Engineering Manager, Streaming Platform

As the Engineering Manager for the Streaming Platform at Genius Sports, you will lead a dedicated team of engineers in modernizing our data platform to support betting, broadcasting, and fan engagement features. Your responsibilities will include building and evolving data collection tools, managing data pipelines, ensuring compliance and usability across different data sources, and guiding the development of data warehousing and reporting tools. You will also play a crucial role in fostering an innovative team culture and ensuring high-quality delivery.

To succeed as the Engineering Manager at Genius Sports, candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in relevant data management, with strong emphasis on software engineering, and at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience with big data, real-time data streaming technologies like Kafka or Flink, and proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases are essential. Familiarity with cloud-based environments and the ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team are also crucial.

An Engineering Manager at Genius Sports should be well-versed in real-time streaming systems and ideally have experience from high-transaction volume industries. Essential technical skills include knowledge of performance tuning for databases, strong programming capabilities in at least one object-oriented language such as Python or Java, and experience in designing and implementing ETL processes. Familiarity with data architecture and governance best practices is also important.

Genius Sports is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including the Engineering Manager for the Streaming Platform. The company offers regular skills training, opportunities to lead innovative projects, and encourages participation in team-building events and social gatherings. You will also work in a flexible environment that fosters ownership and continuous learning, allowing you to push boundaries and achieve remarkable results.

The team culture at Genius Sports is collaborative, innovative, and inclusive. As the Engineering Manager, you’ll cultivate a supportive environment where engineers feel safe to iterate, experiment, and learn from failures. The company values diversity and empowers all team members to contribute their unique perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and teamwork that drives success on various projects.

To build a robust real-time data pipeline, I would start by identifying key data sources and acknowledging their attributes. I'd focus on designing a scalable architecture that can handle high transaction volumes while ensuring low latency. Implementing proper monitoring for performance and providing clear transformation protocols would be essential, along with regular testing to ensure integrity across the data pipeline.

In my previous roles, I've prioritized building strong relationships within my engineering teams. I’ve initiated regular feedback sessions to understand team members' challenges and successes. Encouraging open communication, accountability, and celebrating milestones has helped foster a supportive culture where innovation thrives and team members feel valued.

To ensure data quality and compliance, I implement rigorous validation checks during data ingestion and processing. Establishing clear ETL processes and adhering to industry best practices for data governance is crucial. Regular audits and collaborating closely with compliance teams help us stay aware of evolving standards and ensure our data practices meet regulatory requirements.

I commit to lifelong learning by attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and following relevant industry publications and forums. Networking with other professionals in tech allows me to exchange ideas and understand new trends or technologies in data management, which I can then explore and potentially implement within my team.

I have extensive experience designing and implementing cloud-based data solutions, leveraging platforms such as AWS and Azure for scalability and reliability. Ensuring efficient data storage and processing in the cloud environment while optimizing performance metrics has been a significant part of my roles, especially transitioning traditional systems to a more distributed architecture.

Collaboration is central to my leadership style; I believe in harnessing the collective strengths of my team. I encourage cross-functional teamwork, where engineers collaborate with product, data, and business teams to align our goals. This approach leads to innovative solutions, builds a sense of community, and enhances our overall productivity.

Success for my engineering team is measured by the quality and impact of our deliverables, along with team engagement and satisfaction. I focus on key performance indicators such as project completion rates, code quality, and post-deployment feedback. Regular check-ins to gauge the team’s morale and providing support for personal development is crucial for long-term success.

At my previous company, we faced latency issues in our data processing pipeline during peak usage. To address this, I led a team that analyzed our architecture and identified bottlenecks. We redesigned our data ingestion process and optimized our API calls, resulting in a significant performance improvement without compromising data integrity or availability.

I have found tools like Prometheus and Grafana effective for monitoring data processes. They provide real-time visibility into our system's performance metrics, alerting us to any anomalies. Additionally, incorporating comprehensive logging practices and data quality checks significantly enhances our ability to respond to potential issues promptly.

I am drawn to Genius Sports due to its innovative approach to sports data technology and its commitment to sustainability in the industry. I admire the collaboration between sports, fans, and brands, and am excited about the opportunity to lead a talented team in shaping the future of sports technology while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values every individual's contributions.