Lead Project Engineer

Lead Engineer (Data Security Platform)

Interim/Contract | Senior/Lead Level | Onsite Houston

Reason for Opening & Position Overview


We are seeking a Lead Full Stack Engineer to serve as a right hand partner to engineering leadership in building and scaling a greenfield data security platform from scratch. This is a high impact/ high visibility build.


What You'll Do

• Lead the development of a greenfield data security platform
• Architect and implement server-side encryption and secure data storage solutions
• Build and maintain secure APIs for data transmission and system integration
• Own authentication, authorization, and access control frameworks
• Design and manage encryption key and access key strategies
• Ensure end-to-end data protection across systems and workflows
• Partner with leadership to drive technical direction and execution
• Mentor and guide a small team

Must-Have Qualifications

• Senior/Lead level full stack experience with a strong backend focus
• Hands on experience with:
  • React (frontend)
  • Modern Node.js frameworks such as NestJS (preferred), or similar frameworks like AdonisJS
  • Experience with Next.js (especially for full stack or API driven applications) is also highly relevant
• Proven experience building systems from scratch (greenfield environments)
• Experience leading technical projects and owning architecture decisions
• Strong background in data security and encryption, including:
  • Server side encryption
  • Secure data storage and transmission
  • Authentication and authorization
• Experience working with:
  • Secure APIs
  • Encryption keys and access key management
  • End to end encryption models
• Deep understanding of protecting sensitive data in distributed systems

Nice to Have

• Experience in highly regulated or asset intensive industries (e.g., energy, industrial, or similar environments)
• Experience building enterprise scale security or data platforms

Team & Environment

• Collaborative engineering team of ~18 developers
• Lean structure with high ownership and autonomy
• Opportunity to own and shape a greenfield platform from inception through scale

Compensation

• Target rate: $120-$130/hour (W2/contract)

What Success Looks Like

• A secure, scalable platform successfully built from the ground up
• Strong encryption and key management practices embedded across systems
• Reliable, secure APIs enabling safe data exchange
• Clear technical leadership and execution across a focused team

About Korn Ferry


Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at