Principal Data Engineer

Harnham; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnham is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to lead the architecture and evolution of our enterprise data platform. Based in Austin, you'll blend hands-on engineering with strategic leadership to set standards and drive data initiatives across the organization.

You will lead real-time data pipelines, governance, security, and data quality while partnering with stakeholders to deliver scalable, cost-efficient solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in data engineering or related roles
• Strong cloud data platforms and large-scale ecosystems
• SQL, data modeling, schema design, distributed data systems
• Experience building real-time data pipelines for analytics/AI
• Proven ability to lead initiatives and influence cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication translating business needs into technical solutions
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of enterprise data platforms
• Drive data governance, security, compliance, and data quality
• Partner with business and technical stakeholders to align data initiatives with goals
• Design and optimize real-time and large-scale data pipelines for analytics and AI
• Influence technical strategy and decisions across engineering teams
• Mentor engineers and establish engineering standards and scalable solutions
• Identify opportunities to improve platform performance, scalability, reliability, and cost

Skills

Data architecture

Cloud platforms

SQL

Data modeling

Real-time pipelines

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

US Citizens or Green Card Holders Only (No Sponsorship Available)

A leading technology-driven organization is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of its enterprise data platform. This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced data engineering professional who enjoys combining hands‑on technical expertise with strategic leadership. Based on the original job description.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the architecture, design, and evolution of modern enterprise data platforms.
• Drive best practices around data governance, security, compliance, and data quality.
• Partner with business and technical stakeholders to align data initiatives with organizational goals.
• Design and optimize real-time and large-scale data pipelines that support analytics and AI initiatives.
• Influence technical strategy and decision-making across multiple engineering teams.
• Mentor engineers and help establish engineering standards and scalable solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve platform performance, scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

• 12+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related disciplines.
• Strong expertise in modern cloud-based data platforms and large-scale data ecosystems.
• Deep knowledge of SQL, data modeling, schema design, and distributed data systems.
• Experience building real-time data pipelines and enterprise-grade data architectures.
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Strategic, highly visible role with significant influence on technology direction.
• Opportunity to architect and scale next-generation data capabilities.
• Collaborative environment that values innovation, ownership, and technical excellence.
• Strong compensation package with competitive benefits.