Associate Principal Engineer - Analytics Platform

Exelixis Inc; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 259,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company contributions

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Discretionary annual bonuses

Stock purchase offerings

Job summary

Exelixis Inc in Alameda is looking for an Associate Principal Engineer – Cloud Platform to support the design and development of cloud-based products. This role entails defining the cloud platform architecture and leading projects focusing on automation tools and CI/CD practices.

With extensive experience in cloud infrastructure and knowledge of AWS and Terraform, the successful candidate will manage cross-functional collaborations and drive strategic initiatives. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous PTO and bonuses.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of experience with a Master’s degree or 11+ years with a Bachelor's.
• 10 years in cloud infrastructure in a highly available environment.
• Experience with CI/CD practices and cloud automation.

Responsibilities

• Define and design cloud platform including automation tools.
• Lead complex product development projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and maintain documentation.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Advanced knowledge of infrastructure-as-code tools

Strong product ownership skills

Experience in pharma/biotech environments

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Terraform

Posit

Tableau

Spotfire

Job description

Summary / Job Purpose

The Associate Principal Engineer – Cloud Platform will support the design and creation of cloud-based products and services to meet the technology needs of Exelixis. The role will help define and design the cloud platform, including cloud automation tools, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps tooling, and AWS account provisioning automation. The engineer will also work with application support teams to re‑define the interface between cloud platform products and application installation and configuration processes.

Responsibilities

• Product Strategy & Road Map: Translate overall direction and strategy, communicate across organizational levels, support long‑range goals, and provide leadership and direction to others.
• Product Development & Delivery: Lead complex projects, refine end‑to‑end development processes (ideation, CI/CD, security scanning, production monitoring), and provide innovative solutions to technically challenging problems.
• Stakeholder Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Influence executives, lead strategic initiatives, act as a spokesperson, and serve as an advisor to management and customers on technical research and applications.
• Operational Excellence, Quality & Compliance: Own documentation of infrastructure and work instructions, implement solutions to mitigate incidents, and ensure work delivers long‑term value with maximum functionality and security controls.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as SME for engineering issues and platform strategy, mentor and coach engineers, and stay abreast of industry trends to evaluate future platform needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and 9 years of experience; or• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 11 years of related experience; or• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Technical certification may be required. At least 10 years of experience in cloud infrastructure in a highly available production environment is required. Experience in a SOX and FDA regulated environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS) – EC2, RDS, Systems Manager, IAM, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of infrastructure‑as‑code tools, especially Terraform.
• Intermediate knowledge of cloud and infrastructure automation.
• Intermediate knowledge of modern CI/CD practices.
• Experience in pharma/biotech environments with GxP and regulated systems.
• Strong product ownership skills (backlog prioritization, stakeholder alignment, release planning).
• Understanding of platform governance, access controls, and audit/compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders (business, data, engineering).
• Experience working with vendors and managed services partners.
• Experience with analytics platforms (Posit, Tableau, Spotfire) and solid expertise in Posit (Workbench, Connect, Package Manager).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The office is a modern, open‑plan space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Teams work closely together, sharing ideas and solutions in a supportive atmosphere. All necessary equipment, including dual monitors and ergonomic chairs, is provided. The position requires minimal travel.

Salary & Benefits

Base pay range: $182,000 – $259,000 annually, adjusted based on geographic region. The Total Rewards program includes a 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are eligible for discretionary annual bonuses, stock purchase offerings, and long‑term incentives. Paid time off includes 15 accrued vacation days in the first year, 17 paid holidays (including a company‑wide winter shutdown in December), and up to 10 sick days per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Including but not limited to these protected classes, we comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employees with disabilities who need accommodations during the application or recruitment process may contact [e-mail].