Principle Data Engineer

Aleron; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is partnering with a pioneering semiconductor research organization to hire a Principal Data Engineer in San Diego. The role focuses on building scalable data foundations for analytics and ML across experimental and simulation data, enabling researchers to accelerate discoveries.

You will lead data solutions, drive governance and security, and collaborate with scientists to deliver impactful data products and platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Statistics, Math or Data Science.
• 10+ years in data engineering, data architecture or scientific/engineering data platforms.
• 10+ years of hands-on Python and modern data engineering tooling.
• 10+ years building and operating scalable big data pipelines, analytics platforms and data products.
• 10+ years of experience in cloud and distributed data platforms (Azure, Databricks, Spark, Kubernetes).
• 10+ years supporting scientific/engineering workflows (simulation, HPC, time-series data).

Responsibilities

• Build the data foundation enabling analytics and ML.
• Connect experimental and simulation data for integrated analytics.
• Lead scalable, secure, governance-focused data solutions for research teams.

Skills

Python

Data engineering

Data architecture

Big data pipelines

Analytics platforms

Data governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Statistics or Math or Data Science

Master's degree in Computer Science or Statistics or Math or Data Science

Tools

Azure

Azure Databricks

Apache Spark

Kubernetes

Data lake architectures

Job description

Job Title: Principal Data Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA

Employment Type: Contract (12 months)

Industry: Semiconductor Manufacturing

Compensation: $90.95 - $100.05 /hr.

Schedule: 40 hrs/Week.

About the Opportunity:

• Join a pioneering research organization developing next-generation lithography light source technologies.
• In this role, you'll help build the data foundation that enables scientists and engineers to accelerate research, connect experimental and simulation data, and unlock new opportunities in analytics and machine learning. You'll combine hands-on data engineering with technical leadership to create scalable, secure, and well-governed data solutions.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the opportunity to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while providing you with room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider- we help companies compete for talent. With experience across industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and design talent solutions that deliver the business outcomes they want. We draw on decades of experience to provide contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Statistics or Math or Data Science.
• 10+ years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, or scientific/engineering data platforms.
• 10+ years of hands-on development experience in Python and modern data engineering tooling.
• 10+ years of experience in building and operating scalable big data pipelines, analytics platforms, and data products that support data-intensive scientific and engineering workflows.
• 10+ years of experience in cloud and distributed data platforms such as Azure, Azure Databricks, Apache Spark, Kubernetes, and data lake architectures.
• 10+ years of experience in supporting scientific or engineering workflows (for example, simulation, HPC, instrumentation, or time-series sensor data).

What Sets You Apart:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science or Statistics or Math or Data Science.
• Solid understanding of data modeling, metadata management, data lineage, data quality, governance, security, and access control.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows and MLOps practices.
• Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to translate technical details into clear and actionable guidance.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.
• Be willing to work extended hours and second shift as needed.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.