NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Richmond, CA, 94807
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
Richmond's tech scene, especially in healthcare sectors, shows increasing demand for Principal Data Engineers. Stryker, being a leader in medical technologies, seeks experts to handle complex data systems, reflecting a broader regional trend valuing advanced data architecture and scalable analytics solutions.
While Richmond offers competitive salaries and opportunities, it generally sees less candidate saturation than San Francisco or San Jose. This creates advantageous conditions for senior roles like Principal Data Engineer, balancing strong demand with moderate competition.
Mastering advanced SQL, Python, and distributed systems is crucial. Deep expertise in building scalable data pipelines, cloud platforms, and workflow automation distinguishes Principal Data Engineers, enabling them to lead complex architecture projects and deliver reliable, high-performance data solutions.
Absolutely. Professionals with 7+ years of hands-on experience in data architecture, leadership aptitude, and a strategic mindset often advance into Principal Data Engineer roles, where they shape data infrastructure and mentor teams, elevating their impact across organizations.
Besides hands-on technical work, responsibilities include setting engineering standards, collaborating cross-functionally, troubleshooting complex data issues, and providing mentorship. Strategic planning and evaluating emerging technologies also form key components of the daily workflow.
At Stryker, Principal Data Engineers play a pivotal role in innovating scalable systems tailored to healthcare analytics. The company emphasizes data integrity and compliance, requiring engineers to blend technical excellence with domain-specific governance and cross-team leadership.
Yes, handling mission-critical healthcare data demands stringent security and reliability. Engineers must navigate regulatory compliance while optimizing system scalability, all within a collaborative yet fast-paced environment that values innovation and precision.
Principal Data Engineers in Richmond typically earn between $150,000 and $180,000 annually, reflecting the advanced skill set and leadership responsibilities required. Stryker's compensation often aligns with or slightly exceeds regional benchmarks for senior data roles.