Principal Data Engineer

Cloud Analytics & Data Infrastructure
United State (Remote)
January 15, 2026
Full Time
Urgent

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Job Description

About the Role

We operate a large-scale, cloud-native data and analytics ecosystem that supports advanced AI, machine learning, and real-time decisioning across global business units. Our data platforms process massive volumes of structured and unstructured data, enabling product innovation, operational intelligence, and strategic insight at enterprise scale.

Data engineering is foundational to our technology strategy. As Principal Data Engineer, you will serve as a technical authority and hands-on architect, shaping how data is ingested, modeled, governed, and consumed across the organization. This role goes beyond delivery; you will influence standards, mentor senior engineers, and design resilient data systems that support both today’s analytics and tomorrow’s AI-driven use cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Data Platform Architecture: Design, evolve, and govern enterprise-grade data architectures across cloud-native and distributed environments.

  • Scalable Data Pipelines: Build and optimize high-throughput, fault-tolerant batch and streaming pipelines for analytics and ML workloads.

  • Cloud & Modern Data Stack: Lead implementation of cloud data platforms, data lakes, warehouses, and lakehouse architectures.

  • Data Quality & Reliability: Establish frameworks for data validation, observability, lineage, and reliability at scale.

  • Performance Optimization: Tune data processing frameworks and storage layers to ensure efficiency, cost control, and performance.

  • Technical Leadership: Serve as a senior technical mentor, guiding engineering best practices and architectural decisions.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product, analytics, ML, and platform teams to align data solutions with business needs.

  • Security & Governance: Ensure data platforms meet enterprise standards for security, privacy, and compliance.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in data engineering, platform engineering, or large-scale data systems.

  • Deep expertise in cloud data platforms, distributed systems, and modern data architectures.

  • Strong proficiency in data processing frameworks, SQL, and at least one general-purpose programming language.

  • Experience supporting analytics, BI, and machine learning use cases at enterprise scale.

  • Demonstrated success designing and operating highly reliable data systems in production.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Personal Capabilities and Qualifications

  • Systems-level thinker with strong architectural judgment.

  • Hands-on technologist who leads by example and sets engineering standards.

  • Clear communicator capable of explaining complex data concepts to diverse audiences.

  • Curious, pragmatic, and driven to continuously improve data platforms.

  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous, evolving environments.

  • Respected technical leader who builds credibility through execution.

Strategic Support

  • Partner with senior engineering and data leadership to define long-term data platform strategy.

  • Support AI, advanced analytics, and data product initiatives through scalable infrastructure.

  • Provide architectural guidance for platform modernization and cloud optimization.

  • Enable data-driven decision-making by improving data accessibility, reliability, and performance.

  • Influence enterprise-wide standards for data engineering and platform governance.

Working Conditions

  • Remote role with occasional travel for architecture reviews, planning sessions, or team collaboration.

  • Requires flexibility to work across time zones with globally distributed engineering teams.

  • High-impact role with responsibility for critical data platforms and services.

  • Fast-paced environment that values autonomy, technical excellence, and accountability.

Job Function

  • Lead design and development of enterprise data platforms and pipelines.

  • Act as a principal technical authority within the data engineering organization.

  • Ensure scalability, reliability, and security of data infrastructure.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $180,000 – $240,000

  • Annual Incentive: Performance-based bonus

  • Long-Term Incentives: Equity or incentive plan eligibility

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package:

    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage

    • Retirement and financial planning programs

    • Paid time off and wellness benefits

    • Professional development, conferences, and learning support

Why Join Us

  • Technical Influence: Shape data architecture and standards at enterprise scale.

  • Advanced Use Cases: Support AI, ML, and real-time analytics initiatives.

  • Modern Stack: Work with cloud-native, distributed data technologies.

  • Leadership Platform: Operate as a principal-level engineer with real authority.

  • Remote-First Flexibility: Balance deep technical work with autonomy.

  • Long-Term Impact: Build data systems that underpin critical business decisions.