Lead Data Engineer - PySpark/SQL/AI

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Data Engineer

In this role, you will:

• Lead complex initiatives with broad impact and act as key participant in large scale software planning for the Technology area

• Design, develop, and run tooling to discover problems in data and applications and report the issues to engineering and product leadership

• Review and analyze complex software enhancement initiatives for business, operational or technical improvements that require in depth evaluation of multiple factors including intangibles or unprecedented factors

• Make decisions in complex and multi-faceted data engineering situations requiring understanding of software package options and programming language and compliance requirements that influence and lead Technology to meet deliverables and drive organizational change

• Strategically collaborate and consult with internal partners to resolve highly risky data engineering challenges

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Database Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field.
• 5 - 10+ years of experience in Data Engineering and Enterprise Data Platforms.
• 5+ years leading enterprise-scale data modernization initiatives.
• Strong hands-on expertise with:
  • Python
  • Apache Spark / PySpark
  • SQL
  • ETL/ELT Design
  • API Integration
• Deep understanding of:
  • Lakehouse Architecture
  • Medallion Architecture
  • Data Warehousing Concepts
  • Data Governance
  • Metadata Management
  • Data Quality Frameworks
• Proven experience with any cloud platforms:
  • Azure
  • Microsoft Fabric
  • Databricks
  • GCP
  • Experience migrating large-scale data environments from on-premise to cloud.
• Experience in HR, Workforce, Talent, Payroll, or Enterprise Data domains.
• Exposure to AI/ML, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and LLM-based application development.
• Experience implementing Data Products, Data Mesh, and Self-Service Analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and Infrastructure as Code.
• Familiarity with MLOps, DataOps, and DevSecOps practices.
• Cloud certifications in Azure, Databricks, GCP, or equivalent.

Job Expectations:

We are seeking a highly experienced Modern Data Engineering Lead to drive the modernization of HR Data platforms and accelerate the adoption of Cloud, AI, and Data Engineering best practices. This role will lead the transformation of large-scale legacy data ecosystems into scalable, cloud-native, AI-enabled platforms while enabling advanced analytics, data products, automation, and self-service capabilities.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Cloud Data Platforms, Lakehouse Architecture, Data Migration, AI-powered Engineering, Python, Spark, API integration, and Enterprise Data Modernization. This leader will work closely with business stakeholders, architects, product teams, and engineering organizations to deliver strategic outcomes across HR Data systems.

Data Platform Modernization

• Lead enterprise-scale modernization initiatives from legacy data warehouses and ETL platforms to cloud-native data ecosystems.
• Design and implement modern Lakehouse architectures using Medallion (Bronze, Silver, Gold) data design principles.
• Develop scalable and secure data platforms supporting batch, streaming, and real-time processing workloads.
• Drive architecture decisions involving Data Lake, Data Warehouse, Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric patterns.

Cloud & Data Engineering

• Design, develop, and optimize large-scale data pipelines using:
  • Python
  • Apache Spark / PySpark
  • SQL
  • ETL/ELT frameworks
• Implement cloud-native solutions leveraging platforms such as:
  • Microsoft Fabric
  • Establish engineering standards for reliability, scalability, observability, and cost optimization.

Data Migration & Transformation

• Lead large-scale migration programs involving:
  • Legacy Data Warehouses
  • On-Prem Hadoop/Cloudera Platforms
  • Traditional ETL Middleware
• Develop migration strategies including assessment, planning, automation, reconciliation, testing, and cutover execution.
• Ensure business continuity and data integrity during migration programs.

Posting End Date:

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Candidates applying to job openings posted in Canada: Applications for employment are encouraged from all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, aboriginal peoples and visible minorities. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.