About the Role
Extend is seeking a visionary and highly technical Principal Data Engineer to serve as the primary architect for our global analytics data infrastructure. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for the strategic design and hands-on execution of a data ecosystem that powers critical financial reporting, merchant-facing insights, and business-critical decision-making. As the bridge between product engineering, system architecture, and downstream analytics consumption, you will ensure that Extend’s data environment is scalable, performant, and perfectly aligned with our mission to revolutionize the post-purchase experience for over 1,000 leading merchant partners.
At Extend, we are transforming how retailers engage with their customers through AI-driven solutions in returns management, automated fulfillment, and product protection. As our Principal Data Engineer, you will own the technical roadmap for our Snowflake warehouse and reporting layers, setting the standard for how data is modeled and exposed across the entire organization. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity where your contributions in SQL, Python, and dbt will directly influence the success of a platform backed by industry-leading technology investors and utilized by household names in fashion, electronics, and automotive industries.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Database Architecture: You will serve as the primary owner of Extend’s data warehouse and the reporting architecture built on top of it. You will define and implement best-in-class patterns for data modeling, schema evolution, and data exposure to ensure long-term scalability and reliability.
- Advanced Analytics Engineering: You will lead the development of complex dbt models and SQL transformations, refactoring legacy processes into efficient, high-performance views that downstream teams rely on for mission-critical operations.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: You will act as the connective tissue between product engineering and business stakeholders, proactively identifying data gaps, guiding upstream design to benefit downstream analytics, and ensuring data integrity across the entire lifecycle.
- Technical Execution and Mentorship: While this is a leadership role, you will remain hands-on, driving end-to-end execution of Python-based data jobs within our AWS environment and setting the technical bar for engineering excellence.
- Performance Optimization and Governance: You will monitor and optimize Snowflake consumption and query performance while establishing robust governance practices to maintain a clean, organized, and secure data environment.
- Extensive Engineering Experience: You possess at least 8-10 years of experience in data engineering, with a proven track record of architecting large-scale data warehouses and reporting layers in high-growth environments.
- Snowflake Mastery: You have expert-level proficiency in Snowflake architecture, including optimization, security, and advanced data sharing capabilities.
- Advanced Technical Stack: You demonstrate mastery of SQL and significant experience with dbt (data build tool) for modern analytics engineering. You are also proficient in Python for building and managing data pipelines.
- Cloud Infrastructure: You have strong experience working within the AWS ecosystem, specifically managing data workloads and orchestration in a cloud-native environment.
- Communication and Influence: You possess the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and the executive presence to drive consensus across engineering and product teams.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: You thrive in ambiguous environments and take initiative to solve architectural bottlenecks before they impact the business.
- Competitive Compensation: We offer a highly competitive salary and equity package designed to attract top-tier talent in the data engineering space.
- Remote-First Culture: Enjoy the flexibility of a remote role with a team that values output and collaboration over physical office presence.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance options for you and your dependents.
- Growth and Development: A dedicated budget for professional development, certifications, and attending industry conferences to keep your skills sharp.
- Generous Time Off: A flexible PTO policy that encourages employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Modern Tools and Tech: Work with the latest technologies in a high-performing engineering culture that values innovation and clean code.