NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Tracy, CA, 95391
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 not only crafts complex data systems but also guides strategy and mentors teams. Unlike mid-level engineers, they influence technical direction, ensuring scalability and governance, making leadership and strategic vision key differentiators in this senior position.
Tracy's proximity to Silicon Valley means demand for senior data engineers, like principal roles, is rising steadily. While competition is strong due to tech hubs nearby, specialized expertise in distributed systems and cloud platforms can set candidates apart locally.
Emphasize mastery in SQL, Python or Scala, experience with big data frameworks, cloud data platforms, and expertise in designing scalable architectures. Demonstrating ability to lead ETL/ELT processes and implement data governance also strengthens your profile.
Certifications like AWS Certified Big Data Specialty or Google Professional Data Engineer gain traction in Tracy due to regional cloud adoption. These credentials signal proficiency in scalable cloud data solutions, enhancing candidacy for senior data engineering positions.
Stryker’s Principal Data Engineer role integrates high-impact healthcare analytics with leadership in data architecture. Unlike some firms, Stryker emphasizes cross-team collaboration and mission-critical system reliability, blending technical depth with strategic influence.
Stryker looks for engineers who can set data engineering standards, mentor teams, and drive scalable solutions. Candidates must navigate complex data challenges while aligning with business goals, showcasing both advanced technical skills and strategic decision-making.
Principal Data Engineers in Tracy typically earn between $140,000 to $180,000 annually, slightly above the national average due to regional tech demand. Compensation often reflects expertise in big data technologies, leadership experience, and cloud platform proficiency.
Daily hurdles include ensuring data pipeline reliability, troubleshooting system bottlenecks, maintaining data security compliance, and adapting architectures for evolving business needs. Balancing hands-on engineering with mentoring responsibilities is also common in senior roles.
Proficiency with cloud environments is vital, as modern data architectures rely on scalable cloud platforms for distributed processing. Candidates should be comfortable with workflow automation and integrating cloud-native tools to optimize performance.
Advancement can lead to roles like Data Engineering Director or Chief Data Officer. The role offers a pathway to influence enterprise-wide data strategy, expand leadership scope, and shape innovative data solutions across business units.