About the Data Engineer Role at Robert Half

Robert Half is proud to partner with a leading manufacturing company in Houston, Texas, to find an exceptional Data Engineer for a long-term contract position. This pivotal role sits at the heart of modern manufacturing operations, where data drives efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. As a Data Engineer, you will architect and maintain robust data infrastructure that powers analytics, operational insights, and strategic decision-making. Located in the energy capital of the world, Houston, TX, this opportunity places you in a vibrant hub of industry innovation, collaborating with cross-functional teams on projects that directly impact production lines, supply chains, and business intelligence.

In the manufacturing sector, data is the new oil, and your expertise will ensure seamless flow from raw sensors and IoT devices to actionable insights. This isn't just a job—it's a chance to shape the future of industrial data engineering with tools like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Kafka. Whether you're optimizing ETL pipelines for real-time monitoring or ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations, your work will have tangible impacts on operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable data pipelines to support business operations and analytics, handling petabyte-scale datasets from manufacturing floors.
• Develop, test, and maintain ETL processes for efficient data extraction, transformation, and loading, integrating diverse sources like ERP systems and machine sensors.
• Leverage Apache Spark and Hadoop ecosystems to process and manage large datasets, enabling advanced analytics and machine learning workflows.
• Integrate and optimize data streaming platforms like Apache Kafka for real-time data ingestion from production equipment and supply chain feeds.
• Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and operations teams to align data solutions with organizational goals, fostering a data-driven culture.
• Monitor and troubleshoot data systems proactively, ensuring 99.9% uptime and optimal performance under high-load conditions.
• Create comprehensive documentation for data processes, pipelines, and architectures to facilitate knowledge transfer and compliance audits.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies such as cloud-native data lakes (e.g., AWS S3, Azure Data Lake) and recommend improvements to data engineering practices.
• Champion data security and compliance, implementing measures to meet GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific standards like NIST frameworks.

Required Qualifications for Success

To thrive in this Data Engineer position, candidates must bring a blend of technical prowess and practical experience. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is required, along with at least 3-5 years of hands-on data engineering experience, preferably in manufacturing or heavy industry.

Core technical skills include deep proficiency in Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Apache Kafka, with proven ability to build ETL pipelines using tools like Apache Airflow or Talend. Strong programming skills in Python, Scala, or Java are essential, complemented by SQL expertise for querying complex datasets. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is highly desirable for scalable deployments.

Soft skills matter too: excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication for cross-team collaboration, and a proactive mindset for monitoring and optimization. Experience with data governance, security protocols, and manufacturing-specific data challenges (e.g., time-series data from PLCs) will set you apart. Certifications like Google Professional Data Engineer or AWS Certified Big Data are a plus.

Why Join Us Through Robert Half?

Partnering with Robert Half means more than a contract—it's access to premier opportunities with top-tier compensation starting at an effective $66.50/hour (annualized context provided). Enjoy long-term stability on innovative projects, professional growth through our extensive training resources, and the backing of a global leader in staffing. In Houston's thriving job market, this role offers exposure to cutting-edge tech in a high-demand industry.

Robert Half provides unmatched benefits including career coaching, skill-building workshops, and networking events. Work in a collaborative environment where your contributions drive real-world manufacturing advancements. SEO-optimized for careers in data engineering, this is your gateway to Houston's booming tech-manufacturing nexus. Apply now and elevate your career with Robert Half!