Principal Engineer - Data Engineering

About Figure

Figure is revolutionizing financial services with its disruptive, scaled, and rapidly expanding technology platform. By capitalizing on the loan origination activities on its platform and extensive network of partners, Figure is poised to deliver and scale new products that enhance efficiency and transparency in the industry. Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, Figure’s platform fosters more transparent and efficient capital markets, bolstered by the growing pool of assets originated on its platform. This transformational journey is fueled by a dedicated team at Figure, characterized by their drive, innovation, collaboration, and passion for building from scratch. We value individuals who bring an entrepreneurial mindset to every task and will embrace our culture of innovation. 

Every day at Figure is a journey in continuous learning yet a daily focus on getting work done that makes a difference. Join a team of proven leaders who have already created billions of dollars in value in the financial technology space.

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About the Role

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join the Data Engineering team and play a pivotal role in the development and optimization of Figure’s data architecture. As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for driving the design and implementation of scalable data solutions that directly support Figure’s broader organizational goals. You will lead strategic initiatives with a focus on creating data platforms and systems that power our business applications, decision-making, and reporting infrastructure.

In this role, you will influence the technical direction of our data engineering efforts, collaborating across teams to build systems that impact the entire company. This position is ideal for a seasoned technical leader with a deep understanding of data engineering who thrives in fast-paced, high-impact environments.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the architectural design and evolution of Figure's data infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance across the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Data Science, Product, and Leadership, to develop and maintain robust, scalable data pipelines.
• Shape the vision for data management, governance, and security best practices across the company, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Lead the development and deployment of large-scale data processing frameworks, leveraging modern tools like Apache Beam, Kafka, and BigQuery.
• Mentor and guide senior engineers, contributing to their technical growth while fostering a culture of excellence.
• Influence company-wide technical strategies, advocating for the adoption of new technologies and frameworks that align with Figure’s goals.
• Ensure that Figure’s data infrastructure supports both current and future analytics, reporting, and product development needs.
• Own the overall technical strategy for the Data Engineering team, balancing short-term tactical efforts with long-term strategic goals.

What We Look For

• 12+ years of experience in data engineering or related fields, with a proven track record of architecting large-scale, cloud-based data solutions.
• Strong leadership skills, including experience mentoring senior engineers and leading technical teams in high-growth environments.
• Expertise in distributed data processing systems (e.g., Apache Beam, Apache Spark), data pipelines (e.g., Kafka), and cloud platforms (preferably Google Cloud).
• Deep understanding of ETL processes, data warehousing concepts, and advanced data transformation techniques.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala, with a focus on data engineering use cases.
• Hands-on experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, Kubernetes) and modern CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience working with monitoring and logging frameworks (e.g., Datadog, Kibana) to ensure data platform stability and performance.
• Ability to synthesize technical designs, influence build vs. buy decisions, and shape the company’s data architecture strategy.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and align technical initiatives with business objectives.
• A proactive, innovative mindset with a passion for solving complex technical problems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Our Tech Stack

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll have deep familiarity with our core tech stack and be capable of driving innovation across it:

Application Team Tech Stack

While proficiency in our tech stack is a plus, we encourage those comfortable with similar technologies to apply. The application teams work with the following technologies:

• Frontend: React, React Query, TypeScript/JavaScript, Tailwind, Vite
• Backend: Kotlin, SpringBoot, PostgreSQL, Kafka, Google Cloud Platform, Kubernetes

Data Engineering Tech Stack

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Data Engineering team, you’ll be working with a robust and modern tech stack that includes:

• Data Platform: Google Cloud - BigQuery, Kafka (Confluent Cloud)
• Data Processing: Apache Beam (Java), Apache Spark (Python), Airflow
• Infrastructure & Deployment: Kubernetes, Terraform, Helm
• Monitoring & Management: Datadog, Kibana
• Integration & Configuration: Python, Kotlin, React

Additional Principal Engineer Requirements

• Proven ability to influence strategic decisions that impact company-wide data initiatives.
• Expertise in architecting systems with company-wide and industry-wide implications.
• A track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional projects and delivering high-quality results with minimal oversight.
• Strong external network and ability to represent Figure in technical forums and industry discussions.
• Experience driving and implementing data governance frameworks and security best practices.
• Ability to synthesize company strategy into actionable engineering roadmaps and solutions.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and growth opportunities 
• Company quarterly performance based bonus
• Equity stock options package
• Employer funded comprehensive health, vision, dental insurance and wellness program for employees and their dependents
• Employer funded life and disability insurance coverage
• Company HSA, FSA, Dependent Care, 401k, and commuter benefits
• Up to 12 weeks paid family leave 
• In office, remote, and hybrid work location options
• Home office and technology stipend for those working outside of a traditional office more than 75% of the time
• Flexible time-off plan to empower employees to take the time off that they want and need
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Routine Team swag deliveries!

For CO, NY, CA, and WA residents, the salary range is $156,640 - $195,800 with up to a 25% Bonus and Equity. Actual compensation may vary based on individual candidate experience and location.

Depending on your residential location certain laws might regulate the way Figure manages applicant data. California Residents, please review our California Employee and General Workforce Privacy Notice for further information. By submitting your application, you are agreeing  and acknowledging that you have read and understand the above notice.

Figure will not sponsor work visas for this position. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.