Team Lead, Data Engineering

About Carvana

“We believe CVNA is in the early stages of becoming the next U.S. retail category killer.” 

– Stephens Investment Bank, Analyst Report, Sept. 2024

If you like disrupting the norm and are looking for a company revolutionizing an industry then you will LOVE what Carvana has done for the car buying experience. Buying a car the old fashioned way sucks and we are working hard to make it NOT suck. At Carvana, our customers can hop online to...

• Search and browse our inventory of over 20,000 vehicles that we own and certify.
• Narrow down search results using highly intelligent filtering tools/components.
• View vehicle details, Carfax reports, and 360 rotating studio images for every vehicle.
• Secure financing in minutes using Carvana’s in-house service or their own bank.
• Interact with GUI components to easily customize loan length, down payment, and monthly payment.
• Generate, upload, and eSign all documents online (no ink necessary).
• Schedule front door delivery or pick up at one of our vending machines.
• Trade-in their existing vehicle or just sell it to Carvana (no purchase necessary).

For more on Carvana and our mission, sneak a peek and learn more about what it’s like to work here from the people that already do. 

THIS IS A 100% ON-SITE POSITION FROM OUR HQ IN TEMPE (Monday through Friday)

About the team and position

In today’s world, data is king and this is the team with all the data. If you’re excited about understanding complex data sets from disparate sources, this is the team for you. Our data science and analytics team automates everything Carvana does from modeling consumer behavior to understanding how to make our users’ lives better. 

Our Data Engineering team is the bouncer of Carvana’s data – and we have no qualms about tossing out the riff-raff.  Our team partners with various internal stakeholders – from marketing to data science to engineering – to help Carvana become a strong, data-driven company.

We are seeking a Data Engineering Team Lead to join us in enabling the creation of innovative solutions for our internal business partners. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our analytical applications and contribute directly to our company's success. Our team consists of highly competent, driven data engineers who pride themselves on our collaborative culture that values diversity of thought and encourages continual professional growth.

What you’ll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of data engineering projects on SQL Server, Snowflake and Databricks data platforms.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including data analysts, data scientists, and business stakeholders, to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Develop and implement data architecture strategies that support the organization's analytical needs and business objectives.
• Develop efficient standards and development patterns, ensuring that the data engineering team is operating with high velocity, quality, and ownership
• Provide technical guidance and expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable data pipelines and data architectures.
• Ensure best practices in data engineering are followed, including code reviews, version control, and documentation.
• Present technical concepts and project updates to technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by identifying areas for process enhancement and automation.
• Encourage the adoption of new tools and technologies that can improve data engineering practices.
• Owning the technical decisions and architecture of the solutions built by your team
• Hire, lead, mentor, and manage a team of data engineers to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.

What you should have

• Proficiency in SQL Server and Snowflake, including experience with database design, development, and optimization.
• Strong programming skills in languages commonly used in data engineering, such as Python, Java, or Scala.
• Ability to analyze complex data requirements and design efficient data models and architectures.
• Experience in developing and executing data strategies that align with business goals.
• Proven experience in leading and managing data engineering teams, with a focus on team development and performance management.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for mentoring team members and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for articulating technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new subject areas/technologies. Unafraid of diving into unknown territories with a strong desire to grow through challenging work and exposure to new technologies.
• Self starter and a commitment to staying updated with industry best practices and emerging technologies.

What we’d love you to have (Nice-to-haves)

Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau or Sigma.

• Experience working in Agile/Scrum/Kanban Jira environments.
• Skilled in AI, Chat GPT, Copilot tools, and prompt engineering techniques to understand complex development processes and facilitate innovative problem-solving strategies.

What we’ll offer in return…

• Full-Time Salary Position with a competitive salary.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• 401K with company match.
• A multitude of perks including student loan payments, discounts on vehicles, benefits for your pets, and much more.
• A great wellness program to keep you healthy and happy both physically and mentally.
• Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization.
• A company culture of promotions from within, with a start-up atmosphere allowing for varied and rapid career development.

Don’t meet 100% of the qualifications?

At Carvana, we value diversity in backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't fit exactly. Give it a shot!

Legal Stuff…

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is eligible for visa sponsorship.

Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer.  All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.  Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.