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Principal Data Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Principal Data Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

Data Pipeline and Solutions Engineering - Pipeline Design: * Leverages advanced knowledge of ETL processes to design, develop, and optimize automated, scalable, and efficient data pipeline ...

Works independently and collaboratively in an agile development environment with other engineers to develop, maintain, and debug advanced data solutions that are scalable, efficient, cost effective ...

Works independently and collaboratively in an agile development environment with other engineers to develop, maintain, and debug advanced data solutions that are scalable, efficient, cost effective ...

Collaborate with platform and engineering teams to establish API lifecycle management practices ... We encourage you to apply for our Principal Data Architect today. We review all applications ...

Collaborate with platform and engineering teams to establish API lifecycle management practices ... We encourage you to apply for our Principal Data Architect today. We review all applications ...

Collaborate with platform and engineering teams to establish API lifecycle management practices ... We encourage you to apply for our Principal Data Architect today. We review all applications ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Data Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$67.2K

$133.6K

$192.9K

How much do principal data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data engineer in Tennessee is $133,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make 200K as a Data Engineer?

Principal Data Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in cloud platforms, and expertise in big data tools can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or senior roles. Compensation varies based on location, industry, company size, and individual qualifications, with some senior data engineers earning close to or exceeding this figure.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Principal Data Engineer?

As a Principal Data Engineer, your day-to-day responsibilities generally include designing and optimizing large-scale data pipelines, developing architectural strategies, and overseeing the implementation of robust data solutions. You'll collaborate closely with data scientists, analysts, and software engineers to ensure the organization's data infrastructure is efficient, scalable, and secure. You may also mentor junior team members, review code, and set data engineering best practices. This role frequently requires balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning and stakeholder communication to align data initiatives with business goals.

What is a Principal Data Engineer job?

A Principal Data Engineer is a senior-level technical role responsible for designing, building, and maintaining large-scale data infrastructure. They lead data engineering teams, establish best practices, and ensure efficient data pipelines to support analytics and machine learning. This role involves working with cloud platforms, big data technologies, and distributed systems to optimize data processing. Principal Data Engineers collaborate with data scientists, analysts, and business stakeholders to drive data-driven decision-making. Their work is critical in enabling organizations to leverage data effectively for insights and innovation.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Principal Data Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields like software, cloud, and machine learning often have salaries reaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What does a principal Data Engineer do?

A principal Data Engineer designs, develops, and maintains large-scale data systems and pipelines to support data analysis and business decision-making. They often lead data architecture initiatives, ensure data quality and security, and collaborate with data scientists and engineers using tools like SQL, Spark, and cloud platforms. This role typically requires extensive experience in data engineering and strong problem-solving skills.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Data Engineers or senior engineering roles in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in data architecture, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation at this level often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, typically found in large tech companies or organizations with significant data infrastructure needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Data Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Data Engineer, you need a deep understanding of data architecture, data modeling, ETL development, and distributed computing, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, Python, SQL, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), as well as certifications in relevant tools or data engineering, is highly valuable. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and effective cross-functional communication are essential soft skills for this role. These combined abilities enable Principal Data Engineers to design scalable data solutions, drive engineering best practices, and lead complex projects to successful completion.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Principal Data Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Principal Data Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Data Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,619 per year, or $64.2 per hour.
Principal Data Engineer

Principal Data Engineer

Oracle

Nashville, TN • On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 245 rated software companies


Job description


Provides expertise on the design and participates in building of data infrastructure to optimize data processing from a variety of data sources. Independently designs and implements data governance policies and procedures for data handling to manage data consistency, integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Provides expertise on and participates in the design and implementation of rigorous data validation and integrity checks, proactively mitigating data quality issues that could impact data pipeline and model performance. Leverages advanced knowledge of Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes to design, develop, and optimize automated, scalable, and efficient data pipeline architectures to build reusable data products. Works independently and collaboratively in an agile development environment with other engineers to develop, maintain, and debug advanced data solutions that are scalable, efficient, cost effective, and reliable.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Data Processing & Pipelining - Data Requirements, Collection, and Infrastructure:
  • Mentors less experienced team members to identify data requirements and business objectives of a project or initiative.
  • Provides expertise on the design and participates in building of data infrastructure to optimize data processing from a variety of data sources.
  • Independently analyzes, designs, and troubleshoots data flows based on business needs.
  • Participates and designs architecture, performance, and security reviews of the technical solution.
  • Adjusts data collection processes that involve indexing and query optimizations for optimal performance.
  • Builds Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) pipelines to support efficient and scalable data collection and extraction.
  • Engages with and holds the upstream and downstream teams accountable for the predefined service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Manages relationships with the data providers.

