NexlintoPrincipal Data Engineer
Company : Stryker
Location : Piedmont, CA, 94620
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
Mastery in Python, Java, or Scala is critical for a Principal Data Engineer at Stryker, enabling effective development of scalable data pipelines and ETL processes. These languages support complex data transformations and integration with big data frameworks, aligning with Stryker’s high standards for data reliability and performance in Piedmont.
At Stryker, the Principal Data Engineer shapes data strategy by architecting scalable platforms that enhance analytics and reporting. This leadership role ensures data integrity and compliance, driving innovation in healthcare data solutions and supporting cross-functional teams to meet critical business intelligence goals.
Senior Data Engineers often juggle optimizing data pipeline performance, ensuring data quality across vast sources, and integrating new technologies. They troubleshoot complex system issues while balancing scalability and compliance, which is essential in managing the evolving data needs of enterprises like those in Piedmont’s tech landscape.
Piedmont and the broader Bay Area have a robust need for Principal Data Engineers due to the concentration of tech and healthcare companies. Competition is high, with employers seeking candidates who combine deep technical expertise with leadership skills, making continuous upskilling and certifications advantageous.
The professional and hybrid setting in Piedmont encourages close collaboration among engineering, analytics, and product teams, fostering innovation. For Principal Data Engineers at Stryker, this means engaging in impactful decision-making and navigating tight deadlines in a culture that values technical excellence and strategic thinking.
For a Principal Data Engineer in Piedmont, CA, salaries typically range from $140,000 to $180,000 annually, reflecting the seniority and technical demands of the role. Compensation often includes bonuses and benefits aligned with the competitive Bay Area market and the specialized skills required for success.
Stryker’s culture emphasizes mentorship and cross-team collaboration, so Principal Data Engineers are expected to lead with strategic vision, nurture engineering talent, and ensure data governance aligns with corporate values. This creates a balance of hands-on technical work and influential leadership in data initiatives.
At Stryker, Principal Data Engineers can advance by spearheading cutting-edge data platform projects and influencing enterprise-wide analytics strategies. The role offers pathways into senior leadership, data architecture specialization, or cross-disciplinary initiatives, supported by ongoing professional development in a pioneering healthcare tech company.
Principal Data Engineers usually have over 8 years of experience, demonstrating mastery in data architecture, leadership, and strategic planning. Unlike junior or mid-level engineers, they set technical direction, oversee complex systems, and mentor teams, reflecting a blend of advanced skills and influential decision-making.
While staff data engineers focus on execution and development, the principal data engineer at Stryker drives architectural vision and sets engineering standards. This senior role integrates technical leadership with strategic oversight, ensuring scalable, compliant data solutions that align with Stryker’s business intelligence goals.