Director of Engineering - Data Platform / Lakehouse (Hybrid)

We’re partnered with a high-growth, AI-first technology company building a next-generation data platform powering complex, real-world applications at scale.This is a senior leadership hire with genuine ownership of a core platform that underpins everything the business does. You’ll lead a mission-critical data platform team (8 engineers) responsible for architecting and evolving a modern lakehouse / data infrastructure layer.This isn’t a pure management role, it’s a player-coach position where you’ll:Shape platform architecture and long-term technical strategyBuild and evolve a high-performing engineering teamDrive delivery across complex data infrastructure challengesStay hands-on through internal tooling, prototyping, and technical leadershipThe platform itself sits at the intersection of:Distributed data systemsAI/ML enablementCloud-native infrastructureYour Background:Deep experience with modern data platforms / lakehouse architectures (e.g. Spark, Databricks, Iceberg/Delta or similar) Strong background in distributed systems and cloud-native engineering Proven leadership experience managing and scaling engineering teams (ideally 5-10+) Track record of building and operating production-grade data infrastructure Ability to operate across strategy, execution, and team developmentYou’ll likely come from:Top-tier tech or data infrastructure companiesOr deep domain experience building data platforms at scale What Success Looks Like:Leading team operations (~50% of your time): hiring, leveling up engineering practices, scaling delivery Driving forward-looking platform strategy (~25%) across a 12–24 month horizon Supporting architecture, tooling, and key technical decisions (~25%) You won’t be shipping production code day-to-day, but you will:Build internal tools and prototypesDrive architectural clarityLeverage AI tools to accelerate engineering output Culture & Environment:Strong builder culture. Leaders still create, not just delegateAI-first mindset across engineering and productHigh ownership, high standards, and low bureaucracyOpportunity to shape how a platform, and team, evolves from hereThis is one of those rare roles where you’re not inheriting legacy systems, you’re helping define the future of a cornerstone data platform, with the autonomy to evolve architecture, team structure, and long-term strategy.If this sounds like your kind of challenge, feel free to reach out directly or apply here.