Senior Data Engineer at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York, NY

The Senior Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and optimizing enterprise-scale data pipelines and analytics platforms across the Microsoft data ecosystem. This role leads the development of robust, scalable data solutions using Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, and Python to support advanced analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence workloads. The engineer partners closely with architects, data scientists, and business stakeholders to modernize data platforms, implement best practices, and ensure high-quality, reliable data delivery across the organization. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong problem solving skills, and the ability to drive end to end data engineering initiatives in a cloud-first environment.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced data pipelines and ETL processes using Azure Data Lake Storage and Azure Data Factory.
• Architect and manage scalable data solutions on Databricks for high-performance data processing and analytics.
• Oversee the development and optimization of SQL Server databases and queries to meet complex reporting and analytical needs.
• Write and maintain Python scripts for sophisticated data transformation, analysis, and automation tasks.
• Spearhead data migration projects from on-premises systems to Azure cloud services, ensuring strategic planning, minimal disruption, and data integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders, to understand and translate data requirements into technical solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex data-related issues, ensuring high data quality and reliability.
• Monitor, optimize, and scale data workflows to improve performance and cost-efficiency.
• Develop and enforce best practices for data engineering processes, documentation, and governance.

Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in lieu of formal education.
• Legal IT experience a plus but not required

Skills and Experience

Required

• 5-7 years experience working with enterprise level relational and/or non-relational database and ETL/ELT technologies.
• Extensive experience with Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, SQL Server, and Python.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation and creation of both on-premise SQL Server Databases as well as Azure SQL Databases.
• Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, data warehousing concepts, and data architecture.
• Proven track record of managing and executing large-scale data migration projects from on-premises to cloud environments.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL for complex querying and database management.
• Strong experience with Python for advanced data manipulation and automation tasks.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud computing concepts and services, particularly within Azure.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior team members.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills and experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with data governance and data quality frameworks.
• Familiarity with Azure services (e.g., Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB) and big data technologies.
• Experience with semi-structured/NoSQL databases is a plus.
• Azure data certifications (e.g., Azure Data Engineer Associate) are a plus but not required.

Salary Information

NY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

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