Principal Data Engineer - AI-Driven Data Platform Leader

Blue Shield of CA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Shield of CA in Houston, TX is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to lead end-to-end data platforms, collaborating with enterprise architects, analytics and data teams to design scalable data lakes, warehouses and marts for enterprise needs.

You will drive data product strategy, ensure governance, and mentor senior engineers while advancing AI/ML initiatives in a regulated healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant data engineering experience.
• Experience supporting enterprise AI/ML, advanced analytics, and data product ecosystems.
• Expertise in Data Vault 2.0, dimensional modeling, Lakehouse architecture, or domain-driven data design.
• Demonstrated ability to influence enterprise architecture decisions and mentor senior engineering talent.
• Expert in understanding data management practices, data modelling (data vault 2.0), master data management, data integration, data architecture, data virtualization, data warehousing, data privacy and security.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for AI and emerging technologies, with solid understanding of AI/ML concepts and hands‑on experience applying AI‑driven solutions in enterprise environments.
• Hands on experience with SQL, Python, DBT Cloud and DBT core. Expert in one or more of NoSQL and database appliances and platforms (Snowflake, Synapse, Databricks)
• Proven ability to design and scale large‑volume, high‑performance data platforms leveraging parallel and distributed architectures.
• Advanced knowledge of CI/CD, source control, and agile delivery tooling (e.g., Git, Bitbucket, Jira).
• Experience in healthcare, regulated environments, or large enterprises is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end delivery of data‑driven solutions and data products for the enterprise.
• Design cloud data lakes, data warehouses and data marts to meet enterprise data needs.
• Partner with enterprise architects, analytics and data engineering teams to design technical solutions.
• Mentor senior engineers and influence enterprise architecture decisions.
• Drive AI/ML initiatives and maintain robust data governance in regulated environments.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Enterprise Architecture Influence

AI/ML concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SQL

Python

DBT Cloud

DBT Core

Snowflake

Azure Synapse

Databricks

Git

Bitbucket

Jira

Job description

Blue Shield of CA in Houston, TX is seeking a Principal Data Engineer to lead end-to-end data platforms, collaborating with enterprise architects, analytics and data teams to design scalable data lakes, warehouses and marts for enterprise needs.

You will drive data product strategy, ensure governance, and mentor senior engineers while advancing AI/ML initiatives in a regulated healthcare environment.