Director of Data Engineering

Position Summary
The Director of Data Engineering is a hands-on leader responsible for designing and implementing data strategies, architectures, and technologies to meet current and future business needs. This role oversees all aspects of data engineering, including acquisition, integration, transformation, operations, observability, governance, and security. The Director will lead a high-performing team, guide the company's data technology strategy, and ensure compliance with regulatory and privacy requirements while advancing predictive analytics, machine learning, and GenAI capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of robust, scalable ELT pipelines and workflows in the AWS ecosystem, including cloud data warehouses, data lakes, and Iceberg architecture.

• Develop and execute data strategies aligned with corporate objectives, focusing on enterprise data and BI initiatives.

• Guide the organization's data technology roadmap, balancing innovation with cost efficiency.

• Manage data engineering initiatives and cross-functional projects to successful completion.

• Foster collaboration across CloudOps, IT, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Legal teams.

Data Architecture & Operations

• Establish and enforce data governance standards, policies, and management guidelines to ensure accuracy, quality, reliability, and security.

• Enhance data security and compliance capabilities to improve operational efficiency and reliability.

• Oversee the design, testing, and maintenance of architectures for data extraction, transformation, and modeling.

• Implement observability frameworks and maintain comprehensive documentation for ongoing support.

• Ensure infrastructure aligns with CloudOps standards for cloud architecture.

Innovation & Advanced Analytics

• Explore and integrate emerging technologies to expand data, ML, and GenAI capabilities.

• Leverage advanced SQL and Python skills for pipeline optimization, analytics, and ETL processes.

• Utilize predictive analytics and machine learning to deliver actionable business insights.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and support the professional growth of the data engineering team.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback.

• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Implement data retention policies and litigation holds in coordination with Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Legal.

• Classify and manage data elements in all environments according to regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline, OR four or more years of Cloud Computing/Data Engineering experience in lieu of a degree.

• Seven or more years of experience managing Data Engineering in a production environment.

• Five or more years in a senior leadership role within a Data Management function.

• U.S. work authorization without future visa sponsorship requirements.

• Successful completion of a confidentiality agreement, drug screening, and background check.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related STEM discipline, OR MBA.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to prioritize critical work and manage resources in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Expertise in AWS (preferred), Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, with proficiency in modern data operations technologies.

• Advanced SQL and Python skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.

• Ability to present complex technical concepts in clear, user-friendly language.

• High adaptability, diplomacy, and professionalism in communication.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work.

• Ability to differentiate wire and cable colors and audible tones.