Principal Software Engineer
First seen by Alion on Sep 4, 2026.
Role Overview :
We are looking for a Principal Engineer to own the semantic model architecture at the heart of our data platform. This role sits at the intersection of data modeling, platform engineering, and product thinking.
What You will Do :
- Design and evolve the semantic modeling layer that serves as the single source of truth for metrics, dimensions, entities, and business logic.
- Define the standards for how semantic models are authored, versioned, tested, and governed.
- Architect how the semantic layer is consumed across distinct product surfaces such as Reporting and Agentic Analytics.
- Own query performance, materialization strategies, pre-aggregation patterns, and cost optimization.
- Build the semantic layer as a true platform experience : self-service metric onboarding, developer-friendly abstractions, and governance guardrails.
- Operate as a technical leader, mentor engineers, and manage stakeholder alignment.
- Drive adoption of AI coding tools to multiply team velocity.
What You will Bring :
- 10+ years of experience in Software or Data Engineering with large-scale, high-traffic, fault-tolerant systems.
- Deep experience with semantic modeling, data lakehouse, and data product development.
- Expert-level SQL and Python skills.
- Experience with modern data platform technologies : Snowflake, ClickHouse, or similar OLAP engines.
- Strong experience with the DBT ecosystem and semantic layer technologies like dbt MetricFlow.
- Demonstrated proficiency with AI coding tools (e.g., Claude, Cursor) as part of your regular engineering workflow.
- B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Science or a related field.
Highly Preferred :
- Experience building semantic layers for both human and AI consumers.
- Familiarity with LLM-friendly data interfaces and data quality frameworks (e.g., Monte Carlo, Great Expectations).
- Flexibility to overlap with US working hours.
Be Human With Us :
- If you have the skills but are hesitant to apply because of your background, apply anyway. We are in this together.
Skills
Data Engineering, DataLake, Data Modeling, SQL, Python, Data Build Tool, Data Quality