Principal Data Engineer in Portland, Oregon - #72291 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72291

Principal Data Engineer
Our client is seeking a highly strategic and hands-on Principal Data Engineer who thrives in complex, ambiguous environments and can translate business needs into scalable, production-ready data and AI solutions. This individual will operate as both a technical authority and program leader, driving enterprise data architecture, mentoring engineering teams, and delivering high-impact solutions across multiple workstreams. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of deep technical expertise, systems thinking, and the ability to influence both technical and executive stakeholders.

This role is fully remote.

Principal Data Engineer Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-level data architecture and platform strategy, establishing standards, best practices, and scalable frameworks across multiple projects and teams.
• Design and deliver robust, production-grade data pipelines supporting batch, streaming, and real-time use cases with built-in data quality, observability, and governance.
• Architect and enable data foundations for AI and LLM-driven applications, including unstructured data ingestion, embedding pipelines, and vector-based retrieval systems.
• Own end-to-end technical program execution, breaking down complex initiatives into structured deliverables while aligning cross-functional teams to business outcomes.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor in client-facing engagements, translating ambiguous requirements into clear architectural solutions and technical roadmaps.
• Define and implement cloud data strategies within AWS, including data lakes, warehouses, streaming platforms, and AI-ready infrastructure.
• Establish data contracts, governance frameworks, and performance standards to ensure reliability, scalability, and consistency across platforms.
• Drive DevOps and DataOps best practices, including infrastructure-as-code, automation, and cost optimization strategies.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent, providing technical guidance, conducting code and architecture reviews, and elevating overall team capability.
• Contribute to business development efforts by supporting solution design, technical proposals, and client presentations as a senior technical voice.

Principal Data Engineer Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on data engineering experience, including at least 3 years in a lead, architect, or principal-level role.
• Proven expertise designing and deploying scalable ETL/ELT pipelines, data platforms, and streaming architectures in production environments.
• Deep experience with AWS data services such as S3, Redshift, Glue, Lake Formation, Athena, EMR, Kinesis, Lambda, and Step Functions.
• Demonstrated experience supporting AI/ML or LLM data workflows, including data preprocessing, embedding generation, and vector database integration.
• Strong background in solution architecture and client engagement, with the ability to translate business needs into technical designs.
• Experience leading technical programs, including planning, estimation, and managing workstreams using tools such as Jira.
• Advanced understanding of data governance, lineage, and data quality best practices within enterprise environments.
• Proficiency with modern data tooling such as Databricks, dbt, and orchestration frameworks (e.g., Airflow or Prefect).
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code and DevOps practices using tools such as Terraform or similar frameworks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Salary: $145K-$175K/year. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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