---
title: 'W2PE - Engineer at Trace3'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/w2pe-engineer-trace3-irvine-ca-fqnxctgtn0xh'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-26'
---

# W2PE - Engineer at Trace3

- **Company:** Trace3
- **Location:** Irvine CA, United States
- **Compensation:** $120–$150/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-09-24
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-26
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/trace3/jobs/8232243

## Job description

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

## JOB SUMMARY

Trace3 is seeking a Fabric Data Engineer to accelerate the enterprise Data Modernization program by building and refactoring scalable, metadata-driven ETL pipelines in Microsoft Fabric. This role will design and implement medallion architecture (Bronze, Silver, Gold) using parameterized Python notebooks to move source data from landing through governed, trusted analytical layers, reducing dependence on legacy ETL platforms and enabling faster, more reliable speed-to-insight for enterprise reporting. The Fabric Data Engineer will work hands-on to modernize existing pipelines, apply reusable and parallelized data-processing patterns, and support the broader Fabric medallion implementation already underway as part of Phase 1C of the program. This is a delivery-focused engineering role with an explicit expectation of transferring architecture, code, and operating knowledge to the current data-engineering team as the program matures.

## SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Fabric Pipeline & Metadata-Driven Engineering

- Design, build, and maintain metadata-driven data pipelines in Microsoft Fabric that are reusable across source systems and entities rather than built one-off per pipeline.
- Develop and maintain a metadata/configuration-driven framework that governs ingestion, transformation, and load behavior across the pipeline estate.
- Standardize ingestion patterns using parameterized notebooks to minimize duplicate logic and simplify ongoing maintenance.

Medallion Architecture Implementation

- Build and refactor Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers in the Fabric Lakehouse/Warehouse, ensuring each layer meets defined validation and quality gates before promotion.
- Preserve source fidelity in the landing zone and implement conformed, deduplicated, and historized data in Silver in support of downstream Gold transformations.
- Apply warehouse-side transformation logic and support native-service patterns (e.g., Dataflows Gen2, Fabric Data Factory) as part of the broader platform modernization effort.

Python Notebook Development & Parallel Processing

- Develop Python notebooks (including PySpark-based processing) to support scalable, parallel data-processing pipelines that improve data-processing efficiency and reduce time to insight.
- Build restartable, incremental, and schema-aware processing logic that scales across growing data volumes and source counts.

Data Quality, Validation & Operational Controls

- Implement data validation and quality checks at each layer (landing, Bronze, Silver, Gold) rather than treating validation as an end-stage activity.
- Maintain operational evidence for pipeline runs, notebook executions, merges, and quality results to support troubleshooting and auditability.
- Support performance tuning, refresh-frequency optimization, and capacity-efficient pipeline design within Fabric.

Collaboration, Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

- Partner with the Director, Data and Analytics Enablement and the current data-engineering team to align pipeline design with governance, metadata, and certified-dataset standards.
- Document architecture, code, and runbooks, and actively transfer operating knowledge so the current data-engineering team can independently operate, troubleshoot, and extend delivered pipelines.
- Collaborate with reporting, governance, and platform stakeholders to ensure pipeline outputs support trusted, consistent enterprise reporting.

## REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

- 3+ years of hands-on data engineering experience building production ETL/ELT pipelines.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing metadata-driven data pipelines (parameterized, configuration-based pipeline patterns rather than one-off builds).
- Strong proficiency in Python, including experience building notebook-based data-processing pipelines (PySpark or equivalent) for parallel/distributed processing.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric and/or Databricks, including notebooks, Lakehouse/Warehouse objects, and pipeline orchestration.
- Practical experience implementing medallion (Bronze/Silver/Gold) data architecture, including data validation, deduplication, and historization patterns.
- Working knowledge of SQL and relational data warehousing concepts.
- Experience with cloud-based analytics platforms (Azure preferred).
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to document and communicate technical designs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

It’s a Plus If You Have:

- Experience migrating pipelines from Azure Data Factory or similar legacy ETL platforms into Fabric-native services.
- Familiarity with Power BI semantic models and downstream reporting consumption patterns.
- Microsoft Fabric certifications (e.g., DP-600, DP-700) or equivalent Databricks certifications.
- Experience operating in a consulting or client-delivery environment.

## PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the standard duties of this job, the employee can expect light physical exertion with long periods of sitting, occasional standing and walking; limited bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; occasional lifting/moving of items up to 25 pounds. Hearing and speech communication in person and over the telephone is essential to fulfilling the duties of this position. Specific vision abilities required to read printed materials and a computer screen, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary. Estimated Pay Range $120—$150 USD

The Perks

- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.

