Principal Data Engineer

Position Overview We are seeking a Principal Data Engineer to provide technical leadership in designing, building, and scaling data infrastructure that powers machine learning, personalization, and search experiences. You will architect scalable data pipelines in production, drive technical strategy, and mentor engineering teams while partnering with Machine Learning Engineering, Platform Engineering, and Data Science.Your work will be critical to strategic initiatives including optimization of digital conversion metrics, development of Autodesk Assistant (an LLM-driven chatbot), RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems, eCommerce personalization engines, and intelligent search capabilities. As a Principal Engineer, you will set technical direction, establish best practices, and drive innovation across the data engineering organization.Our team culture is built on collaboration, mutual support, and continuous learning. We emphasize an agile, hands-on, and technical approach at all levels of the team.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive technical architecture for data platforms supporting ML and personalization at scale.Design, build, and maintain highly scalable, low-latency data pipelines supporting real-time ML inference and personalization.Build data pipelines for RAG systems, including vector embeddings and semantic search.Design real-time feature engineering and event processing systems for eCommerce personalization and recommendation engines.Develop sophisticated data models optimized for ML training, real-time inference, and analytics workloads.Implement complex stream processing architectures using technologies like Kafka and Flink.Oversee and optimize database systems (SQL, NoSQL, vector databases) ensuring high performance and scalability.Establish data engineering standards, patterns, and best practices across the organization.Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to senior and mid-level data engineers.Lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex data engineering solutions in production.Minimum Qualifications8+ years of data engineering experience with at least 3+ years in a senior or lead capacity.Expert-level proficiency in Python, Java, or ScalaDeep knowledge of SQL and extensive experience with relational and NoSQL databasesStrong expertise in big data technologies (Kafka, Flink, Spark, Parquet, Iceberg, Delta Lake)Advanced experience with ETL orchestration tools like Apache AirflowExtensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their data servicesDeep understanding of data warehousing solutions like Snowflake, Redshift, or BigQueryProven expertise in data modeling, data architecture design, and ETL/ELT processes at scaleDemonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor engineering talentStrong communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or related field (Master's/PhD strongly preferred)Preferred Skills & ExperienceExperience building data pipelines for Retrieval-Augmented Generation, vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, Milvus), and semantic searchExperience with real-time personalization engines, recommendation systems, feature stores, and A/B testing infrastructureExperience building ML data pipelines, feature engineering systems, and model serving infrastructureKnowledge of search technologies (Elasticsearch, Solr, OpenSearch), relevance tuning, and search analyticsDeep experience with event streaming, behavioral analytics, and customer data platformsExperience with A/B testing infrastructure and metrics computation at scaleKnowledge of MLOps, model monitoring, and ML pipeline orchestrationKnowledge of eCommerce metrics, conversion optimization, and digital analyticsLearn MoreAbout AutodeskWelcome to Autodesk Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join usBenefitsFrom health and financial benefits to time away and everyday wellness, we give Autodeskers the best, so they can do their best work. Learn more about our benefits in the U.S. by visiting Salary transparencySalary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based roles, we expect a starting base salary between $130,600 and $211,200. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location, and may exceed this range. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.Equal Employment Opportunity