NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : San Francisco, CA, 94145
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.
Recent Jobs
Top searches
Employment opportunities at Stryker
Jobseekers are also searching for
Searches you may like
Trending searches in San Francisco, CA
Popular Searches for Principal Data Engineer
Frequently Asked Questions
For a Principal Data Engineer in San Francisco, proficiency in Python, Java, and Scala is essential. These languages empower handling complex data pipelines and distributed systems, supporting the creation of scalable data architectures favored by tech leaders like Stryker.
Unlike junior or mid-level data engineers, principal data engineers focus on strategic system design, leadership, and setting data governance standards. They lead complex initiatives, ensure scalability, and mentor teams—adding significant value beyond routine pipeline construction.
Mastering principal-level data engineering in San Francisco often leads to roles like Chief Data Officer or Data Architect. The region’s competitive market rewards expertise in cloud platforms and big data, paving pathways into executive analytics and strategic technical leadership.
Stryker's innovation-driven culture encourages Principal Data Engineers to adopt cutting-edge data platforms and prioritize data security. Their leadership roles often involve cross-team collaboration to align technical strategies with healthcare product goals.
At Stryker, Principal Data Engineers must navigate stringent compliance standards and ensure data integrity in mission-critical healthcare systems. Balancing scalability with regulatory demands requires advanced expertise in data governance and security frameworks.
San Francisco’s demand for Principal Data Engineers is notably high due to its dense tech ecosystem and innovation pace. Competition is intense, with employers seeking candidates with proven leadership and mastery of scalable big data technologies.
Certifications like Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer and AWS Certified Big Data Specialty are highly regarded in San Francisco. They demonstrate expertise with cloud-native data pipelines and distributed processing, enhancing candidacy for senior roles.
Principal Data Engineers in San Francisco generally earn between $150,000 and $210,000 annually. This premium reflects the role’s complexity, leadership expectations, and the city’s high cost of living and tech market competitiveness.
At Stryker, Data Engineers often integrate healthcare-specific compliance and data quality needs into their workflow, unlike purely tech firms. This adds layers of regulatory responsibility and emphasis on precision in patient-related data systems.
Being a Principal Data Engineer at Stryker entails driving data strategy that directly supports analytics and product innovations. The role demands bridging technical solutions with business insights, fostering tight-knit teamwork across diverse departments.