Starbucks Corporation

director, engineering - Data Governance & AI Experience

Starbucks Corporation$150K — $180K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years in data/platform/software engineering
  • 5+ years leading engineering managers and distributed teams
  • Proven experience building enterprise-scale data platforms
  • Hands-on expertise with modern data stacks, including cloud and metadata systems
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder alignment skills

Responsibilities

  • Own the vision and architecture of enterprise data platform capabilities
  • Build a cohesive data and AI experience layer for self-serve analytics
  • Enable AI-assisted data interactions to accelerate decision-making
  • Partner with data science teams to operationalize ML-ready datasets
  • Lead engineering managers and distributed teams to drive platform delivery
  • Operationalize data governance policies across all platforms
  • Partner with cross-functional leaders to translate business needs into scalable capabilities

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Collaborative and innovative work culture
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and resources
  • Supportive leadership fostering talent growth
Full Job Description
Now Brewing - director, engineering (Data Governance & AI Experience)

We're looking for a Director of Engineering to lead the next generation of enterprise data platforms and AI-ready systems, shaping how data is governed, discovered, and activated across the company.

This role will define and scale critical capabilities across data governance, catalog, semantic layer, metadata, and AI data readiness, powering intuitive, self-serve experiences such as natural language to SQL and data exploration.

You'll lead a multi-layered engineering organization (engineering managers, data engineers, ML engineers, and contractors) to deliver high-impact, scalable platforms that unify data, AI, and user experience.

As a director, engineering, you will...

Governance & Architecture Leadership
  • Own the vision, architecture, and execution of enterprise data platform capabilities, including:
    • Data governance & stewardship frameworks
    • Enterprise data catalog & discovery
    • Semantic layer and context modeling
    • Metadata management & lineage systems
    • AI-ready data pipelines and feature readiness
  • Build a cohesive data & AI experience layer enabling self-serve analytics and intelligent applications
  • Drive development of natural language to SQL and conversational data interfaces

AI & Data Experience Innovation
  • Enable agent-driven and AI-assisted data interactions, accelerating decision-making across partners and leadership
  • Partner with data science teams to operationalize ML-ready datasets, feature stores, and experimentation platforms
  • Modernize data access patterns to support self-service at scale while maintaining governance and trust

Engineering Execution & Scale
  • Lead multiple engineering managers and distributed teams (onshore/offshore, FTE + contract)
  • Drive delivery of scalable, reliable platforms supporting enterprise-wide data usage
  • Establish engineering standards for performance, reliability, observability, and data quality

Governance, Trust & Compliance
  • Operationalize data governance policies, controls, and standards across all platforms
  • Ensure alignment with privacy, security, and regulatory requirements
  • Balance self-service access with enterprise-grade data controls

Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner with data science, product, analytics, and business leaders to translate needs into scalable platform capabilities
  • Drive alignment across data platform, BI, and AI initiatives to reduce fragmentation
  • Influence senior leadership with clear articulation of technical strategy and business value

Talent & Organization
  • Build and scale a high-performing org of engineering managers and senior ICs
  • Lead globally distributed teams, including onshore/offshore engineering and vendors
  • Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement


We'd love to hear from leaders who...
  • Have deep expertise in data platforms, governance, metadata, and semantic modeling
  • Have built self-service data ecosystems with strong adoption across business users
  • Understand both AI/ML lifecycle needs and enterprise data architecture
  • Have delivered platforms enabling natural language querying, data discovery, and analytics democratization
  • Can integrate fragmented data systems into unified, scalable architectures


Basic Qualifications
  • 12+ years in data/platform/software engineering
  • 5+ years leading engineering managers and large distributed teams
  • Proven experience building enterprise-scale data platforms (governance, catalog, semantic layer)
  • Hands-on expertise with modern data stacks (cloud, batch/streaming, metadata systems)
  • Strong executive communication and stakeholder alignment skills


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AI-driven data platforms, LLM-powered interfaces, or agent frameworks
  • Experience delivering natural language to SQL or conversational analytics solutions
  • Deep understanding of data governance, lineage, and compliance frameworks
  • Experience in retail, supply chain, or high-scale operational environments
  • Demonstrated track record of driving enterprise transformation and platform adoption

About Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks is an international chain of restaurants that retails handcrafted coffee, tea, and fresh food items. With 23,132 stores in 65 countries and territories, Starbucks locations serve hot and cold drinks, whole-bean coffee, microground instant coffee, espresso, caffe latte, full-leaf teas, evolution fresh juices, pastries, and snacks. Most stores also sell pre-packaged food items, hot and cold sandwiches, and items such as mugs and tumblers. The stores also offer a variety of beers, wines, and appetizers, and markets books, music, and film. Some of the company’s products are seasonal or specific to the locality of the store. Starbucks-brand coffee, ice cream, and bottled cold coffee drinks are also sold at grocery stores. Starbucks was founded by Orin Smith in October 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Corporation Careers

Join the vibrant team at Starbucks Corporation, a premier destination for passionate, innovative professionals seeking impactful careers in the coffee industry and beyond. As a global leader in coffee and a champion of sustainable practices, Starbucks offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise both personal and professional growth.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a fulfilling career path at Starbucks Corporation where you can blend your skills with a culture of excellence and innovation. Our team members are at the heart of our business, and we empower them through leadership development, diversity training, and continuous learning opportunities.

Transform Your Career

With Starbucks, you're not just taking a job; you're joining a culture that nurtures innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and community involvement. Our baristas, managers, and corporate employees all play integral roles in our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Innovate and Lead

At Starbucks, innovation isn't just about coffee. It's about revolutionizing the way we connect with customers and grow our business. Lead the charge in creating and implementing new ideas as part of a team that values bold thinking and a fresh approach to challenges.

Professional Growth and Development

Starbucks is committed to the growth of its employees. Whether through professional development programs, internships, or leadership training, we provide the tools needed for you to advance your career within the company. Our robust benefits package supports the health, financial, and lifestyle needs of our team members and their families.

Join Our Team

Explore the array of job opportunities at Starbucks Corporation—from baristas to management positions. We are hiring creative, driven individuals who are ready to make meaningful contributions. Bring your unique perspective and talents to Starbucks and help us continue our legacy of innovation and exceptional service.

Networking and Career Advancement

Starbucks is a place where networking and professional relationships flourish. Connect with leaders and peers who can help guide your career path, and take advantage of our comprehensive training programs that prepare you for future leadership roles.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world experience and build your resume through a Starbucks internship. Our interns work on projects that matter, gaining skills that are crucial to succeeding in the coffee industry and beyond. It’s an opportunity to see what a career at Starbucks might look like, with many interns going on to full-time positions within the company.

Stay Connected

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Join us and be part of a company that prides itself on growth, innovation, and a positive employment culture.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Starbucks Corporation.

Explore Starbucks Careers

Whether you're beginning your career journey or looking to enhance it, Starbucks offers a dynamic path filled with opportunities for success. Join us and become part of a team that is passionate about coffee, community, and making a positive impact in the world.
Learn more about Starbucks Corporation
Size
383,000 employees
Market Cap
$113.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$664.8 million
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$23.1 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Starbucks Corporation

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar director, engineering - Data Governance & AI Experience jobs: