Director, Data Engineering

Sayva Solutions, Inc.; California; Remote; USD 133,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Sayva Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Director of Data Engineering to lead the enterprise data engineering function and evolve its cloud-based data organization. You will report to the VP of Enterprise Data & Analytics and shape the future operating model and long-term roadmap.

This role is remote within Southern California, with monthly travel to Orange County. You will mentor teams, oversee platforms, governance, and cloud strategy to enable analytics and AI initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in enterprise data engineering or related fields.
• 6+ years leading technical teams and driving strategy.
• Experience modern cloud data platforms and governance.
• MBA or Master’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Engineering function and manage managers and team.
• Define future-state vision, structure, and strategic roadmap.
• Assess operating model, gather stakeholder input, and make recommendations.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership during cloud transition.
• Guide data platforms, pipelines, architecture, governance and cloud tech.
• Ensure data foundation supports BI, analytics, AI/ML initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cloud data engineering

Education

Master's degree or MBA

Tools

Azure Data Factory

Spark

dbt

Airflow

Kafka

SQL

Python

Databricks

Snowflake

Google Cloud

Job description

We are partnering with a mission-driven, forward-thinking organization seeking an experienced Director of Data Engineering to lead and evolve its enterprise Data Engineering function. Reporting to the VP of Enterprise Data & Analytics, this leader will assess the current team and technology environment, develop a future-state operating model, and establish a long-term roadmap for a modern, cloud-based data engineering organization.

This is a highly visible opportunity for a strategic leader who is also comfortable being hands-on when needed. The Director will initially provide technical guidance and mentorship while strengthening internal capabilities and building a scalable team structure. The role will oversee enterprise data platforms, pipelines, architecture, governance, and cloud strategy while ensuring the data environment is positioned to support advanced analytics and AI initiatives.

The organization is investing in modern technologies and offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on enterprise-wide data strategy.

This position is remote within Southern California, with travel to Orange County approximately once per month or as needed for collaboration.

Salary Range: $133,000–$167,000

Please note this range is an estimate and actual pay may vary based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Data Engineering function, including Manager-level direct reports and a broader team of data engineering professionals.
• Partner with executive leadership to define the future-state vision, organizational structure, and strategic roadmap for enterprise Data Engineering.
• Evaluate the current operating model, gather input from key stakeholders, and develop recommendations to strengthen internal capabilities and team effectiveness.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship as the organization continues its transition toward a mature cloud-based data environment.
• Guide the strategy and execution of enterprise data platforms, pipelines, architecture, governance, and cloud technologies.
• Ensure the enterprise data foundation can effectively support business intelligence, advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning initiatives.
• Collaborate with business and technology leaders across the organization to align data engineering priorities with broader strategic objectives.
• Assess emerging technologies and introduce modern engineering practices that improve scalability, reliability, performance, and maintainability.
• Provide leadership and oversight to external technology partners while developing greater internal Data Engineering capabilities over time.
• Establish standards, processes, and technical direction that support the continued growth and maturity of the Enterprise Data & Analytics organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience across enterprise Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or related disciplines, including 6+ years leading technical teams.
• Demonstrated success building, modernizing, or transforming enterprise data platforms and Data Engineering organizations.
• Strong experience with modern cloud data platforms; Microsoft Fabric experience is highly preferred, with Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, or Google Cloud experience also relevant.
• Technical familiarity with modern data engineering technologies such as Azure Data Factory, Spark, dbt, Airflow, Kafka, SQL, Python, or comparable tools.
• Proven ability to develop long-term technical and organizational strategies while translating vision into an actionable roadmap.
• Experience partnering with analytics, AI/ML, technology, and business teams to enable enterprise-level initiatives and measurable outcomes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders, and work effectively with executive leadership.
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical involvement, particularly while developing and mentoring a growing team.
• Collaborative, adaptable leadership style with an interest in working within a mission-driven organization that embraces innovation.
• Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.

About Sayva: Sayva Solutions is an accounting, finance, technology, business transformation and human resources professional services firm whose focus is on long term relationships created through teamwork and doing what is in the best interest of others. By working with Sayva to identify your next career move, you will get the benefit of working with an experienced team who not only has a strong network of trusted clients, but expertise in the markets, and functions, we serve. We can provide insight on what your market value is, what companies have to offer, and what opportunities align best with your professional and personal goals. We are your trusted advisor throughout your search process and can help ensure you are prepared for interviews, have the information to make the best decisions, and receive a strong offer to land you that perfect job. Making a career move is not easy and can be stressful; Sayva can be your partner in making the process smooth, transparent, and rewarding.