Job Description
The Principal Data Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, building, and optimizing large-scale data systems and architectures that support analytics, reporting, and business intelligence initiatives. This role sets technical direction for data engineering practices, ensures data reliability and scalability, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality data solutions. The ideal candidate is highly experienced in data architecture, distributed systems, and modern data platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and architect scalable data pipelines, data warehouses, and data platforms
- Lead development of ETL/ELT processes for structured and unstructured data sources
- Establish data engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks
- Optimize performance, reliability, and scalability of data infrastructure
- Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to define data requirements
- Evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and architectures
- Ensure data quality, integrity, security, and compliance with regulations
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams
- Troubleshoot complex data issues and implement long-term solutions
- Document data architecture, workflows, and system designs
Success Factors:
- Expert-level data engineering and system design skills
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities
- Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities
- Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
Required Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in SQL and programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala
- Experience with big data technologies and distributed processing frameworks
- Strong knowledge of data modeling, warehousing, and database design
- Familiarity with cloud platforms and modern data stack tools
- Experience with workflow orchestration and pipeline automation
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field required
- 8+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related roles
- Proven track record of leading complex data platform initiatives
- Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical teams
- Master’s degree or relevant certifications preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Primarily sedentary work involving extended computer use
- Ability to attend meetings, technical reviews, and planning sessions
- Occasional travel may be required
Work Environment:
Professional office or hybrid environment involving collaboration with engineering, analytics, and product teams. The role may include high-impact decision-making, tight deadlines, and responsibility for mission-critical data systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At Stryker, the Principal Data Engineer spearheads data engineering strategies, ensuring scalable, reliable systems that empower analytics and business intelligence. This leadership role shapes data architecture and sets engineering standards critical to Stryker’s innovation and decision-making processes.
Stryker’s Principal Data Engineer role combines deep technical mastery with strategic leadership in healthcare-related data solutions. The emphasis on mission-critical data systems and collaboration across analytics teams reflects Stryker’s commitment to impactful, high-quality data infrastructure.
In Brisbane, CA, certifications like AWS Certified Big Data Specialty or Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer enhance employability. Advanced skills in distributed systems, cloud data platforms, and workflow automation tools align well with local demand for senior data engineering experts.
Brisbane’s tech landscape shows growing demand for senior data engineers, with Principal roles increasingly sought after due to expanding data-driven initiatives in healthcare and tech sectors. Local companies prioritize candidates with leadership experience and expertise in scalable data ecosystems.
Principal Data Engineers excel in architectural design, strategic leadership, and mentoring, unlike mid or junior engineers who focus more on execution. They handle complex data infrastructure challenges, optimize large-scale pipelines, and translate business needs into robust, scalable solutions.
Transitioning to Principal involves shifting from task execution to overseeing data system architecture, guiding teams, and setting engineering standards. Responsibilities include strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, and ensuring data reliability at scale, beyond hands-on coding.
Principal Data Engineers in Brisbane, CA typically earn between $150,000 and $190,000 annually, reflecting the high demand for expertise in scalable data platforms, leadership in data architecture, and proficiency with cloud and big data technologies.
Stryker fosters growth by offering opportunities to lead cutting-edge data projects, access to advanced tools, and a collaborative environment that encourages mentorship. The company values strategic influence and continuous learning, supporting Principal Data Engineers in expanding their leadership impact.
At Stryker, Principal Data Engineers bridge engineering, analytics, and business teams by translating complex data requirements into scalable solutions. Their role ensures data assets effectively support diverse stakeholders, driving informed decision-making and innovation.