Principal Data Engineer

Software Development

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled data engineers grew 25% in 2025, driven by the need for faultless data-driven decision making. Extend, a pioneer in AI-driven post-purchase solutions, stands out for its comprehensive platform and commitment to innovation. To succeed in this Principal Data Engineer role, candidates should possess a deep understanding of data architecture, extensive experience with Snowflake and SQL, and the ability to drive technical leadership. With the remote job market booming, it's essential for applicants to showcase their ability to work independently and collaboratively in a distributed team environment.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Principal Data Engineer at Extend, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's data architecture, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the business and its merchant partners. This role is critical in powering reporting, financial processes, and business decisions across the company. You will be partnering closely with product engineering and architecture teams to design and evolve the data warehouse and reporting layer, bridging the gap between data creation and consumption.

The role of a Principal Data Engineer is multifaceted, requiring a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and collaborative spirit. You will be responsible for setting patterns for how data is modeled, evolved, and exposed, ensuring that it is faultless and meets the highest standards of quality. Your work will have a direct impact on the ability of Extend's merchant partners to make informed decisions, drive revenue growth, and enhance customer satisfaction.

What You Will Do

Own the design, development, and maintenance of Extend's data warehouse and reporting layer, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and performs optimally.
Collaborate with product engineering teams to design and implement data pipelines that feed into the data warehouse, leveraging tools like Snowflake and SQL.
Develop and maintain complex SQL and dbt models to support business intelligence and analytics capabilities.
Write and maintain Python data jobs running on AWS, ensuring they are efficient, reliable, and well-documented.
Engage proactively with cross-functional teams to understand data needs, identify gaps, and guide solutions that meet business requirements.
Refactor data transformations and build tables and views that downstream teams rely on for their operations.
Participate in the development of data governance policies and procedures, ensuring data quality and security are upheld across the organization.
Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in data engineering, applying this knowledge to continuously improve Extend's data capabilities.
Mentor junior data engineers, sharing expertise and best practices to enhance team capabilities.

What We Are Looking For

A minimum of 8 years of experience in data engineering, with a focus on data warehouse design, development, and maintenance.
Extensive experience with Snowflake, SQL, and data modeling, including the ability to design and implement complex data architectures.
Proficiency in Python, with experience in developing data jobs and scripts that run on cloud platforms like AWS.
Strong understanding of data governance, security, and compliance, with the ability to implement policies that ensure data integrity.
Experience working with cross-functional teams, including product engineering, analytics, and business stakeholders.
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have

Experience with dbt, including the development and maintenance of dbt models and transformations.
Knowledge of cloud-based data platforms, such as AWS Redshift or Google BigQuery.
Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau, Looker, or Power BI.
Certification in data engineering or a related field, demonstrating expertise and commitment to professional development.

Benefits and Perks

Competitive salary and equity package, reflecting the value you bring to the company.
Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Generous PTO policy, allowing you to recharge and pursue your interests.
Remote work stipend, supporting your ability to work from anywhere.
Professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and conference attendance.
Access to the latest technologies and tools, ensuring you stay at the forefront of data engineering.
Collaborative and dynamic work environment, with a team that values innovation and teamwork.

How to Stand Out

When applying, make sure to highlight your experience with Snowflake and SQL, as these are critical technologies for this role.
Showcase your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a distributed team environment, as Extend values teamwork and open communication.
Prepare examples of your data engineering projects, including your approach to data architecture, data governance, and data security.
Demonstrate your understanding of the latest trends and technologies in data engineering, and how you apply this knowledge to drive innovation.
Be ready to discuss your experience with Python and AWS, including any scripts or data jobs you've developed and maintained.
Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the role, highlighting your relevant skills and experience as a Principal Data Engineer.
Research Extend's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and goals.

This is a remote position listed on WFA Digital, the platform for professionals who work from anywhere. Browse more remote jobs across all categories.