Principal Data Engineer

Amgen; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Amgen in Thousand Oaks, CA seeks a Principal Data Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of our data strategy. You will architect robust data platforms, mentor a team of data engineers, and collaborate with business stakeholders to translate data needs into scalable solutions.

The role requires deep knowledge of cloud architectures (AWS/Azure/GCP), Python, PySpark, SQL, and experience building data pipelines.

Qualifications

• Doctorate or Master's with data engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years data engineering experience.
• Associate's degree with 10 years data engineering experience.
• High school diploma with 12 years data engineering experience.
• AWS Data Engineer certification preferred.
• Databricks Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of the data strategy.
• Architect and oversee robust data platforms and pipelines.
• Mentor and guide a team of data engineers.
• Oversee data governance, quality, security and compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate data requirements into solutions.
• Stay abreast of emerging data technologies and opportunities.

Skills

Cloud platforms

Python / PySpark

SQL

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Doctorate + 2 years data eng

Master's + 4 years data eng

Bachelor's + 6 years data eng

Associate + 10 years data eng

High school diploma + 12 years data eng

Tools

Apache Spark

Apache Airflow

Git / SVN / CI/CD

Jenkins

Maven

Job description

Join Amgen’s Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas –Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease– we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Principal Data Engineer

What you will do

Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role you will lead the design, development, and implementation of our data strategy. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of data engineering principles, coupled with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. As a Principal Data Engineer, you will architect and oversee the development of robust data platforms, while mentoring and guiding a team of data engineers.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Possesses strong rapid prototyping skills and can quickly translate concepts into working code.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to the data engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation and best practices.
• Design, develop, and implement robust data architectures and platforms to support business objectives.
• Oversee the development and optimization of data pipelines, and data integration solutions.
• Establish and maintain data governance policies and standards to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.
• Architect and manage cloud-based data solutions, leveraging AWS or other preferred platforms.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing data engineering team to deliver exceptional results.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex data-related challenges.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand data requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Stay abreast of emerging data technologies and explore opportunities for innovation.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The professional we seek is a Principal Data Engineer with these qualifications.

Functional Skills

Must-Have Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data engineering solutions. Strong understanding of cloud architecture principles and cost optimization strategies.
• Proficient on experience in Python, PySpark, SQL. Handon experience with bid data ETL performance tuning.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing data engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills to address complex data challenges.

Good-to-Have Skills

• Experienced with data modeling and performance tuning for both OLAP and OLTP databases
• Experienced with Apache Spark, Apache Airflow
• Experienced with software engineering best-practices, including but not limited to version control (Git, Subversion, etc.), CI/CD (Jenkins, Maven etc.), automated unit testing, and Dev Ops
• Experienced with AWS, GCP or Azure cloud services

Education and Professional Certifications

Doctorate degree and 2 years of Data Engineer experience

OR

Master’s degree and 4 years of Data Engineer experience

OR

Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of Data Engineer experience

OR

Associate’s degree and 10 years of Data Engineer experience

OR

High school diploma / GED and 12 years of Data Engineer experience

• AWS Certified Data Engineer preferred
• Databricks Certificate preferred

Soft Skills

• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with global, virtual teams
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.
• Team-oriented, with a focus on achieving team goals
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.

What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

• A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
• A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales‑based incentive plan
• Stock‑based long‑term incentives
• Award‑winning time‑off plans
• Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.