Lead Data Engineer

OpenKyber has a new contract opening for a Data Engineer III with our large power and utilities client in Charlotte, NC. This is a 12-month contract with a potential for extension. Pay: $65.00 - $75.00/hr ; W2 contract, no PTO, no Benefits. ACA-compliant supplemental package available for enrollment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to sit on OpenKyber W2 without sponsorship.

Description: We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to lead critical data infrastructure and migration initiatives for our next-generation application platform. This role is essential for establishing a robust, scalable data foundation as we transition from legacy systems to modern cloud-based architecture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement PostgreSQL databases and schemas from the ground up, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and maintainability
• Lead the migration of large-scale Oracle databases from on-premises infrastructure to AWS RDS PostgreSQL clusters, managing data integrity and minimizing downtime
• Build and optimize data products leveraging Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, and Apache Hudi to deliver reliable data streams to downstream consumers
• Evaluate existing database schemas, identify optimization opportunities, recommend structural improvements, and ensure database integrity throughout changes
• Design and implement comprehensive change auditing solutions that track data modifications, provide audit trails, and support compliance requirements
• Develop and maintain a data catalog and comprehensive schema documentation to facilitate seamless integration with application development teams

Required Skills & Experience:

• Deep proficiency in PostgreSQL database design, administration, and optimization; strong understanding of relational database principles and SQL
• Proven experience migrating large enterprise databases (Oracle to PostgreSQL preferred) with strong change management practices
• Hands-on experience with AWS services, particularly RDS, EC2, and associated networking and security configurations
• Solid experience with Apache Kafka, Apache Flink, and data lakehouse technologies (Hudi, Delta Lake, or similar)
• Ability to design normalized and denormalized schemas, understand trade-offs, and optimize for both OLTP and analytical workloads
• Experience implementing CDC patterns and audit logging systems for tracking data lineage and changes
• Strong ability to translate complex data concepts for technical and non-technical stakeholders; skilled at documenting architectures and schemas

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AWS Data Pipeline tools (Glue, Lambda, or Step Functions)
• Knowledge of data quality and validation frameworks
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Prior experience in application modernization or legacy system replacements
• Understanding of data security, encryption, and compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)

OpenKyber is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application or at any point in the hiring process, please contact us at #LI-PTP

For applications and inquiries, contact:View email address on us.fitly.work