NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Burlingame, CA, 94011
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
Burlingame's tech sector is vibrant, creating strong demand for senior data engineers. Competition is notable, especially for Principal Data Engineer roles requiring advanced distributed systems expertise. Candidates with cloud and big data platform experience tend to stand out in this competitive market.
Certifications like Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer or AWS Certified Big Data Specialty are highly regarded near Burlingame. Additionally, certifications in data architecture and advanced SQL can significantly enhance credibility for Principal Data Engineers at companies like Stryker.
A Principal Data Engineer leads architectural design and sets data engineering standards, unlike junior roles focusing mainly on execution. They strategize scalable data platform solutions, mentor teams, and ensure compliance, reflecting a blend of technical depth and leadership that drives mission-critical data initiatives.
After mastering complex data ecosystems, many Principal Data Engineers progress into chief data officer or head of data engineering roles. Their leadership in data strategy and mentorship opens pathways toward executive positions overseeing enterprise-wide analytics and infrastructure.
Mastery of distributed processing frameworks such as Apache Spark, advanced SQL proficiency, and fluency in Python or Scala are vital. Equally important is expertise in cloud-native data platforms and pipeline automation tools to ensure scalable, reliable data infrastructures.
Stryker emphasizes integrating data solutions tightly with healthcare analytics, demanding stringent compliance and data security adherence. The role involves steering highly regulated data pipelines while balancing innovation with mission-critical reliability in medical technology contexts.
At Stryker, the Principal Data Engineer is pivotal in shaping data governance and fostering cross-team collaboration. This leadership role extends beyond technical design, requiring strategic vision to align data platforms with evolving healthcare product goals and regulatory standards.
Principal Data Engineers in Burlingame typically earn between $160,000 and $210,000 annually, reflecting the region's high cost of living and demand for advanced data engineering leadership. Compensation often includes bonuses and equity, especially at technology-driven companies like Stryker.
Some assume Principal Data Engineers only write code, but the role heavily involves strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and mentoring. It blends hands-on engineering with high-level system architecture and decision-making, demanding both technical and interpersonal excellence.
Exceptional communication skills are crucial. Principal Data Engineers translate complex technical concepts into business value insights for executives and stakeholders, ensuring data solutions align with organizational goals and facilitating informed decision-making across diverse teams.