Principal Data Platform Engineer

Kin is on a mission to change home insurance from what it is to what it should be. Whether we’re leveraging data to create customizable coverage or providing claims service that goes above and beyond expectations, our members are at the heart of everything we do. In the face of ever-growing climate risk, they deserve an insurance company that cares about them. We aim to stick with our members through thick and thin.

We use efficient technology that lets homeowners buy directly from us to keep costs down. This is the essence of Kin. Our approach has fostered amazing growth, attracted marquee investors, and earned us accolades, including being named to:

• Built In Chicago’s Best Places to Work, Midsize Companies (2021-2024).

• Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers (2021- 2023).

• Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies.

• Forbes’ Fintech 50.

Simply put, our people are what make us great – we need forward-thinking, inspired game-changers like you to join us in our mission.

So, what’s the role?

As a key member of our data engineering department, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of data-centric solutions to drive actionable insights and enhance decision-making processes. Leveraging your expertise in data engineering, infrastructure and governance frameworks, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable and efficient data pipelines, optimize data storage and retrieval systems, and ensure data quality and integrity throughout the data lifecycle.

A day in the life could include: 

• Leading the overall data architecture design, including ingestion, storage, management, and machine learning engineering platforms

• Implementing the architecture and creating a vision for how data will flow through the organization using a federated approach

• Managing data governance across multiple systems: data mastering, metadata management, data definitions, semantic-layer design, data taxonomies, and ontologies

• Architecting and delivering highly scalable, flexible, and cost-effective enterprise data solutions that support the development of architecture patterns and standards

• Helping define the technology strategy and roadmaps for the portfolio of data platforms and services across the organization

• Lead implementation of Databricks platform

• Ensuring data security and compliance, working within industry regulations

• Designing and documenting data architecture at multiple levels across conceptual, logical, and physical views

• Providing “hands-on” architectural guidance and leadership throughout the entire lifecycle of development projects

• Translating business requirements into conceptual and detailed technology solutions that meet organizational goals

• Collaborating with other architects, engineering directors, and product managers to align data solutions with business strategy

• Leading proof-of-concept projects to test and validate new tools or architectural approaches

• Staying current with industry trends, vendor product offerings, and evolving data technologies to ensure the organization leverages the best available tools

• Cross-training peers and mentor team members to share knowledge and build internal capabilities

I’ve got the skills… but do I have the necessary ones?

• 15+ years of experience in designing & architecting data systems, warehousing and/or ML Ops platforms

• Proven experience in the design and architecture of large-scale data systems, including lakehouse and machine learning platforms, using modern cloud-based tools

• You can talk the talk and walk the walk! Can communicate effectively with executives and team

• Architect and implement solutions using Databricks for advanced analytics, data processing, and machine learning workloads

• Expertise in data architecture and design, for both structured and unstructured data. Expertise in data modeling across transactional, BI and DS usage models

• Fluency with modern cloud data stacks, SaaS solutions, and evolutionary architecture, enabling flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions

• Expertise with all aspects of data management: data governance, data mastering, metadata management, data taxonomies and ontologies

• Expertise in architecting and delivering highly-scalable and flexible, cost effective, cloud-based enterprise data solutions

• Proven ability to develop and implement data architecture roadmaps and comprehensive implementation plans that align with business strategies

• Experience working data integration tools and Kafka for real-time data streaming to ensure seamless data flow across the organization

• Expertise in Databricks for advanced analytics, data processing, and machine learning workloads

• Experience with data analytics, BI, data reporting and data visualization

• Experience with the insurance domain is a plus

Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance

• Flexible PTO policy 

• Remote work

• Generous equity package

• 401K with company match

• Parental leave

• Continuing education and professional development

• The excitement of joining a high-growth Insurtech company and seeing your work make an impact

For Sales Agents and Customer Service Agents: These roles sit in any of the following 30 states: AL, AZ, CO, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, and WI.

For all other positions, these roles can sit in any of the following 40 states: AL, AR, AZ, CA (exempt only), CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, and WI. Please only apply if you are able to live and work full-time in one of the states listed above.

State locations and specifics are subject to change as our hiring requirements shift.

About Kin

Kin is the only pure-play, direct-to-consumer digital insurer focused on the growing home insurance market. We make policies convenient and affordable through a technology platform that delivers a seamless user experience, customized options for coverage, and fast, high-quality claims service. Kin is a fully licensed carrier that offers coverage through its reciprocal exchanges which are owned by its policyholders. To learn more, visit www.kin.com.

EEOC Statement

Kin is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We don’t just accept difference – we honor it, nurture it, and celebrate it. We don’t discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.