Lead Data Engineer – Big Data & Cloud Solutions (Full‑Time, $24/hr) – arenaflex

About arenaflex – Pioneering Data‑Driven Experiences

arenaflex is a global leader in entertainment, media, and technology, delivering immersive experiences to millions of fans worldwide. Our mission is to transform storytelling through innovative data platforms that power personalized content, dynamic advertising, and next‑generation analytics. As part of the arenaflex Digital Services & Innovation (DSI) umbrella, the Information and Investigation group builds the backbone for web‑based features that delight audiences and drive revenue growth. We are looking for a visionary Lead Data Engineer to join our high‑performing team in San Francisco and help shape the future of data‑centric solutions across the organization.

Why This Role Matters

Data is the lifeblood of arenaflex’s business. From configuring product catalogs to measuring advertising effectiveness, from supporting customers in discovering new experiences to launching new ventures in emerging markets, every decision is powered by accurate, timely, and actionable information. As a Lead Data Engineer, you will own the design, implementation, and optimization of large‑scale data pipelines and warehouses that enable our analytics, data science, and product teams to extract insights at speed and scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and develop data products: Lead the creation of robust data products and data lakes that support the Commitment and Maintenance Analytics and Data Science initiatives.
• Design scalable data warehousing solutions: Build and maintain ETL pipelines in massive data environments (cloud, on‑premise, hybrid) using industry‑leading technologies.
• Leverage cutting‑edge tech stack: Work with Hadoop, AWS (S3, EMR, EC2), Snowflake, Flink, and streaming platforms, writing production‑grade code in Python, Scala, and Java.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams: Partner with Data Product Owners, Data Modelers, and Data Architects to design, implement, and deliver high‑performance data solutions.
• Maintain data quality and governance: Document data lineage, transformations, and metadata to ensure data integrity, compliance, and ease of consumption.
• Drive performance and reliability: Optimize query performance, monitor SLAs, and provide reliable support for analytics and data science teams.
• Champion Agile practices: Actively participate in Scrum ceremonies, contribute to continuous improvement, and mentor junior engineers on best practices.
• Stay ahead of industry trends: Evaluate emerging technologies, propose enhancements, and help evolve arenaflex’s data strategy.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience designing and operating large‑scale data pipelines and warehouses.
• Strong SQL expertise with the ability to craft performant queries across distributed data stores.
• Deep familiarity with Hadoop ecosystem components (HDFS, Hive, Impala, PySpark) and experience processing petabyte‑scale datasets.
• Proficient programming skills in Python and either Java or Scala; ability to write clean, maintainable code.
• Experience with at least one major MPP or cloud data warehouse technology (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery).
• Hands‑on experience with streaming and data integration tools such as Apache Flink, Kafka, or similar.
• Solid understanding of data modeling, data warehousing best practices, and data governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work in Scrum/Agile environments and deliver incremental value.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Master’s degree or advanced certifications in data engineering, cloud architecture, or related disciplines.
• Experience with AWS services beyond storage and compute (e.g., AWS Glue, Athena, Lambda).
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines for data workloads.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (Tableau, Looker, Power BI) to understand downstream consumption patterns.
• Exposure to machine learning pipelines and collaboration with data science teams.
• Track record of leading technical initiatives, mentoring engineers, and influencing architectural decisions.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Technical Excellence: Mastery of big data technologies, cloud platforms, and programming languages required to build end‑to‑end data solutions.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives into scalable data architectures that support both current and future needs.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with product managers, analysts, and senior leadership.
• Quality Focus: Commitment to data accuracy, documentation, and governance to uphold the highest standards of data integrity.
• Adaptability: Comfort navigating a fast‑paced environment, embracing change, and continuously learning new technologies.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. As a Lead Data Engineer, you will:

• Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of high‑impact projects spanning entertainment, advertising, and emerging digital experiences.
• Lead a team of data engineers, shaping technical direction and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Access a robust learning ecosystem, including internal tech talks, mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement for certifications.
• Collaborate with world‑class data scientists and product innovators, expanding your skill set beyond engineering into analytics and AI.
• Position yourself for senior leadership roles such as Data Architecture Director or Head of Data Platform within arenaflex.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive hourly rate of $24 per hour, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with generous employer contributions.
• 401(k) matching and financial wellness programs.
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid remote options.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and holidays to support work‑life balance.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and on‑site amenities such as fitness centers and cafeterias.
• Professional development budget, conference attendance, and access to cutting‑edge technology labs.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our San Francisco office is a vibrant hub where creativity meets technology. The culture at arenaflex is built on:

• Innovation: A relentless focus on pushing boundaries and delivering magical experiences to audiences worldwide.
• Collaboration: Cross‑functional teams that share knowledge, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges together.
• Inclusivity: A diverse workforce where every voice is heard, and unique perspectives drive better outcomes.
• Growth Mindset: Continuous learning is encouraged, with resources and mentorship to help you reach your full potential.
• Fun: Regular team events, hackathons, and access to arenaflex’s entertainment offerings make work enjoyable.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about building world‑class data platforms, thrive in a fast‑moving environment, and want to make a tangible impact on a global entertainment brand, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application and start your journey with arenaflex.

Apply Now – Join arenaflex!

Closing Statement

arenaflex is committed to attracting top talent and fostering an environment where engineers can innovate, grow, and succeed. By joining our team as a Lead Data Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the data foundation that powers the next generation of immersive experiences. Take the next step in your career and become part of a legacy that blends storytelling with technology.