Senior Data Engineer

As a Senior Data Engineer at Natera, your responsibilities will include collaborating with software engineers and project managers to define and implement technical solutions. You'll work on designing and developing applications that support our Clinicogenomics platform, improving development processes, writing software specifications, analyzing defects, and creating unit tests. Additionally, you'll play a crucial role in enhancing data integration and storage platforms using AWS and various database technologies.

To qualify for the Senior Data Engineer role at Natera, you should have a BS degree in computer science or a related field, along with over eight years of software development experience, particularly in complex data applications. You should be proficient with SQL and No-SQL databases, have experience in data technologies, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with object-oriented programming languages like Java or Python is also essential.

While healthcare IT experience can be beneficial for a Senior Data Engineer at Natera, it is not strictly required. The focus is more on having a solid background in software development and data engineering. Your ability to integrate and process large datasets and communicate effectively with technical teams and stakeholders will be more crucial for this role.

As a Senior Data Engineer at Natera, you will work extensively with cloud technologies such as AWS and database technologies including Postgres, Snowflake, and various No-SQL databases. You will also be involved with data technologies like Hive, Spark, and EMR, which are essential for our projects in genomics and data integration.

The salary range for a Senior Data Engineer at Natera is between $103,200 and $128,950 USD, depending on factors such as your skill set, years of experience, and specific location. Remote opportunities are also available, and compensation packages can vary based on local labor costs.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you utilized SQL and No-SQL databases. Discuss your proficiency in data modeling, performance tuning, and challenges faced during database integration, showcasing your problem-solving capabilities.

To address this question, explain your understanding of data storage principles and best practices. Provide examples of how you’ve designed scalable solutions, considering factors like data access patterns, growth projections, and technology choices such as AWS or specific database systems.

Discuss the specific tools and technologies you've worked with, such as Spark for data processing, AWS Glue for data integration, or any other frameworks that align with the role. Share examples to demonstrate your hands-on experience.

Share your approach to implementing best practices in testing and code reviews. Discuss how you create unit tests, perform data validation, and work collaboratively with quality engineers to ensure the integrity and reliability of your projects.

Select a significant challenge from your past experience, outlining the problem, your analysis, the actions you took to resolve it, and the positive outcome. This highlights your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Discuss your experience with agile methodologies and how you apply them in your work. Provide examples of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams and adapt to changing requirements throughout the software development lifecycle.

Share your strategies for keeping skills current, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses, following relevant industry blogs, or being active in forums related to data engineering and cloud technologies.

Explain your prioritization strategy, whether it's using frameworks like Kanban or simply discussing how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks. Give examples of how you've successfully managed deadlines in previous roles.

Discuss specific instances where you've guided junior engineers through code reviews, pair programming, or knowledge-sharing sessions. Emphasize the impact of mentorship on team growth and project success.

When answering this question, reflect on Natera's mission and values. Highlight your enthusiasm for contributing to innovations in genetic testing and healthcare while explaining how your skills align with the goals of the company.