Platform Technology Lead - Data Operations

Pacific Life • Newport Beach, CA

39d

About The Position

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own. We're actively seeking a talented Platform Technology Lead, to join our team in Newport Beach, CA or Omaha, NE. Relocation Assistance may be provided. As a Platform Technology Lead, your primary responsibility will center on data operations within our SaaS Policy Administration platform and its supporting systems. You will oversee the management, integrity, and optimization of data flows across multiple domains-ensuring data accuracy, quality, and availability. The role involves monitoring and maintaining data pipelines, troubleshooting issues, and fostering seamless data integration between billing, claims, customer management, and reporting systems. You will collaborate closely with technical delivery teams, business units, and vendors to support frequent data-related requests and to uphold compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in data service delivery, demonstrate expertise in resolving incidents and performing root cause analysis, and be proficient at documenting processes and solutions. By championing robust data operations, you will play a vital part in supporting platform reliability, regulatory adherence, and an exceptional user experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in data operations, with at least 3 years in a lead capacity
• Deep understanding of SaaS platforms, data architecture, and integration frameworks
• Experience with data governance, compliance, and security best practices
• Ability to support non-business hours for major incidents
• Proficiency in ETL/ELT and big data tools
• Proficiency in tools such as Snowflake, PostgreSQL, ADO, Control-M, Splunk, SQL, Python, and CI/CD frameworks
• Proficiency in development languages such as JSON, Python, SQL and Java
• Experience with AWS Services
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Vendor management

Nice To Haves

• Expertise with EIS or equivalent policy administration systems, demonstrating advanced knowledge beyond general platform or data operations.
• Hands-on experience in Agile or SAFe environments, contributing to dynamic and adaptive team cultures.
• Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams, especially within complex, matrixed organizations.
• Prior work experience in the insurance or workforce benefits industry, bringing industry-specific insights and best practices.
• Strong vendor management skills, ensuring successful partnerships and optimized external resource utilization.
• Exceptional communication skills, allowing the candidate to bridge technical and business audiences effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership in high-impact operational roles, especially with direct accountability for data governance, compliance, and security.
• Advanced proficiency in critical tools and technologies such as Snowflake, MuleSoft, Splunk, SQL, Python, and CI/CD frameworks.
• A track record of solving complex analytical and technical challenges with innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and escalate data pipeline issues; perform root cause analysis.
• Set up and maintain monitoring dashboards, alerts, and respond promptly to ensure uptime.
• Manage job schedules, dependencies, and coordinate fixes with engineering teams.
• Oversee user access, permissions, and audit logs for security and compliance.
• Investigate and resolve data quality issues; communicate with stakeholders and track recurring problems.
• Maintain documentation, runbooks, and onboarding materials for incident response and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate, validate, and monitor platform/data changes; communicate updates or rollbacks.
• Provide user support, respond to queries, communicate outages, and deliver training.
• Support audits and compliance by maintaining documentation and tracking metrics.
• Use SQL, Python, Tableau, Snowflake, and automation tools to improve operations.
• Enforce data governance standards and document methodologies for transparency.
• Work with internal and external teams for secure, scalable integrations and data flows.
• Enhance observability and proactively address data issues using Splunk, Grafana, and DataDog.
• Identify and implement improvements for reliability, latency, and cost-efficiency.
• Partnering with data architects, analysts, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand data requirements and deliver solutions in an effective manner.
• Align data operations with business strategy through close collaboration with leaders, delivery teams, and vendors.
• Build scalable & reliable solutions with robust security, quality, performance and governance protocols
• Deliver solutions aligned with modern target state architecture and cloud-based technologies
• Create and maintain high-level and detailed design artifacts that support data engineering solutions
• Lead creation and maintenance of automated and scalable test, build and deploy workflows aligned with modern CI/CD practices
• Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and agile methodologies.
• Lead code reviews to ensure data engineering standards and best practices are followed
• Demonstrate adaptability, initiative and attention to detail through deliverables and ways of working

Benefits

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees