and working with big data technologies.Familiarity with CI/CD and DevOps best practices in data environments.Leadership & CommunicationStrong team leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.Effective communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset.Preferred QualificationsAzure certifications (e.g., Azure Data Engineer Associate, Solutions Architect Expert).Experience designing and implementing data lakehouse architectures.Understanding of compliance frameworks (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA).