NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : San Anselmo, CA, 94960
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
A Principal Data Engineer typically demonstrates mastery in advanced SQL, Python or Java, and big data frameworks, coupled with expertise in architecting scalable pipelines and leading teams. This senior role demands strategic vision in designing data platforms beyond routine ETL tasks, setting it apart from junior or mid-level engineers.
Professionals in San Anselmo should focus on cloud platform proficiency and knowledge of distributed processing tools, as Bay Area employers prioritize modern data stacks. Familiarity with compliance standards and collaboration with analytics teams enhances employability in this competitive tech market.
Advancement often leads to roles like Chief Data Officer, Data Architect, or Head of Data Engineering. The role’s leadership and technical breadth open pathways into strategic decision-making and cross-functional management within data-driven organizations.
Stryker emphasizes innovation and precision, so their Principal Data Engineers are expected to deliver robust, compliant data solutions while mentoring teams. The company’s healthcare focus demands strict data quality and security adherence, influencing project priorities and technical approaches.
Stryker’s role integrates healthcare data sensitivity with large-scale engineering challenges. Candidates must balance technical leadership with ensuring regulatory compliance, offering a distinctive blend of engineering rigor and industry-specific governance.
Certifications like Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, AWS Certified Big Data Specialty, or Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) are highly regarded locally, reflecting the region’s cloud adoption and data governance trends.
Considering San Anselmo’s proximity to tech hubs, hybrid schedules are feasible and often preferred to reduce daily traffic stress. Stryker supports flexible arrangements, balancing office collaboration with remote productivity for senior technical roles.
Salaries typically range from $150,000 to $190,000 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required. Compensation packages often include bonuses and benefits aligned with the competitive Bay Area tech market.
While Senior Data Engineers focus on complex pipeline development, Principals take a broader strategic role, designing architecture frameworks and setting data engineering standards that influence entire organizations.
Handling a mix of structured and unstructured healthcare data requires addressing integration complexities, ensuring data integrity, and maintaining compliance with privacy regulations—all while optimizing pipelines for performance and scalability.