Lead Data Engineer

Data Engineering Expert

Provides expert level data solutions by using software to process, store, and serve data to others. Tests data quality and optimizes data availability. Ensures that data pipelines are scalable, repeatable, and secure. Utilizes the deepest dive analytical skillset on a variety of internal and external data. Leads, instructs, and mentors newer Data Engineering crew.

Core Responsibilities

Design, build, and operate reliable, scalable data pipelines and data products for analytics and AI use cases.

Develop and optimize solutions in SQL and Python, emphasizing performance, cost efficiency, and maintainability.

Implement data modeling and transformation patterns that enable trusted downstream consumption.

Lead solution design and influence architecture decisions for data platforms and services.

Define and enforce engineering standards (coding practices, quality gates, CI/CD hygiene, documentation).

Provide technical mentorship and guidance; raise the bar on design reviews, code reviews, and operational readiness.

Drive alignment across engineers, product, and architecture to deliver secure, scalable implementations.

Strengthen observability, resiliency, and operational rigor (monitoring, alerting, runbooks, incident follow-ups).

Ensure data governance practices are embedded: lineage, quality controls, access management, and auditability.

Identify opportunities to improve productivity and execution through intelligent automation and AI-assisted engineering workflows.

Apply emerging AI/LLM patterns (where appropriate) to accelerate development and improve reliability.

Educates and develops junior data engineers on the team while applying quality control to their work. Develops data engineering standards and contributes expertise to other data expert teams across Vanguard.

Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum of eight years data analytics, programming, database administration, or data management experience.

Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.