***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

## About Trace3

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority that consults on, integrates, and operates solutions across AI, data, security, and cloud to help enterprises embrace emerging technology and drive measurable business value.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Apollo Funds in August 2025; previously backed by H.I.G. Capital)
- **Headquarters**: Irvine, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founders**: Not publicly named (Joe Quaglia is the CEO per Indeed)

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Information Technology & Services (IT Consulting, Systems Integration, Managed Services)
- **Target Customers**: Enterprise and Mid-Market organizations across Financial Services, Healthcare, Government (Federal & SLED), and other regulated industries.
- **Mission/Purpose**: "All Possibilities Live in Technology" — turning that belief into true business transformation for clients.

## Products & Services
Trace3 operates through several key practice areas and a dedicated government arm:

- **AI & Data Consulting**: Practical AI enablement (e.g., Copilot for M365), custom AI/ML solutions, data strategy, and analytics. Helps clients start small with AI and scale.
- **Cloud Services**: Cloud architecture, migration, hybrid cloud (VCF9), and managed cloud operations.
- **Cybersecurity**: Security strategy, architecture, engineering, and managed security services (Splunk delivery, security generalists).
- **Modern Infrastructure**: Hybrid cloud architecture, data center modernization, networking.
- **Managed Services**: Tier 1-3 support, service desk, and ongoing IT operations management.
- **Management Consulting**: Strategic advisory, portfolio management, and business transformation consulting.
- **Trace3 Government**: A joint venture with Zivaro (formed 2024) focused on DoD, DOE, and SLED clients with over 120 cleared engineers.
- **Innovation Program**: Custom IT research, VC/PE thematic briefings, and access to emerging startups.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company). Acquired by Apollo Funds in August 2025; prior PE round led by H.I.G. Capital in 2017.
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of **$2.85 Billion** (USD) as of the latest available data.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**:
    - **Parent Company**: Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    - **Previous Investor**: H.I.G. Capital
    - **Key OEM Partners**: Cisco, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dell Technologies, Palo Alto Networks, Splunk.
- **Growth Signals**:
    - **Headcount**: 1,064 employees (+4.1% YoY) with 109 active job postings (+186.8% YoY).
    - **Acquisition Spree**: Acquired Zivaro (2024), Ivoxy (2025), and multiple other firms (Set Solutions, Optio Data, Tail Wind Informatics, Groupware Technology, LaSalle Solutions) to build scale.
    - **Government Expansion**: Launched Trace3 Government in 2024, targeting classified and mission-critical work.
    - **Talent Sources**: Heavy recruitment from Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, Dell, and competitors (e360, World Wide Technology, Insight).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vendor Agnostic Stance**: Provides unbiased, agnostic assessments of the technology landscape — a key differentiator from resellers.
- **Deep VC/PE Relationships**: "On a first-name basis with major VC firms" — allows clients early access to emerging tech and innovation briefings.
- **Scale & Breadth**: 700+ engineers (including 120+ cleared government engineers), national presence, and multiple acquired specialty firms under one roof.
- **Government Security Clearances**: Many engineers hold top-secret clearances (DoD, DOE), a high barrier to entry for competitors.
- **Proven M&A Integration**: Successfully rolled up 7+ companies to build a comprehensive service portfolio.

## Strategic Focus
- **AI as a Core Growth Engine**: "Run with AI" and "Transform with AI" are central themes. Focused on practical, low-risk AI adoption for enterprises.
- **Government Sector Expansion**: Trace3 Government is a major growth vector, targeting federal and state contracts.
- **M&A Roll-Up**: Continue acquiring niche consultancies to deepen capabilities in data, security, and cloud.
- **Managed Services Growth**: Building out a national managed services footprint (Tier 1-3 support centers in multiple cities).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as "the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business." Core values include Teamwork, Innovation, Consultative approach, and being "Humble, Hungry, & Smart."
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office**: Mixed. Many roles are remote (e.g., Cloud Engineers, Solutions Architects), but some are on-site (e.g., Managed Services Engineers in Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas). Sales and consulting roles often require regional presence.
- **Notable Perks**:
    - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
    - 401(k) retirement plan and 529 college savings plan
    - HSA, life insurance, and long-term disability
    - Generous PTO and work-life balance
    - Stocked kitchens with snacks and beverages
    - Training and development programs
    - Competitive compensation packages
- **Engineering Culture**: Heavy emphasis on emerging tech (AI, cloud, security). Engineers get exposure to cutting-edge tools and vendor relationships. Many roles require certifications and deep technical expertise.
- **CEO Approval Rating**: 51% on Indeed (average for a large consulting firm).

## Sources
1. [trace3.com](https://www.trace3.com/)
2. [trace3.com/careers](https://www.trace3.com/careers)
3. [Greenhouse Job Board](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/trace3)
4. [LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/trace3)
5. [Indeed Company Page](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Trace3?from=serpCompanyHeaderLogo)

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