Principal Engineer, Back End (AI-powered Data Querying) (Bangkok based, Relocation provided)

Agoda; Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta; On-site; IDR 1,700,969,553 - 2,211,260,418; Full time

Job summary

A global travel services company is seeking a seasoned technical leader with over 10 years of experience in software and data engineering. In this role, you'll lead the development of AI-driven data querying solutions and architect data quality frameworks. Ideal candidates have strong skills in SQL, data platforms, and backend development, and must possess excellent communication abilities. This position offers relocation support and the chance to work in a collaborative environment focused on innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or related fields.
• Proven ability to lead cross-team, high-impact technical initiatives.
• Strong understanding of data modeling, query execution, and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of AI-powered data querying solutions.
• Architect scalable data quality tools and frameworks.
• Mentor engineers and raise standards in data quality and governance.

Skills

Software engineering

Data engineering

SQL and large-scale data systems

Modern analytical databases

Backend development

Communication skills

Tools

Python

Java

Scala

dbt

Airflow

Spark

Job description

This position is based in Bangkok, Thailand. Relocation support is provided.

In this Role, you'll get to:

• Lead the development of AI-powered data querying solutions, enabling users to ask business questions in natural language and receive actionable insights.
• Architect and develop scalable data quality tools and frameworks to ensure reliable and trustworthy data.
• Act as a hands‑on technical leader, tackling complex challenges across AI query engines, data quality systems, and analytical engines.
• Collaborate with TPMs and stakeholders to define and drive the technical vision and roadmap for AI‑driven querying, query engines, and data quality tools.
• Mentor engineers and raise standards across data quality & governance tools, query engines, and the broader data platform.

What you'll need to succeed:

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, data engineering, or related fields.
• Strong hands‑on experience with:
  • SQL and large‑scale data systems
  • Modern analytical databases / data warehouses (e.g., StarRocks, Snowflake, BigQuery, ClickHouse)
  • Backend development (e.g., Python, Java, Scala or similar)
• Experience building or working with:
  • AI/LLM‑based applications (e.g., text‑to‑SQL, conversational interfaces, cursor, copilots)
  • Data platforms or analytical infrastructure at scale
• Strong understanding of data modeling, query execution, and performance optimization.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑team, high‑impact technical initiatives.
• Ability to navigate between deep hands‑on work and strategic technical leadership.
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

It's great if you have:

• Experience with text‑to‑SQL systems or AI‑driven data interfaces.
• Experience implementing or scaling analytical engines such as StarRocks.
• Background in data observability, quality, or governance frameworks.
• Experience with tools like dbt, Airflow, Spark, or similar.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Agoda, we pride ourselves on being a company represented by people of all different backgrounds and orientations. We prioritize attracting diverse talent and cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Employment at Agoda is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, citizenship, veteran or military status, and other legally protected characteristics.