engineer principal, Data & Analytics (Seattle, WA)

Starbucks • Seattle, WA

65d

About The Position

Now Brewing - Principal Engineer Data & Analytics! #tobeapartner From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others. We're hiring a hands-on Principal Engineer to lead the AI surface and web platform for generative and agentic solutions (S4), while bringing application development, data engineering, and DevOps into a unified engineering culture. You'll code, architect, and operate across the stack: React/TypeScript front ends, secure APIs, AKS-based services, and Databricks/PySpark pipelines. You will work in Databricks, SQL server, PostgreSQL and Azure CosmosDB data environments. You'll ensure the AI surface is secure, scalable, and intuitive, and partner with AI teams to deliver AI-powered user experiences that are grounded, safe, and performant. You will standardize DEVOPS practices across all environments, enabling continuous Ci/CD in all disciplines for the products developed.

Requirements

• Full-Stack Engineering Expertise: Advanced skills in React/TypeScript, secure API development, and Kubernetes-native services (AKS), with strong CI/CD, observability, and cost optimization practices.
• Data Engineering Leadership: Deep experience with Databricks, PySpark, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Azure CosmosDB, applying software engineering principles to scalable data pipelines.
• Platform Architecture & Cloud Proficiency: Proven ability to architect and lead cross-domain platforms (web, data, AI) using Microsoft Azure services including AKS and Azure DevOps.
• AI/ML Integration: Strong understanding of generative and agentic AI workflows, including prompt orchestration, context APIs, and feedback loop design.
• Security & Governance: Demonstrated experience building secure, scalable systems with a focus on data privacy, governance, and enterprise-grade reliability.
• DevOps Standardization: Expertise in implementing automated CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and fostering a unified engineering culture across disciplines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and partnership skills across AI, data, product, and design teams to deliver intuitive, performant user experiences.

Responsibilities

• Own the AI Surface & Web Platform: Lead development of the web portal and APIs that serve as the front door for generative and agentic AI solutions (S4).
• Build & Operate: Architect React/TypeScript front ends, secure APIs, and Kubernetes native services with robust CI/CD, observability, and cost controls.
• Lead Data Engineering: Guide Databricks/PySpark teams; apply appdev principles (testing, CI/CD, modularity) to data pipelines.
• AI Integration: Enable prompt orchestration, context APIs, and feedback loops for AI workflows.
• Mentor & Influence: Set engineering standards across app and data teams; lead by example through code and design.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Paid parental leave.
• Family expansion reimbursement.
• Paid vacation from date of hire.
• Sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked).
• Eight paid holidays and two personal days per year.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.).
• Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
• Incentivized emergency savings and financial well-being tools.
• 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program.
• Student loan management resources and access to other educational opportunities.
• Backup care and DACA reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees