Principal Fellow, Data Engineering

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Fellow, Data Engineering based in India. This is a strategic enterprise data leadership role focused on modernizing data platforms and accelerating AI-driven innovation across a global, highly regulated environment. You will define the architecture roadmap for scalable, cloud-native data ecosystems that support clinical research, analytics, and business intelligence. The role combines enterprise architecture, data engineering, governance, AI, and technology transformation at significant organizational scale. You will work closely with executive stakeholders to shape investment decisions, technology standards, and transformation strategies. You will also lead adoption of generative AI, RAG, agentic AI, and modern analytics platforms. As a senior technical leader, you will mentor architects and engineering leaders while helping establish a Center of Excellence for data, analytics, and AI. Your work will ultimately contribute to faster, more efficient clinical research and better outcomes for patients.

Define and execute the enterprise-wide data platform strategy, architecture vision, and modernization roadmap, including migration from legacy environments to scalable, cloud-native platforms. Design secure, resilient, and high-performance data architectures that meet enterprise security, privacy, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2. Lead the adoption of modern data and AI technologies, including Lakehouse architectures, unified data catalogs, SQL analytics, AI/ML frameworks, and advanced analytics platforms. Establish enterprise data governance practices covering data lineage, quality, access controls, standards, and responsible data management. Lead the architecture and implementation of generative AI, retrieval-augmented generation, and agentic AI solutions that create measurable business and clinical research value. Define enterprise AI architecture spanning large language models, vector databases, AI agents, model governance, and supporting infrastructure. Establish DataOps, DevOps, and MLOps practices, including reusable architecture patterns and CI/CD capabilities that enable reliable and scalable delivery. Partner with executive leadership to develop technology roadmaps, business cases, transformation strategies, and investment priorities aligned with organizational objectives. Mentor architects, engineering managers, and technical leads while building and expanding a Center of Excellence for data, analytics, and AI. Lead strategic technology evaluations and vendor partnerships, ensuring platform selections support long-term scalability, security, and business needs. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience; an advanced degree is preferred. 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, data engineering, cloud platform design, or comparable technical leadership roles. Demonstrated success designing and implementing enterprise-scale data platforms, data warehouses, data lakes, or modern data ecosystems. Strong expertise with at least one major cloud platform such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, together with solid knowledge of modern distributed data technologies. Experience developing data governance frameworks, data quality standards, lineage capabilities, access controls, and compliance practices in healthcare, life sciences, or other regulated environments. Strong knowledge of AI/ML architecture, generative AI, RAG, agentic AI, or advanced analytics, with the ability to translate emerging technologies into practical enterprise solutions. Experience with modern data platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, or comparable technologies is highly valuable. Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders, lead cross-functional initiatives, drive technology adoption, and translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes. Experience working with clinical research, biopharmaceutical, healthcare, or life sciences organizations is preferred. Strong strategic thinking, architecture judgment, analytical ability, communication skills, and problem-solving capabilities. Demonstrated ability to mentor senior technical professionals and establish engineering standards, reusable patterns, and communities of practice. Cloud architecture certification, such as AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Solutions Architect, is advantageous. A patient-focused mindset and genuine interest in applying technology to improve clinical research and healthcare outcomes. Benefits Fully remote opportunity based in India. Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide data, analytics, cloud, and AI strategy at significant scale. Work on transformational initiatives involving modern cloud platforms, generative AI, advanced analytics, and data modernization. Exposure to highly regulated healthcare and life sciences environments with meaningful real-world impact. Opportunities to collaborate with executive leadership and influence long-term technology investment and architecture decisions. Continuous learning and exposure to emerging technologies and evolving data and AI practices. Opportunity to mentor senior technical teams and help establish a data, analytics, and AI Center of Excellence. Flexible, growth-oriented working environment designed to give employees space to do their best work. Career development opportunities within a global organization focused on innovation and meaningful impact.