Senior Director of Data Platform Engineering

Upstart

14h•$261,000 - $357,200•Remote

About The Position

Upstart's Data Platform organization builds and operates the data infrastructure and platforms that enable teams across the company to move, store, and use data reliably. The organization currently includes Database Engineering, Data Capture, Data Curation, and Production Experience & Data Governance, with approximately 35 people and 4 managers. This is a platform-focused organization: the team builds the infrastructure and tooling that enable engineering teams to build and own their own data pipelines rather than embedding data engineers directly within product teams. Data is foundational to how Upstart operates, making this organization an important partner across Engineering, Analytics, Analytics Engineering, and Machine Learning Platform. As the Senior Director of Data Platform Engineering, you will lead this organization and set the strategy for Upstart’s data infrastructure. For a Senior Director-level hire, the scope may expand to include Analytics Engineering, bringing the organization to approximately 50 people and five direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) and 10+ years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years of direct people management experience.
Experience leading a data engineering or data platform organization, including managing managers and multiple engineering teams.
Experience leading the development and operation of shared data platforms or infrastructure that enable engineering teams to build and manage their own data pipelines.
Experience owning strategy and technical roadmaps for large-scale data infrastructure, database platforms, or distributed data systems.
Experience leading data infrastructure modernization, architecture evolution, or technical-debt reduction in a production environment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of database engineering, data governance, data quality, and operational data architecture.
Experience partnering with or leading an Analytics Engineering function.
Experience working in a regulated or data-intensive industry, such as financial services or lending.
Ability to connect data infrastructure investments to business priorities and translate needs across technical and non-technical partners.
Experience leading organizations through changes in data architecture, operating models, or platform ownership.

Responsibilities

Lead and evolve Upstart’s data platform organization, including Database Engineering, Data Capture, Data Curation, and Production Experience & Data Governance, building platforms and tooling that enable engineering teams to develop and manage reliable data pipelines.
Set the strategy and roadmap for Upstart’s data infrastructure, developing deep context on business and technical priorities and translating that context into high-impact infrastructure investments.
Modernize Upstart’s operational data architecture, partnering with engineering teams to simplify systems, improve reliability and data quality, and reduce technical debt.
Develop engineering leaders and teams, establishing clear ownership, operating practices, and technical standards across the data platform organization.
Partner across Analytics, Analytics Engineering, Engineering, and Machine Learning Platform to understand shared needs, establish priorities, and evolve Upstart’s data ecosystem.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only)
Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only)
Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security
Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)
Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
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 (US Only)
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, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City