Director of Data

About the role

Alpaca is seeking a leader to guide its data operations, encompassing platform engineering, analytics engineering, and data science. This role involves shaping the company's data strategy, overseeing team execution, and defining the department's future direction. You will manage a team of approximately 15 individuals, balancing critical operational tasks with forward-thinking strategic initiatives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and mentor three distinct teams: Platform Engineering & ETL, Analytics Engineering, and Data Science & Analytics, setting priorities and ensuring successful delivery.
• Architect and manage the data lakehouse, making decisions on build versus buy for necessary tools.
• Ensure the accuracy and scalability of partner invoicing systems, adapting to new pricing and product launches.
• Develop and deliver embedded analytics solutions for partners through various channels, managing data security and access.
• Support new product rollouts by coordinating data impact assessments and managing change across all related data assets.
• Promote self-service analytics across the organization by implementing semantic layers and data catalogs.
• Guide the integration of AI and machine learning capabilities, including enterprise search and AI-powered analytics.
• Collaborate with various departments to translate business requirements into functional data products.
• Monitor and manage data infrastructure costs to remain within target ratios as usage grows.
• Oversee production data systems, including on-call rotations, incident response, and service level objectives.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in data engineering or analytics, with at least 3 years managing data professionals.
• Extensive experience with modern data tools, including dbt, Trino or similar query engines, Apache Iceberg or comparable table formats, and cloud object storage.
• Proven hands-on experience with large-scale ETL/ELT processes, including Change Data Capture, batch processing, streaming, and reverse ETL.
• Demonstrated success in building self-service analytics capabilities for users without technical data backgrounds.
• Familiarity with financial data, such as trading, invoicing, revenue tracking, or regulatory reporting, preferably within fintech or financial services.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL, with the ability to review code and contribute to architectural decisions.
• Experience managing geographically distributed and remote teams across different time zones.
• Strong ability to manage stakeholder relationships and translate executive priorities into engineering actions.
• Experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services like GKE, GCS, and BigQuery migration, along with Kubernetes, Helm, and Terraform.

Nice to have

• Experience with brokerage operations, including clearing, settlement, market making, or reconciliation.
• Familiarity with AI and LLM tools, such as vector databases, enterprise search solutions, and conversational BI platforms.
• Background in compliance analytics, including AML, KYC, or margin call reporting.
• Exposure to open-source data cataloging tools and data quality frameworks.

Skills & tools

• Python
• SQL
• dbt
• Trino
• Apache Iceberg
• Airflow
• Airbyte
• Redpanda CDC
• GCP
• Kubernetes
• Helm
• Terraform

Practical notes

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• Health benefits.
• Home office setup stipend of $500 USD.
• Monthly stipend of $150 USD via Brex Card.
• Alpaca is an equal opportunity employer.