Principal Engineer, Data Analytics Engineering (Data Engineering , GenAI , Python , SQL) ,8 + years

Position: Principal AI Engineer (Data Engineering & GenAI)

We are seeking a Principal AI Engineer with deep expertise in data engineering, Generative AI (GenAI), and AWS cloud platforms to architect and lead scalable AI-driven solutions that address complex business and technology challenges.

Key Responsibilities

  • AI Platform Architecture: Design and implement scalable AI/ML and GenAI solutions on AWS using modern data engineering frameworks and best practices.
  • Data Engineering Leadership: Drive the development of robust data pipelines, ETL/ELT frameworks, and data models that support AI/ML and analytics use cases at scale.
  • Generative AI Solutions: Lead the exploration, prototyping, and deployment of GenAI applications (LLM-based copilots, RAG pipelines, autonomous agents) across enterprise scenarios.
  • Technology Strategy: Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies to strengthen AI and data engineering efficiency and capabilities.
  • Cloud & Infrastructure: Define and implement cloud-native architectures using AWS services (S3, Glue, Redshift, EMR, Lambda, SageMaker, Bedrock, EKS).
  • Collaboration & Influence: Partner with data scientists, product managers, and business stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable technical solutions.
  • Best Practices & Governance: Establish coding standards, DevOps/MLOps practices, and enforce data governance and security controls for AI workloads.
  • Mentorship & Leadership: Guide and mentor engineers and data professionals, fostering innovation, technical excellence, and best practices.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, AI/ML, or related field.
  • 9+ years of experience in data engineering, AI/ML systems, and cloud computing.
  • Proven expertise with AWS cloud ecosystem (S3, Glue, Redshift, EMR, Lambda, SageMaker, Bedrock) and Databricks.
  • Hands-on experience with Generative AI models (LLMs, diffusion models), frameworks (LangChain, Hugging Face, OpenAI/Anthropic APIs), and RAG implementations.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, SQL, and at least one compiled language (Java, Scala, or Go).
  • Experience with modern data engineering tools and pipelines (Airflow, Spark, Kafka, dbt, Snowflake).
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with experience in architecture design and stakeholder communication.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with vector and graph databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, pgvector, Neo4j).
  • Working knowledge of MCP (Model Context Protocol) for orchestrating and managing AI agent workflows.
  • Familiarity with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, EKS)
  • Knowledge of MLOps/LLMOps practices and CI/CD pipelines for AI workloads (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, LangSmith).
  • Strong understanding of data security, compliance, and governance in cloud and AI systems.

Because Western Digital thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.  Western Digital does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their protected class status and complies with all federal and state laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as the laws and regulations set forth in the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

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