Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering

As an Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering at Spotify, your primary responsibilities include leading the Data Engineering team that builds and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure critical to our Platform Mission. You will collaborate with product managers and engineers to enhance product features, deliver accomplished technical health, and develop an inclusive team culture. Additionally, you'll help define success metrics and influence the team's technical architecture, while promoting an understanding of Data Engineering tools across the organization.

To be considered for the Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering role at Spotify, you should possess a strong background in Computer Science, along with specific experience in Data Engineering. You must have proven management experience that showcases your ability to lead effective teams and influence without authority. Familiarity with programming languages like Java, React, Python, and Scala, as well as cloud technologies such as Google Cloud Platform, will be advantageous.

The team culture for the Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering at Spotify is centered around collaboration, inclusion, and personal growth. Spotify values diversity and encourages team members to bring their unique perspectives to the table. As a manager, you will be responsible for fostering a positive and balanced environment, ensuring that everyone on your team can thrive while contributing to impactful projects.

In the Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering role at Spotify, collaboration is essential. You will work closely with product managers, data engineers, and software engineers to create data solutions that enhance the user experience. This involves regular meetings to discuss project goals, align on success metrics, and develop technical roadmaps that guide the team’s progression toward achieving its objectives.

Spotify is committed to the professional development of its employees, including the Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering. You will have access to various learning resources and training programs to enhance your skills, whether it's through workshops, mentorship opportunities, or industry conferences. The environment encourages continuous growth and knowledge sharing, helping you stay current with the latest technologies and practices in Data Engineering.

A successful Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering should possess strong leadership skills, the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams, and a deep understanding of Data Engineering principles. Empathy towards customer needs, the capacity to influence teams without direct authority, and a passion for promoting an inclusive team environment are also crucial.

When prioritizing tasks, an Engineering Manager - Platform Engineering should assess the impact and urgency of each project. Effective delegation, team input, and alignment with company objectives can also guide prioritization. Keeping a flexible but structured approach ensures that critical tasks are addressed while allowing space for team creativity and innovation.

In previous roles, challenging technical problems often revolved around scaling data infrastructure efficiently. Tackling such issues required determining the root cause, engaging with data engineers to brainstorm solutions, and implementing changes through a structured rollout process to ensure minimal disruption. Highlighting your problem-solving process can showcase your technical skills during the interview.

Building an inclusive team culture involves open communication, encouraging diverse perspectives, and fostering an environment where every member feels valued. Implementing regular check-ins, promoting collaboration, and encouraging team-building activities can help strengthen bonds and celebrate individual contributions within the Engineering team.

Handling conflicts within an engineering team requires a calm and empathetic approach. First, I would listen to all parties involved to understand their perspectives. Facilitating a constructive dialogue can help resolve any misunderstandings. It's essential to focus on finding a solution that benefits the team and reinforces a culture of collaboration.

Metrics such as project delivery timelines, code quality, team satisfaction, and the success of deployed features are crucial for measuring the success of an engineering team. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps identify areas for improvement and celebrates successes, contributing to ongoing development.

Promoting knowledge sharing within the engineering team can be achieved through regular team meetings, mentorship programs, and collaborative platforms for documentation and discussion. Encouraging team members to present their projects and findings fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.

My experience with developing data pipelines and infrastructure includes designing scalable architecture, optimizing data flow for efficiency, and ensuring data integrity throughout the process. Collaborating with data scientists and engineers played a significant role in tailoring our infrastructure to meet specific learning needs and business objectives.

Cloud technology is pivotal in my engineering strategy, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for data processing and storage solutions. Leveraging cloud services allows for rapid deployment and adjustments to data infrastructure in response to changing demands.

Managing stakeholders in complex projects requires proactive communication, understanding their expectations, and building trust through regular updates. My approach entails engaging stakeholders early in the project to gather input and feedback, ensuring their requirements align with our technical goals.