Lead Data Engineer

We’re a global team of over 400 people, working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to become the trusted Data & AI Platform for everyone, leveraging the most popular open-source technologies like Apache Kafka®, Aiven for PostgreSQL®, Aiven for Clickhouse®, and Aiven for OpenSearch®. to help companies accelerate time-to-market, drive efficiency, and build innovative solutions across any cloud. Right now, we’re looking for a Lead Data Engineer to join our team who shares our passion for forward-thinking and innovative approaches. 

Who we are

So, how do we become the trusted open source data platform for everyone? By listening closely to our customers and taking action to ensure they achieve their business goals. You see, the software we create is merely a means of delivering value. Our thinking is customer-first. That’s why our customers are at the front and center of all we do. And in the spirit of sideways thinking, we’re by their side as well. Actively helping them solve their challenges. Collaborating. Sharing. And innovating. In other words, it really isn’t just about who we are. It’s about who our customers are – and where they want to be.

Our Crabby Principles

Aiveners use the V2MOM framework to set and align on business goals. In order to achieve those business goals we live by our ‘Crabby Principles’ which unite us in our ways of working, globally. 

These principles are embedded in our business processes and support us in collaborating and role modelling positive and productive behaviours in our daily work, something you will have the opportunity to demonstrate throughout your interview journey with us. 

The Role:

We’re hiring a Lead Data Engineer to reshape how Aiven uses data to operate and make decisions. This is a senior IC role for someone who wants to stay close to the craft while building systems that others depend on every day.

You won’t be handed specs. You’ll help define what’s worth solving and shape the approach from the ground up. The focus is on building leverage: reusable tools, clear patterns, and reliable infrastructure that empowers others to work faster and better.

If you like working on foundational systems, simplifying complexity, and pushing analytics closer to the business, you’ll feel at home here.

Why this role exists

We have no shortage of data. What we’re building now is the platform that turns that data into trusted, fast, and actionable insights.

We’re working on internal tooling, semantic modeling, and automated insight delivery. Whether it's building a better way to define metrics, streamlining root cause analysis, or making analytics feel push-based and proactive, the problems are well defined and have high impact.

You’ll have a clear path to influence how the company works. This role gives you visibility into product, operations, and go-to-market initiatives that are strategic to Aiven’s growth.

What you’ll do

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve how data is used across the company
• Help define problem scope and success criteria before implementation begins
• Build systems that are reliable, reusable, and designed for long-term clarity
• Work closely with internal teams like Product, Sales, Marketing, and Finance
• Drive architectural decisions in Python, dbt, BigQuery, and modern data tooling
• Mentor peers through clean code, thoughtful reviews, and system design

You might be a fit if you

• Have owned large-scale technical projects that impacted multiple teams
• Like shaping ambiguous problems into clear technical direction
• Have built tools or systems that became essential to how others work
• Write clean, effective Python and SQL and are familiar with tools like dbt and Airflow
• Focus on building things that last, with simple and resilient design
• Lead by sharing your thinking

Why this might be your next role

• Visible impact. More than 40 percent of the company uses our internal data platform weekly
• Real ownership. You’ll shape projects from idea to implementation, not execute predefined specs
• Strategic scope. The work connects directly to key company priorities, not just internal reporting
• Senior culture. You’ll work with experienced peers in a low-meeting, high-autonomy environment
• Hands-on depth. This is a long-term IC role for engineers who want to go deep and stay technical

Don’t worry if your experience doesn’t line up perfectly – we still encourage you to apply! We believe in investing in our crabs’ professional growth.

Our Offer

If you ask us what’s the best thing about working for Aiven, many will probably say it’s the high concentration of talent from around the world that we have here. Enjoy the agile environment of a hyperscale scale-up where you can truly make an impact and have fun while at it.

We invest in you

• Participate in Aiven’s equity plan.
• With Aiven locations spanning the globe, we want all of our crabs to find the right balance with our hybrid work policy.
• Get the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.
• Step up your career game with real employer support (use one of our learning platforms, annual learning budget, and more).
• Get holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program.

Make a difference at Aiven

• Contribute to open source projects that you find meaningful outside of work - and get paid for it! Our Plankton program recognizes extra work to the open source ecosystem for developers and non-developers alike.
• Use up to 5 days per year to volunteer for a good cause of your choice.
• Join one of our team member resource groups - empower yourself and others in missions that resonate with you.

What else?

• Your wellbeing matters: we provide extensive Occupational Health Care, Dental Care, as well as sports, culture, massage and lunch benefits
• Love breakfast? So do we! Join us at our regular office breakfast
• We also have you covered by statutory accident insurance

How to Recognise and Avoid Employment Scams

There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. Please familiarise yourself with the red flags of a potential scam.

Here at Aiven, all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @aiven.io, @greenhouse.io or @eu.greenhouse.io domain and all of our interviews are conducted over video call or in person, our interviews will never occur over text or chat. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at recruitment@aiven.io.

Equal Opportunities

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and any other terms and conditions related to employment.

At Aiven we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at recruitment@aiven.io.

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