NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Pleasanton, CA, 94566
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
Pleasanton hosts a growing tech hub with increasing demand for senior data roles. Principal Data Engineer positions at companies like Stryker face moderate competition, as firms seek candidates with strong leadership and expertise in scalable data architectures, making local networking and specialized skills crucial.
Certifications such as AWS Certified Big Data, Google Professional Data Engineer, and Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) are highly regarded in the Bay Area. For Stryker, demonstrating proficiency with cloud platforms and big data tools through these credentials can significantly enhance a candidate’s profile.
Expertise in distributed systems, cloud-native data platforms, and ETL/ELT pipeline automation stands out. Proficiency with Python, Java or Scala, alongside orchestration tools like Apache Airflow, helps Principal Data Engineers drive scalable solutions aligned with Stryker’s data strategy.
Unlike senior or staff engineers, Principal Data Engineers set strategic technical direction, lead enterprise-wide data architecture, and mentor across teams. Their role involves high-level decision-making and innovation to ensure long-term scalability and reliability of data infrastructure.
Advancement may lead to roles such as Data Architect, Director of Data Engineering, or Chief Data Officer. Stryker values leadership growth, so demonstrating strategic vision and mentoring skills can open pathways to executive data management positions.
Collaboration is critical; Principal Data Engineers work closely with data scientists and analysts to translate business needs into robust data solutions. This synergy ensures accurate reporting, insightful analytics, and actionable business intelligence, essential for Stryker’s growth.
Principal Data Engineers in Pleasanton typically earn between $150,000 and $190,000 annually. Given Stryker’s industry standing, compensation often includes bonuses and benefits reflecting expertise in large-scale data systems and leadership responsibilities.
While primarily office-based or hybrid, occasional travel may be required for cross-site collaboration, conferences, or vendor meetings. Frequency depends on project demands but generally remains minimal to preserve focus on data platform leadership.