Principal Engineer, Data Engineering

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership and drive architectural excellence across our enterprise data platforms. This role requires deep expertise in Python, Oracle database development, CI/CD, Kubernetes, and large-scale data systems, along with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and shape long-term engineering strategy.
As a Principal Engineer, you will act as a technical authority and thought leader, responsible for defining architecture standards, driving innovation, ensuring scalability and performance, and mentoring engineering teams. You will partner closely with leadership, product, and operations teams to deliver strategic solutions aligned with enterprise goals.

Job Description

This position follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation to be in the office 3 days per week at the St. Petersburg, FL Corporate Office location.

Please note: This role is not eligible for Work Visa sponsorship, either currently or in the future.

Responsibilities

Technical Strategy & Architecture

• Define and drive enterprise-level architecture for data platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.

• Establish engineering standards, design patterns, and best practices across teams.

• Lead system design for complex, high-impact initiatives across multiple domains.

Engineering Leadership 

• Provide technical leadership across multiple teams, not limited to a single project or squad.

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on technology strategy, trade-offs, and long-term platform evolution.

• Drive alignment across engineering, data, and platform teams to ensure consistency and reusability.

Solution Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of enterprise-grade Python applications and distributed systems.

• Oversee architecture and implementation of data pipelines, APIs, and large-scale data processing frameworks.

• Ensure solutions are designed with high availability, fault tolerance, and observability.

Data & Database Engineering

• Define and enforce data architecture standards for Oracle and other data platforms.

• Lead advanced database optimization strategies, including performance tuning, partitioning, and query optimization.

• Ensure efficient data modeling, storage, and access patterns across platforms.

CI/CD & Platform Engineering

• Architect and standardize CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and modern DevOps practices.

• Drive adoption of automation-first principles across build, test, and deployment workflows.

• Promote DevSecOps best practices and governance controls.

Cloud & Containerization

• Lead adoption and architecture for Kubernetes-based platforms and containerized applications.

• Influence cloud strategy across AWS/Azure/GCP environments (where applicable).

• Drive platform modernization and cost optimization initiatives.

Performance, Reliability & Scalability

• Establish frameworks for performance engineering, monitoring, and SLO/SLI definition.

• Lead root cause analysis of critical production issues and define systemic improvements.

• Ensure systems meet enterprise-grade resiliency and recovery requirements.

Mentorship & Talent Development

• Mentor senior engineers and leads, raising the overall technical bar of the organization.

• Drive knowledge sharing, standards adoption, and engineering excellence initiatives.

• Serve as a role model for engineering best practices and problem-solving.

Cross-Functional Influence

• Collaborate with product, architecture, data governance, and operations teams.

• Contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives such as data governance, platform modernization, and integration strategies.

• Influence prioritization and decision-making at the program and portfolio level.

Documentation & Governance

• Define standards for technical documentation, architecture reviews, and design governance.

• Ensure compliance with enterprise policies, data governance, and security standards.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in Python, Oracle database development, and distributed systems design

• Deep expertise in CI/CD (Jenkins), Kubernetes, and containerization

• Strong experience with data engineering, large-scale data processing, and data pipelines

• Advanced knowledge of database performance optimization and data modeling

• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and modern architecture patterns

• Experience in enterprise architecture, system integration, and platform engineering

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic thinker with ability to connect technical decisions to business outcomes

• Strong influence skills across teams without direct authority

• Exceptional problem-solving and system-level thinking

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to engage with senior leadership and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Agile/Scrum at scale (SAFe or similar frameworks)

• Background in enterprise data platforms, data governance, or financial systems

• Relevant certifications in cloud, Kubernetes, database technologies, or DevOps tools

Education

Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Computer and Information Science (Required), Bachelor’s: Computer Engineering

Work Experience

General Experience - More than 15 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 
We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

#LI-SA1