Senior Lead Data Engineer - Data Exchange

As a Senior Lead Data Engineer at Klaviyo, your responsibilities will include defining technical strategies for the Data Exchange area, leading multiple engineering teams, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational goals. You will also mentor engineers, oversee project execution, and contribute to the architectural evolution of our data platform, which is designed for massive scale.

To qualify for the Senior Lead Data Engineer role at Klaviyo, you should have at least 12 years of software development experience, including extensive knowledge of computer science fundamentals and distributed systems. You’ll also need proven expertise in designing scalable multi-tenant systems, along with hands-on experience in software architecture, data processing systems, and mentoring team members.

The Senior Lead Data Engineer at Klaviyo works with an exciting and extensive technology stack comprising Python, Django, Kafka, Spark, PostgreSQL, AWS, and various modern DevOps tools like Docker and Kubernetes. Familiarity with big data processing systems is crucial, so be prepared to explore advanced tools and technologies to drive innovation in data architecture.

Klaviyo is committed to fostering an environment conducive to professional growth for Senior Lead Data Engineers. You’ll have opportunities for mentoring, skill development, and challenging projects that push you out of your comfort zone. We encourage continuous learning and collaboration across teams to ensure you’re always advancing your expertise.

The work culture for Senior Lead Data Engineers at Klaviyo is collaborative, innovative, and inclusive. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives, making it a dynamic environment where you can contribute your unique skills. You’ll be working with passionate teammates who are dedicated to delivering excellence and delighting our customers.

When discussing your experience with distributed systems, focus on specific projects where you've designed or improved architectures for scalability and reliability. Share your hands-on knowledge with various technologies within distributed systems and how these skills will allow you to enhance Klaviyo’s data exchange capabilities.

In defining a technical strategy for a team, consider assessing the current state, identifying areas for improvement, and aligning the strategy with the company’s long-term goals. Discuss how you involve team members in the planning and execution processes to ensure buy-in and collaboration toward a common vision.

When mentoring junior engineers, I prioritize open communication and hands-on training. Share tailored learning opportunities that cater to each engineer’s interests and career aspirations. Highlight practical feedback sessions, code reviews, and pair programming as your preferred methods to nurture their skills.

Share a specific engineering challenge you encountered, focusing on the problem-solving techniques you employed. Highlight your analytical skills, collaboration with peers, and any innovative solutions you implemented. This conveys your resilience and your ability to tackle obstacles effectively in a data engineering context.

To ensure alignment across teams on large-scale projects, I emphasize clear communication and proactive collaboration. Discuss strategies such as regular check-ins, joint planning sessions, and the use of shared documentation to keep everyone on the same page regarding objectives, technical designs, and risk management.

Reflect on specific big data technologies you've worked with, such as Kafka or Spark, and elaborate on how you've applied those technologies to solve real-world data problems. Explain how these experiences will contribute to optimizing Klaviyo’s data infrastructure.

Staying current with emerging data engineering technologies involves a combination of continuous learning through online courses, attending conferences, and participating in relevant forums. Discuss how you integrate newfound knowledge into your projects at Klaviyo, ensuring a culture of innovation.

Data governance is critical in my engineering practice to ensure data quality, compliance, and security. Discuss how you've implemented governance frameworks in previous roles and how you plan to uphold Klaviyo’s commitment to data integrity and best practices in this area.

Reflect on specific initiatives you led or participated in to enhance engineering processes, such as adopting Agile methodologies or introducing new tools for collaboration. Highlight your impact on team efficiency and delivery timelines as a result of these improvements.

Managing risks during a project requires early identification of potential issues, the establishment of contingency plans, and ongoing communication across teams. Discuss examples of how you’ve implemented risk management strategies in practice and their effects on project success and team dynamics.