Platform Engineer, Data Platform

As a Platform Engineer at Stitch Fix, you will develop and maintain critical services, libraries, and tools that enhance our data operations. Your responsibilities will include contributing to the Data Platform team’s efforts in improving data availability and quality, creating abstractions that ease data use for our scientists, and ensuring our data infrastructure operates smoothly under load.

Candidates for the Platform Engineer position at Stitch Fix should have at least 4 years of relevant project experience, strong coding skills in languages like Go, Python, Scala, or Java, and familiarity with technologies such as Spark and Kafka. A proven background in AI data infrastructure is a plus, particularly if you have worked with graph DBs and related systems.

At Stitch Fix, we cultivate a learning environment where Platform Engineers can explore innovative technologies and methodologies. Our emphasis on teamwork and collaboration allows for shared knowledge and skills enhancement, while our commitment to diversity of thought fosters creativity and development.

As a Platform Engineer at Stitch Fix, you will primarily work with AWS for infrastructure, utilize Spark for data processing, deploy Trino for querying, and employ Kafka for streaming data solutions. Familiarity with these technologies, as well as tools like Flink and Iceberg, will be essential.

Stitch Fix offers a comprehensive benefits package for Platform Engineers, including competitive salaries, stock options based on performance, and inclusive health and wellness benefits. We also prioritize a positive work culture that embraces integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

To improve data availability, I would first analyze the current data workflows and identify bottlenecks. I would then utilize best practices in ETL processes, optimize our batch jobs, and ensure robust error handling and monitoring mechanisms are in place. Additionally, I would actively seek feedback from our data scientists to understand their needs better.

In my previous roles, I have deployed services on AWS, leveraging its scalability and resilience features. I have worked with various AWS services like EC2, S3, and Lambda, which enhanced my understanding of cloud architecture and data management. This experience is directly applicable to the Platform Engineer role at Stitch Fix.

To ensure data integrity, I would implement validation checks at multiple stages throughout the data pipeline. This would include schema validation, data type checks, and monitoring for anomalies during ingestion and processing. Establishing a clear lineage of data transformations is also crucial to audit and verify the accuracy of the data.

I am well-versed in both Kafka and Flink. I've previously used Kafka for building real-time data pipelines and Flink for processing streaming data and performing windowed aggregations. I understand the use cases for both technologies and how they can complement each other in a data-centric infrastructure like Stitch Fix.

To optimize Spark job performance, I would focus on efficient resource allocation, using the right configurations for my Spark cluster. I’d also ensure that data partitioning is done effectively, caching frequently accessed datasets, and utilizing appropriate join strategies. Performance tuning based on monitoring and profiling tools is also essential.

I ensure I stay updated by reading industry blogs, participating in relevant online forums, attending webinars, and enrolling in technical courses. I also actively engage in community discussions and networking with professionals in the field to share insights and best practices.

One notable challenge was a recurring data pipeline failure that affected data consistency. I traced the problem back to inefficient data validation. By overhauling the validation process and introducing automated monitoring and alerts, I not only resolved the issue but also improved overall pipeline reliability.

I thrive when working independently by setting clear goals and deadlines for myself. I prioritize tasks based on project impact and ensure I have a solid plan before starting. I also schedule regular check-ins with team members to solicit feedback and maintain alignment with broader team objectives.

A Platform Engineer plays a crucial role in building tools and frameworks that lower barriers to collaboration. By creating user-friendly APIs and clear documentation, they enable teams to access and utilize data seamlessly. Encouraging feedback and making iterative improvements are also key to fostering collaboration.

I am particularly drawn to Stitch Fix's innovative approach to combining technology and personal styling. The chance to work within a dynamic team that values creativity and integrity excites me, as does the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that directly improve user experiences.