Principal Data Engineer

Job description

SpyCloud is on a mission to make the internet a safer place by disrupting the criminal underground. SpyCloud’s solutions thwart cyberattacks and protect more than 4 billion accounts worldwide. Cybersecurity is an exciting, evolving space, and being at the forefront of the fight to disrupt cybercrime makes SpyCloud a special place to work. If you’re driven to align your career with a fantastic mission, look no further!

As a Principal Data Engineer at SpyCloud, you will lead the architectural transformation of our data systems, working closely with Product Management, SpyCloud Labs, and Engineering teams. Your focus will be on modernizing our data platform into a scalable, AWS-native Lakehouse architecture, building purpose-built data stores, and preparing data pipelines optimized for machine learning and large language models (LLMs). This is a hands-on, strategic leadership role shaping the future of data at SpyCloud.

What You’ll Do:

• Redesign and modernize data architecture for scalability, performance, and AI-readiness
• Build and optimize real-time and batch data pipelines using AWS tools (e.g, Lambda, S3, DynamoDB)
• Design systems to prepare and serve high-quality data for ML models and LLM applications
• Optimize cost and performance of daily data ingestion, transformation, and storage workflows
• Work with Product and Engineering teams to ensure data solutions meet product requirements
• Evaluate and implement modern tooling for data processing, ML data workflows, and observability
• Guide and mentor data engineers, championing best practices and technical excellence
• Ensure operational data quality, security, and reliability across systems
• Lead long-term data architecture planning aligned with company and AI-driven goals

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field
• 12+ years of experience in data engineering or closely related disciplines
• 2+ years in a technical leadership or principal engineering role
• Experience building and operating Lakehouse or large-scale distributed data lake architectures in AWS
• Knowledge of distributed systems as it pertains to data storage and computing
• Hands-on experience preparing and managing data for machine learning and LLM workflows
• Strong development skills in Python and Go, especially in building data-intensive systems
• Practical experience using DynamoDB and other AWS-native data services at scale
• Effective communication and collaboration across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to mentor and grow engineering talent and lead large-scale initiatives

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with AI/ML tools such as SageMaker, LangChain, or vector databases
• Understanding of data governance, privacy, and compliance in AI contexts
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments with evolving product and technical requirements

SpyCloud is not sponsoring visas at this time.

U.S.-Based Benefits + Perks (for Full Time Employees):

At SpyCloud, we are committed to working alongside individuals who are equally passionate about preventing cybercrime, regardless of their department or role. Guided by our core values in all business decisions, we prioritize unity in our mission and ensure all SpyCloud employees have the support and benefits they need to stay focused on our goals. In addition to our engaging workspace in South Austin, flexible and remote-friendly work options, and competitive salary package, we offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 401(k) with Employer Contribution
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with Employer Contribution
• Employer Paid Life, Short-term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Generous PTO Plan and 16 paid holidays per year

U.K.-Based Benefits + Perks (for Full Time Employees):

• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Contribution
• Employer Provided Private Health Insurance and Healthcare Cashplan
• Employer Paid Life Insurance and Income Replacement
• Generous Holiday Plan and 14 paid holidays per year

About SpyCloud:

SpyCloud is on a mission to disrupt the cycle of cybercrime. As the leader in Cybercrime Analytics, our solutions thwart cyberattacks that originate from the use of stolen data, including account takeover, ransomware, and online fraud. More than 550 customers and partners trust SpyCloud to protect users’ identities, prevent targeted attacks, and unmask adversaries attempting to harm businesses and their customers.

To learn more and see insights on your company’s exposed data, visit SpyCloud.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to make the internet a safer place by disrupting the criminal underground. Together with our customers and partners, we aim to end criminals’ ability to profit from stolen information.

Who We Are:

SpyCloud is a place for innovative, collaborative, and problem-solvers to thrive. Individually, we’re amazing, but together, we’re unstoppable. We celebrate diversity and various perspectives and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. SpyCloud complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SpyCloud expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment. Improper interference with the ability of SpyCloud’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. SpyCloud shares the right to work and participates in the E-Verify program in all locations.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Our Culture:

Our culture is something really special. We’re all driven to disrupt the cybercriminal economy as we keep customer accounts safe from compromise. We support a truly worthy and serious mission, but we have fun doing it together. If you are driven, inventive, and collaborative, you’ll fit right in.

SpyCloud’s Recruitment Policy:

We will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with SpyCloud to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing SpyCloud should email [email protected].

Compensation Transparency Policy:

At SpyCloud, we believe in transparency and fairness in compensation. We strive to ensure that all employees are fairly compensated for their contributions, and we openly discuss our compensation philosophy and structure. We are committed to providing competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent, and we encourage open dialogue and feedback regarding compensation matters.

Learn more and apply: SpyCloud Careers