Principle Snowflake Administrator

Ally-Financial; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ally Financial is seeking a Sr. Snowflake Database Administrator to lead design, implementation, and governance of enterprise Snowflake environments across cloud platforms. You will manage access, security, and data sharing while optimizing performance and costs.

The role emphasizes automation, CI/CD, and collaboration with Data Engineering, Analytics, and Security teams. Strong Python skills and 8+ years of experience are required; Cortex AI familiarity is a plus.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in database architecture and administration.
• Strong hands-on Snowflake administration and architecture experience.
• Proficiency in SQL performance tuning and query optimization.
• Experience with AWS cloud platforms and Terraform.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and scripting.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD, and automation tooling.
• 1–2 years with Snowflake Cortex AI or related AI capabilities.
• SnowPro Certification is preferred; Power BI experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and govern Snowflake platform architecture and security.
• Manage access controls, RBAC, SSO, masking policies, and data governance.
• Monitor and optimize Snowflake performance, workloads, and costs.
• Implement Snowpipe, Streams, Tasks, and Data Sharing features.
• Automate deployments using CI/CD and IaC tools like Terraform.
• Coordinate with Data Engineering, Analytics, and Security teams.
• Troubleshoot production issues and support data platforms.
• Evaluate AI use cases within Snowflake, including Cortex features.

Skills

Snowflake administration

SQL performance tuning

AWS cloud

Terraform

Python scripting

DevOps practices

CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Power BI

Snowflake Cortex AI

Job description

Ally and Your CareerAlly Financial only succeeds when its people do - and that’s more than some cliché people put on job postings. We love this stuff! We see our people as, well, people - with interests, families, friends, dreams, and causes that are all important to them. Our focus is on the health and safety of our teammates as well as work-life balance and diversity and inclusion. From generous benefits to a variety of employee resource groups, we strive to build paths that encourage employees to stretch themselves professionally. We want to help you grow, develop, and learn new things. You’re constantly evolving, so shouldn’t your opportunities be, too?Work Schedule : Ally designates roles as (1) fully on-site, (2) hybrid, or (3) fully remote. Hybrid roles are generally expected to be in the office a certain number of days per week as indicated by your manager. Your hiring manager will discuss this role's specific work requirements with you during the hiring process. All work requirements are subject to change at any time based on leader discretion and/or business need.The OpportunityProvide technical leadership and support on all the stages of database architecture, implementation and/or database related operational support. Participates in designing and implementing database systems and programs. Responsible for developing and administering access methods, device allocation, and security. Participates in database planning and provides inputs on the selection of methods used for database system integration. Interface with business sector managers to assist in resolving database issues and needs.The Work ItselfThe Sr. Snowflake Database Administrator will be part of a team that administers and supports enterprise Snowflake environments across cloud platforms. Design, implement, and maintain Snowflake platform architecture, security, and governance policies. Manage access controls, RBAC, SSO, masking policies, and data governance frameworks across enterprise environments. Monitor, optimize, and manage Snowflake performance, workloads, and cost efficiency. Implement and support Snowpipe, Streams, Tasks, Dynamic Tables, and Data Sharing capabilities. Automate platform deployments using CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform. Manage backup, disaster recovery, replication, and overall platform reliability. Partner with Data Engineering, Analytics, and Security teams to support business initiatives and data platform strategy. Troubleshoot production issues and provide operational support across Snowflake environments. Evaluate and support AI/ML and generative AI use cases within Snowflake, including Cortex AI features where applicable.The Qualifications We’re Looking For8+ years of experience preferred.Strong hands-on experience with Snowflake Administration and Architecture required. Expertise in SQL, performance tuning, and query optimization. Experience with AWS cloud platforms. Solid understanding of data security, governance, and compliance frameworks.Experience with Terraform, DevOps, and automation practices. 1–2 years of experience working with Snowflake Cortex AI, AI-powered data services, or related AI capabilities. Programming experience in Python for automation, scripting, and data platform support. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills. SnowPro Certification preferred. Experience with Power BI or other reporting platforms preferred. Knowledge of networking concepts, connectivity, and cloud network configurations preferred.Solid understanding of SQL performance tuning techniques including query plan understanding and management, SQL tracing, DB stats, indexing techniques, using AWR reports etc.Experience with software development lifecycle and software development common practices (code reviews, unit testing etc.).Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.Solid work ethic, self-driven with the ability to work with minimal supervision.Minimum Qualifications:7+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experienceBachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalentHow We'll Have Your BackAlly's compensation program offers market-competitive base pay and pay-for-performance incentives (bonuses) based on achieving personal and company goals. Our Total Rewards program includes industry-leading compensation and benefits plus additional incentives that are designed to meet your needs and those of your family so you can get the most out of your career and your life, including:Time Away: Program starts at 20 paid time off days in addition to 11 paid holidays and 8 hours of volunteer time off yearly (time off days are prorated based on start date and program varies based on full or part-time status and management level).Planning for the Future: plan for the near and long term with an industry-leading 401K retirement savings plan with matching and company contributions, student loan pay downs and 529 educational save up assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, employee stock purchase plan, and financial learning center and financial coach access.Supporting your Health & Well-being: flexible health and insurance options including medical, dental and vision, employee, spouse and child life insurance, short- and long-term disability, pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions, Healthcare FSA, critical illness, accident & hospital indemnity insurance, and a total well-being program that helps you and your family stay on track physically, socially, emotionally, and financially.Building a Family: adoption, surrogacy and fertility assistance as well as paid parental and caregiver leave, Dependent Day Care FSA back-up child and adult/elder care days and childcare discounts.Work-Life Integration: other benefits including Mentally Fit Employee Assistance Program, subsidized and discounted Weight Watchers program and other employee discount programs.Other Compensations: depending on the role for which you are considered, you may be eligible for travel allowances, relocation assistance, a signing bonus and/or equity.To view more detailed information about Ally’s Total Rewards, please visit this link: https://www.ally.com/content/dam/pdf/corporate/ally-total-rewards-snapshot.pdfWho We Are :Ally Financial is a customer-centric, leading digital financial services company with passionate customer service and innovative financial solutions. We are relentlessly focused on \"Doing it Right\" and being a trusted financial-services provider to our consumer, commercial, and corporate customers. For more information, visit www.ally.com .Ally is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic disposition or any other reason protected by law.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if after review of the position expectations, you believe that you may need a medical accommodation to fulfill the duties of this role, please email [e-mail] with details of your accommodation request.Base Pay Range$110,000.00 - $180,000.00An individual's position in the range is determined by the specific role, the scope and responsibilities of the role, work experience, education, certification(s), training, and additional qualifications. We review internal pay, the competitive market, and business environment prior to extending an offer.Incentive Compensation:This position is eligible to participate in our annual incentive plan.