Lead AI and Data Engineer (Microsoft Ecosystem)

Location: Midtown Atlanta, GA

Hybrid onsite schedule – 3–4 days per week

Contract-to-Hire

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Lead Data & AI Engineering Manager to join a growing team focused on modernizing enterprise data and analytics capabilities within the Microsoft ecosystem. This role is ideal for someone who combines deep technical expertise in data engineering and Microsoft technologies with strong project leadership and delivery experience.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable wearing multiple hats in a small-team environment — serving as a technical lead, solution architect, delivery manager, and hands-on contributor. This individual must also bring practical AI experience beyond prompt engineering, including applying AI/ML solutions to solve real business problems and integrating AI capabilities into modern data platforms and workflows.

Responsibilities • Design, build, and optimize scalable data engineering solutions using Microsoft technologies • Develop and maintain modern data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and enterprise data models • Lead the implementation and administration of Microsoft Fabric and/or Power BI solutions • Partner with business stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable data and analytics solutions • Serve as a hands-on technical leader while also managing project delivery timelines, priorities, and execution • Drive architecture decisions, data governance standards, and best practices across the environment • Build and support reporting, dashboarding, and analytics capabilities for business users • Implement AI-enabled solutions and automation initiatives that improve operational efficiency and business outcomes • Collaborate across technical and business teams in an Agile delivery environment • Mentor junior team members and contribute to the overall growth of the data practice

Required Qualifications • Strong background in Data Engineering within the Microsoft technology stack • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and/or Power BI • Experience building and managing data pipelines, ETL/ELT workflows, and data modeling solutions • Strong SQL skills and experience working with large enterprise datasets • Experience with Azure data services and cloud-based data architectures • Proven ability to operate in a hands-on technical capacity within a small team environment • Experience leading projects, coordinating delivery efforts, and managing stakeholders • Practical AI experience beyond prompting tools: • AI/ML solution development • AI-assisted automation • Generative AI integrations • AI-driven analytics or business solutions • Experience with tools/platforms such as Azure AI, OpenAI, Copilot, Python AI libraries, or similar technologies • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Azure Synapse, Databricks, Snowflake, or similar modern data platforms • Experience integrating AI capabilities into reporting, analytics, or enterprise workflows • Exposure to DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure automation • Experience in consulting, delivery leadership, or client-facing environments

What Makes This Role Unique • Opportunity to help shape and modernize a growing data and AI environment • High visibility role with both technical ownership and delivery leadership responsibilities • Ability to influence architecture, innovation, and AI strategy • Collaborative small-team environment where your impact will be immediate and meaningful

About GSquared Group:

Shouldn’t your recruiting partner put as much effort and value into your career as you do? With GSquared Group, we take the time to understand where you would like to take your career and what is important to you.

GSquared Group is a woman-owned boutique technology services company in the Atlanta area. Founded in 2010, we are a premier provider of IT talent search, management consulting, and software development services. We support a diverse client base that spans all industries and includes Fortune 100 to mid-market companies. We offer direct hire placement, contract, and contract-to-hire positions. We are proud to be known by our community for putting relationships at the core of everything we do.

GSquared Benefits: • Competitive & Comprehensive Healthcare Package (available only for W2 hourly consultants) • Simple IRA with company match (available only for W2 hourly consultants) • Professional development & networking opportunities • A family-friendly environment • Nice bonuses for referrals • A culture that supports you and your career

Hear what others are saying on Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/GSquared-Group-Reviews-E651488.htm?filter.iso3Language=eng