Senior Data Platform Engineer

Role Overview

• Design and build scalable data platform infrastructure, including distributed systems that power data discovery, metadata management, and data access
• Develop and maintain tooling that enables teams to self-serve data transformations, testing, and deployment workflows within the Lakehouse
• Improve data reliability and observability by building systems for monitoring, alerting, and data quality validation
• Partner with machine learning engineers, analysts, and product teams to understand data needs and drive adoption of platform capabilities
• Contribute to platform evolution in areas such as metadata services, natural language data access, and AI-enabled data interactions
• Lead and influence technical design decisions, balancing short-term delivery with long-term platform scalability and maintainability

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) plus 4+ years of experience
• Experience building and operating distributed data systems or data platform infrastructure in a cloud environment (e.g., AWS)
• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, Java, Scala, Javascript or Kotlin
• Experience working with data processing frameworks or infrastructure (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Airflow, or similar technologies)
• Experience designing, deploying, and maintaining production-grade data systems, including monitoring and reliability practices
• Experience building or supporting data platforms, developer tooling, or internal infrastructure products (Preferred)
• Knowledge of metadata management, data cataloging, or data governance systems (Preferred)
• Experience working with Lakehouse architectures, Databricks, or similar modern data platforms (Preferred)
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and translate data concepts into practical solutions (Preferred)
• Interest in applying AI/ML capabilities to improve data accessibility, discovery, or user experience (Preferred)

Tech Stack

• Airflow
• AWS
• Cloud
• Distributed Systems
• Java
• JavaScript
• Kafka
• Kotlin
• Python
• Scala
• Spark

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options
• Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
• Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short
• and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
• Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
• Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
• Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).