Data Processing & Pipelining - Data Governance:
  • Independently designs and implements data governance policies and procedures for data handling (e.g., data retention) to manage data consistency, integrity, accuracy, and reliability throughout the data lifecycle.
  • Leads the execution of redaction processes for Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) data, ensuring compliance with data privacy and security standards.
  • Ensures minimal data collection and usage in accordance with data minimization principles.
  • Follows data security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction, proactively identifying and escalating potential issues.
  • Ensures data compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Data Processing & Pipelining - Data Validation & Quality Assurance:
  • Provides expertise on and participates in the design and implementation of rigorous data validation and integrity checks, proactively mitigating data quality issues that could impact data pipeline and model performance.
  • Mentors less experienced team members to define data annotation and labeling processes to ensure data quality.
  • Identifies opportunities for automation of data validation and governance, and implements them.
  • Independently corrects deviations and non-conformance when identified.

Data Pipeline and Solutions Engineering - Pipeline Design:
  • Leverages advanced knowledge of ETL processes to design, develop, and optimize automated, scalable, and efficient data pipeline architectures to build reusable data products.
  • Implements advanced data storage solutions to store the processed data to be used in a scalable, optimized, and efficient way for access and analysis.
  • Mentors less experienced team members to manage the flow of data pipeline and storage day-to-day operations.

Data Pipeline and Solutions Engineering - Data Solutions Engineering:
  • Works independently and collaboratively in an agile development environment with other engineers to develop, maintain, and debug advanced data solutions that are scalable, efficient, cost effective, and reliable.
  • Reviews runnable code and works on testing and debugging of data solutions with less experienced team members.
  • Evaluates new technologies to create more robust data solutions.
  • Enforces and documents code standards and guidance within the team.
  • Creates documentation for design decisions, and obtains feedback from the broader architecture team before implementing.
  • Gathers data and evidence to secure necessary approvals.

Core Responsibilities
Planning & Execution:
  • Manages and coordinates moderately complex tasks, monitoring timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion and adherence to requirements for a moderately sized project or initiative.
  • Efficiently delegates, monitors, and prioritizes work across multiple projects, providing technical oversight and adjusting plans to address shifts in resources or timelines.

Collaboration & Partnership:
  • Collaborates across the organization to align on expectations and achieve shared objectives.
  • Leverages understanding of business leaders, stakeholders, and/or customers to ensure proposed solutions meet their needs.
  • Supports inclusivity by actively seeking and listening to diverse perspectives, ensuring others feel heard and respected.

Problem Solving:
  • Identifies and addresses moderately complex issues by analyzing a wide range of data and/or information to identify solutions in accordance with standard practices.
  • Proactively escalates unresolved or critical issues with a thorough assessment and suggests potential solutions.
  • Reviews, contributes to, and documents problem solving strategies.

Continuous Learning:
  • Pursues learning opportunities to expand knowledge and skills and/or tools in new areas and stays abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices.
  • Proactively seeks and leverages ongoing feedback and training to improve skills.
  • Coaches and mentors junior team members, fostering continuous learning and knowledge sharing within and across teams.

Continuous Improvement:
  • Develops ideas, recommends updates, and/or collaborates on the implementation of process improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of processes, protocols, and workflows across teams, and evaluates the impact on key stakeholders.
  • Solicits feedback from others on ideas for alternative approaches and methods for continued improvement.

Performance and Development:
  • Contributes to the talent development pipeline by participating in candidate interviews, assessing candidates, and providing hiring recommendations.

#LI-AJP
Qualifications
Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $114,600 to $234,600 per annum. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.
Career Level - IC4
About Us
Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.
True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.
We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.
Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

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About Oracle

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An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

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