Lead Data Engineer

Overview:

Build the Future of Data at GATX! We are investing in the next evolution of our data, analytics, and artificial intelligence ecosystem. We are looking for a Lead Data Engineer who's ready to do more than just build pipelines on Databricks and AWS.

You will help shape enterprise analytics strategy, influence architecture, and partner directly with the business to drive smarter decisions.

Why This Role?

This is a high-impact, highly visible role where you'll:

Lead the design and implementation of a modern AWS + Databricks Lakehouse platform;

Partner across IT, analytics, and business teams to turn data into decisions;

Drive scalable, governed, high-performance data solutions; and

Influence how data powers analytics, reporting, and AI across the company

What You'll Be Doing

Design and lead enterprise-grade pipelines, supporting both batch and streaming data processing;

Own the full ETL/ELT lifecycle, from design through production support;

Drive data engineering standards, best practices, and architecture across the data ecosystem;

Translate business requirements into scalable, high-performance data solutions;

Mentor a small team while remaining hands-on; and

Ensure data reliability, performance, governance, and cost optimization.

Qualifications:

10+ years of IT experience, including deep expertise in data engineering & ETL;

4-6+ years of recent hands-on experience in designing, building, and scaling data pipelines;

Strong hands-on experience with Databricks (Spark, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog) and AWS (S3, IAM, networking);

A passion for continued learning and an interest in staying current with the rapidly evolving data and analytics space;

Experience working in an Agile analytics environment where close collaboration with key stakeholders to address evolving requirements is the norm;

Expertise in SQL, Python, data modeling, and distributed processing;

Experience with CI/CD, DevOps, and modern data architecture (lakehouse, medallion, etc.); and

Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into solutions that deliver business outcomes.

What Sets You Apart

You're analytical, curious, and solutions-oriented;

You thrive in environments where you balance priorities and drive outcomes;

You're comfortable with ambiguity and can quickly learn the business; and

You build strong partnerships and bring a "get things done" mindset.

Interview Process:

30 minute technical interview with Manager

30 minute interview with Director

Why GATX

125+ years of stability with a forward-looking, innovation mindset;

A high-performing, collaborative culture where your work matters;

Flexibility to work remote, with access to our iconic Willis Tower headquarters; and

Opportunities to grow and shape a modern enterprise data and AI platform.