NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Petaluma, CA, 94955
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 17 February 2026
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's Petaluma office, the Principal Data Engineer shapes data strategy by architecting scalable pipelines and leading data platform innovation. This role ensures data solutions align with business intelligence goals, reflecting both local tech ecosystem needs and Stryker’s healthcare-driven mission.
Stryker fosters a collaborative environment where Principal Data Engineers not only design complex data systems but also mentor teams and drive cross-department initiatives. This culture emphasizes innovation, reliability, and compliance, crucial for managing mission-critical healthcare data.
Engineers in Petaluma often navigate balancing cutting-edge data solutions with regional talent competition and evolving cloud technologies. Ensuring data infrastructure scalability while meeting local regulatory standards can be demanding in this growing Northern California tech hub.
Many Principal Data Engineers leverage their leadership experience to transition into Chief Data Officer roles or specialize further in data architecture at enterprise levels. This role’s strategic nature provides a solid foundation for executive positions in data-driven organizations.
A Principal Data Engineer leads technical direction and broader architectural decisions, whereas a Senior Data Engineer typically focuses on implementation within defined frameworks. Principal roles demand higher strategic impact, team mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.
Petaluma offers a growing but less saturated market for Principal Data Engineers, presenting unique opportunities for leadership and innovation. Though not as dense as San Francisco, the demand is rising due to expanding tech and healthcare sectors nearby.
Principal Data Engineers in Petaluma typically earn between $150,000 and $190,000 annually, reflecting the seniority and technical expertise required. Compensation is competitive given the region’s cost of living and the strategic impact expected in data-driven organizations like Stryker.
Certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), big data technologies, and data architecture frameworks often enhance a candidate’s profile. Stryker values credentials that demonstrate ability to lead scalable, secure data systems in regulated healthcare environments.
Mastery in distributed processing, advanced SQL, Python or Scala programming, and pipeline automation distinguishes Principal Data Engineers. Their ability to optimize data reliability and scalability while mentoring teams is key for large enterprise data initiatives.
Beyond technical expertise, Stryker’s Principal Data Engineers actively engage with data scientists, analysts, and business leaders to align data solutions with strategic goals. This collaboration ensures robust data quality, governance, and actionable insights across departments.