Salesforce

Principal Data Engineer

Salesforce$197K — $313K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of hands-on data engineering experience with complex, enterprise-scale data platforms.
  • Expertise in distributed computing, lakehouse architectures, and cloud data warehouses.
  • Experience with engineering data systems for AI, including LLMs and agent workflows.
  • Proficient in Python, Scala, or Java and expert-level SQL tuning.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent impact).
  • Strong communication skills to translate technical architecture for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Architect and scale foundational data platforms and pipelines for analytics workflows.
  • Design production-grade data pipelines and event-driven architectures for AI systems.
  • Establish data governance and performance monitoring for mission-critical assets.
  • Lead cross-functional collaborations to transform business requirements into technical solutions.
  • Co-own the technology roadmap and address scale challenges proactively.
  • Mentor engineers and promote best practices in software development.

Benefits

  • Resources supporting work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to work with AI agents to enhance impact.
  • Commitment to personal and professional development.
  • Access to a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Full Job Description
To get the best candidate experience, please consider applying for a maximum of 3 roles within 12 months to ensure you are not duplicating efforts.

Job Category
Software Engineering

Job Details

Department Overview

Data Solutions is the force that propels Salesforce into the AI era, informing-through trusted data and artificial intelligence-the path forward to be smarter in every dimension. Delivering everything from financial forecasting and customer health to adoption insights and curated data, Data Solutions serves as the unbiased partner to every data trailblazer across Salesforce. As part of this organization, Cloud Analytics operates as the strategic product analytics engine, partnering directly with cloud leadership to drive high-stakes decision-making through rigorous metrics and insights. Sitting within Cloud Analytics as a forward-deployed partner to the AgentExchange and Partner Ecosystem business, this role collaborates hand-in-hand with product, engineering, and data leadership to co-build the foundations, core metrics, strategic insights, and autonomous agents driving the product forward.

Role Description

As a Principal Data Engineer for AgentExchange, you will serve as the chief data architect and technical authority powering our next-generation product analytics and AI platform. In this high-leverage position, you will design, scale, and maintain the enterprise-grade data infrastructure, real-time pipelines, and feature stores that feed both high-stakes decision systems and autonomous AI agents. Operating on the front lines alongside decision scientists, software engineers, and product leaders, you will transform high-volume data streams into pristine, reliable, and high-performing technical foundations.

Responsibilities
  • Data Architecture & Strategy: Architect, build, and scale the foundational data platforms, lakehouses, and high-throughput pipelines that power AgentExchange product analytics, metrics, and agentic workflows.
  • Agentic Infrastructure & Orchestration: Design and deploy production-grade data pipelines, feature stores, and event-driven architectures that enable autonomous AI agents to operate reliably at enterprise scale.
  • Platform Excellence & Reliability: Establish end-to-end data governance, quality frameworks, lineage tracking, and performance monitoring to ensure zero-downtime reliability for mission-critical data assets.
  • Cross-Functional Engineering Leadership: Serve as the principal technical authority on data architecture, partnering seamlessly with decision scientists, software engineers, and product managers to translate complex business needs into elegant technical systems.
  • Technical Roadmap Ownership: Co-own the long-term data technology roadmap for AgentExchange, anticipating scale bottlenecks and driving architectural evolution ahead of product growth.
  • Mentorship & Engineering Rigor: Elevate the engineering bar across Cloud Analytics by establishing standards for code quality, testing, CI/CD, and system design, while mentoring engineers across the broader organization.


Required Skills
  • Proven Experience: 7+ years of hands-on data engineering experience building complex, enterprise-scale data platforms, distributed systems, and real-time data pipelines. Must have a track record of actively shipping production code alongside architectural leadership.
  • Systems Architecture & Data Engineering: Mastery of modern distributed computing, data lakehouse architectures, and cloud data warehouses, alongside deep expertise in orchestration tools (e.g., Airflow, Dagster).
  • AI & Agentic Infrastructure: Demonstrated experience engineering data systems for LLMs, agentic workflows, feature stores, or vector retrieval pipelines. You build the data plumbing that makes AI systems fast, accurate, and scalable.
  • Software Engineering Mastery: Expert proficiency in Python, Scala, or Java, alongside expert-level SQL tuning and deep familiarity with software engineering best practices (Docker, Git, CI/CD, IaC).
  • Technical Foundation: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical impact).
  • Architectural Influence: Strong communication skills with a proven track record of distilling complex system architecture decisions into clear business trade-offs for technical and non-technical executives alike.


Unleash Your Potential

When you join Salesforce, you'll be limitless in all areas of your life. Our benefits and resources support you to find balance and be your best, and our AI agents accelerate your impact so you can do your best. Together, we'll bring the power of Agentforce to organizations of all sizes and deliver amazing experiences that customers love. Apply today to not only shape the future - but to redefine what's possible - for yourself, for AI, and the world.

About Salesforce

ExactTarget is a provider of on-demand email marketing software solutions. Their suite of on-demand one-to-one marketing applications enables clients to send business-critical and event-triggered communications to increase sales, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen customer relationships. They offer four editions of their on-demand software application along with integrated solutions such as ExactTarget for AppExchange and ExactTarget for [Microsoft](/organization/Microsoft) Dynamics CRM.

Salesforce Careers

Joining Salesforce means becoming part of a dynamic, global team of professionals who are deeply committed to driving customer success and innovation. As the world's leading Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Salesforce offers unparalleled job opportunities in technology and consulting, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact.

Work You'll Do

At Salesforce, every position is a chance to leverage your skills and creativity to transform businesses and industries. Our diverse team of experts collaborates to deliver cutting-edge solutions that foster growth and enhance leadership capabilities. By joining our team, you'll be at the forefront of digital innovation, using Salesforce's powerful platform to help clients navigate their transformation journeys.

Innovate and Lead

Salesforce is not just a company; it's a community where you can lead with your ideas and see them come to life. Our culture of innovation encourages you to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible. With Salesforce, you'll work alongside leaders in technology and business who are committed to your growth and professional development.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an internship, a full-time position, or leadership roles, Salesforce provides a wealth of opportunities to advance your career. Our commitment to professional growth is reflected in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to help you excel at every stage of your career.

Be Part of a Great Team

Salesforce prides itself on a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and open communication. We believe that our strength lies in our people, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Joining our team means being part of a supportive community that encourages networking and collaboration.

Benefits and Culture

At Salesforce, we understand that job satisfaction extends beyond the office. That's why we offer competitive benefits to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From health insurance and retirement plans to wellness programs and flexible working arrangements, we provide the benefits that contribute to a better work-life balance.

Explore Job Opportunities

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the wide range of employment opportunities at Salesforce. From technical roles to customer engagement positions, we are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Salesforce by following our careers blog. Gain insights from the people who work here and learn how you can bring your career to the next level with Salesforce.

Apply Now

Are you ready to join a company that's leading the way in CRM technology? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our careers page. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and take the first step towards a rewarding career at Salesforce.

SEARCH SALESFORCE JOBS

Join Salesforce today and be part of a company that's shaping the future of technology, fostering a culture of innovation, and building a more equitable world.
Learn more about Salesforce
Size
73,541 employees
Market Cap
$130.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
2000
5 Year Trend
+25.7%
Revenue
$21.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Salesforce

More Enterprise Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Data Engineer jobs: