Principal Data Engineer

We are seeking a hands-on Principal Data Engineer who excels at both architecting and building large-scale data systems. In this role, you will design blueprints for modern data pipelines and write the code to bring them to life. Your work will enable event-driven ingestion and create analytics-ready datasets that form the data backbone for Emumba’s AI and product platforms. This is a highly technical individual contributor position focused on coding, optimizing data pipelines, and mentoring engineers through practical implementation rather than managing teams.

Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop robust data pipelines for both batch and real-time processing.
- Define scalable data models, schemas, and strategies for data evolution.
- Implement reliable ingestion, transformation, and storage layers across cloud environments.
- Work hands-on with event-driven architectures, microservices, and data APIs.
- Optimize data quality, system performance, and observability.
- Collaborate closely with AI and backend teams to ensure data is discoverable and production-ready.
- Contribute directly to system architecture, conduct code reviews, and perform performance tuning.

Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience designing and building production data systems.
- Strong programming skills in Python and proficiency in SQL.
- Expertise in data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, and managing the data lifecycle.
- Experience with event-driven systems such as Kafka, Kinesis, or similar technologies.
- Practical knowledge of cloud-native data workflows, including AWS services like S3, Lambda, and Glue.
- Solid understanding of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data formats.
- Experience working with vector stores or retrieval-based data pipelines.
- Familiarity with Lakehouse architectures and technologies such as Delta Lake, Iceberg, or Hudi.
- Understanding of data governance principles, cataloging, and lineage tracking.
- Exposure to machine learning data preparation or feature store design.
- Demonstrated hands-on builder attitude, owning delivery from architecture through deployment.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across AI, backend, and DevOps teams.
- Proven mentorship skills through example and technical leadership rather than supervision.
- Clear and pragmatic communication regarding technical trade-offs and decisions.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
While not explicitly listed, candidates with experience in global, cross-functional teams and a passion for quality delivery and ownership will thrive in this environment. Emumba values a strong culture where craftsmanship and collaboration are equally important.

About Emumba
Emumba is a global engineering and consulting firm specializing in software development with a strong AWS cloud practice focused on Data and Generative AI. With 15 years of experience, our teams across the US, UAE, and Pakistan have built a reputation for quality delivery and ownership. We seek professionals who appreciate both the culture they work in and the craft they bring to their roles.