Associate Director, Data Platform Engineering

OpenKrill; United States; Remote; USD 157,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work flexibility

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

OpenKrill in the United States seeks an Associate Director, Data Platform Engineering to lead strategy, architecture, and modernization of enterprise data platforms. You will guide SQL Server environments, governance, and platform tooling while delivering reliable, scalable systems.

You will build high-performing teams, align with stakeholders, and drive automation, security, and performance improvements across interconnected services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field.
• 6+ years in data engineering, platform engineering, or database admin.
• 2+ years in leadership or people management.
• Experience with enterprise SQL Server environments and operations.
• Strong knowledge of data platform architecture and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, architecture, and roadmap for enterprise SQL Server environments.
• Establish engineering standards, governance, and operational best practices.
• Ensure availability, scalability, reliability, security, and performance of data platforms.
• Oversee platform engineering operations including automation, integrations, tooling, and infra improvements.
• Guide design and management of SQL Server products and services.

Skills

Strategic leadership

SQL Server

Data platform architecture

Cloud platforms

DevOps / CI-CD

Governance & standards

Stakeholder management

Team mentorship

Performance & reliability

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related field

Tools

SQL Server

Azure

AWS

GCP

CI/CD tools

Automation frameworks

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director, Data Platform Engineering based in the United States.

Overview

The Associate Director, Data Platform Engineering will lead the strategy, architecture, and continuous improvement of enterprise data platforms that support critical business operations and technology services. In this leadership role, you will oversee SQL Server platform engineering, establish technical standards, and ensure the reliability, scalability, security, and performance of enterprise data infrastructure. You will guide engineering teams responsible for database services, automation, system integrations, and platform tooling while promoting operational excellence and innovation. Working closely with technology leaders, engineering teams, and business stakeholders, you will translate complex technical requirements into scalable, secure, and sustainable platform solutions. You will also drive modernization initiatives, optimize service delivery, and resolve complex technical challenges across interconnected systems. This opportunity combines strategic planning, hands‑on technical oversight, and people leadership in a collaborative enterprise environment. It is ideal for an experienced engineering leader who enjoys building high‑performing teams, advancing platform capabilities, and delivering measurable improvements in technology performance and business outcomes.v

Accountabilities

• Lead technical strategy, architecture, planning, and roadmap development for enterprise SQL Server environments and data platform services.
• Establish, implement, and maintain engineering standards, governance frameworks, technical policies, and operational best practices.
• Ensure enterprise data platforms meet availability, scalability, reliability, security, and performance objectives.
• Oversee platform engineering operations, including database services, automation, integrations, tooling, and infrastructure improvements.
• Guide the design, development, and management of SQL Server products and service offerings, ensuring technical specifications align with enterprise requirements.
• Evaluate compatibility and integration across interdependent technologies to maintain a cohesive, efficient, and scalable platform architecture.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with technology, operations, and business stakeholders to identify requirements, prioritize initiatives, and deliver strategic platform engineering solutions.
• Manage complex technical incidents and operational challenges, coordinating cross‑functional teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable resolutions.
• Oversee vendor relationships and collaborate with external technology partners to support platform performance, service quality, and strategic objectives.
• Drive data platform modernization initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve architecture, automate processes, strengthen security, and optimize service delivery.
• Lead cross‑functional technical projects, ensuring effective planning, resource coordination, risk management, and timely execution.
• Monitor platform performance and service outcomes, using operational metrics and stakeholder feedback to identify improvement opportunities.
• Promote the adoption of automation, DevOps practices, and modern engineering methodologies to improve deployment consistency and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 6 years of technical experience in data engineering, database administration, platform engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of leadership or people management experience, with demonstrated ability to guide engineering professionals and coordinate technical initiatives.
• Proven experience supporting and managing enterprise‑scale SQL Server environments, including database operations, performance, reliability, and maintenance.
• Strong understanding of data platform architecture, database technologies, system integrations, and infrastructure automation.
• Experience developing and implementing engineering standards, governance frameworks, technical policies, and operational best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver solutions across multiple teams or departments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to resolve complex technical and operational problems in enterprise environments.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and influence decisions across organizational levels.
• Experience identifying and implementing technology solutions that improve service quality, operational efficiency, and customer or business outcomes.
• Strong organizational and decision‑making capabilities, with a focus on platform stability, risk management, and continuous improvement.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience leading large‑scale data platform modernization or enterprise database transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Knowledge of automation frameworks, DevOps methodologies, and continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices.
• Experience working within complex enterprise technology environments with interconnected systems and demanding operational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to develop engineering roadmaps, establish technical direction, and drive adoption of modern platform engineering practices.

Remote work requirements

• Reliable internet connectivity with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and upload speed of 10 Mbps. Wired cable or DSL connections are recommended.
• A dedicated home office with minimal interruptions to protect confidential information and sensitive health data.
• Availability to work a full‑time schedule of 40 hours per week and flexibility to travel occasionally for meetings or training.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary: $156,600–$215,400, depending on geographic location, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, and relevant skills.
• Performance‑based bonus: Eligibility for additional incentive compensation based on individual and/or organizational performance.
• Remote work flexibility: Work remotely from an eligible location, with occasional travel for business meetings or training.
• Medical insurance: Healthcare coverage to support employees' health and well‑being.
• Dental and vision insurance: Benefits to support preventive care and overall health.
• Retirement savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off: Leave benefits to support personal needs, rest, and work‑life balance.
• Paid holidays: Company holidays and personal holidays.
• Family support: Paid parental and caregiver leave to support important family responsibilities.
• Disability coverage: Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Life insurance: Coverage designed to provide additional financial protection.
• Leadership opportunities: Shape enterprise data platform strategy, establish engineering standards, and guide technical teams.
• Professional development: Gain exposure to cloud technologies, platform modernization, automation, and enterprise engineering initiatives.
• Collaborative environment: Work with cross‑functional technology and business teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure data solutions.
• Meaningful business impact: Improve platform reliability, operational efficiency, and technology capabilities that support critical business services.