Principal Data Engineer POST NUMBER: 444356
We’re hiring a senior-level data expert who’s passionate about building smart, scalable solutions and mentoring others along the way. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both designing systems and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver real business value.
What You’ll Do
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Build, optimize, and manage reliable data pipelines that scale with the organization’s needs
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Architect and implement data solutions using SQL, Python (Databricks), and cloud technologies (Azure)
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Integrate with systems like Salesforce, Tableau, and Power BI
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Define and enforce data governance, security, and compliance standards
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Partner with analysts, scientists, and business leaders to understand data needs and deliver impactful insights
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Lead technical conversations, mentor team members, and promote best practices
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Research and adopt emerging data tools and technologies to strengthen the data ecosystem
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Improve ETL/ELT workflows to boost data accessibility and performance
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Maintain clean, thorough documentation and encourage knowledge-sharing
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Support secure data access and manage platform integrations for BI tools
What You Bring
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High school diploma/GED with 14 years in enterprise data roles, OR
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Associate’s degree with 12 years, OR
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Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience
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5 years of experience in a senior data engineering or architecture role
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Strong background in SaaS data integration (especially Salesforce)
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Proven track record collaborating with AppDev, BI, and AI teams
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Deep knowledge of SQL and proficiency in Python
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Experience with ETL/ELT tools (preferably Azure Data Factory)
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Hands-on work with Azure and other cloud platforms
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Familiarity with big data tools like Databricks or Spark
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Strong understanding of data warehousing concepts and architectures
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Comfort with building custom applications and enterprise-scale data platforms
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Knowledge of compliance standards and data privacy frameworks (e.g., HIPAA)
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Ability to optimize pipelines and work with distributed systems
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Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Preferred
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
Location & Workstyle This hybrid role is based in Durham, NC, with in-office presence required three days per week. Relocation support is available if needed.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.