Director, Data Science & Engineering

About Platform.sh

The Platform.sh Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) removes the complexities of cloud infrastructure management and optimizes development-to-production workflows, reducing the time it takes to build and deploy applications. Delivering efficiency, reliability, and security, giving development teams both control and peace of mind. Built for developers, by developers.

Adopted and loved by 16,000+ developers, 7,000 customers, and for nearly a decade Platform.sh has been providing out-of-the-box capabilities that serve as the launchpad for creative development teams’ out-of-the-box thinking.

We provide 24x7 support, managed cloud infrastructure, and automated security and compliance with an all-in-one PaaS. We give our customers complete control over their data by keeping applications secure and available around the clock.

Platformers are a remote, global workforce, and we thrive in a multicultural team. We are committed to open source and an open, welcoming environment. Our team spans the globe and the experience spectrum. What's our commonality, our cultural fabric? A curious spirit and a thirst for knowledge; an eagerness for innovative ideas and cultures. We believe we can build anything together in an environment that frees you to do your best work.

Bring your expertise and enthusiasm to our growing, global organization. Your contributions, collaboration, and unique point of view are recognized and valued here.

Position Summary

Platform.sh is seeking a Director, Data Science & Engineering to lead the next phase of our data-driven journey. Reporting to the CTO, this role is central to transforming our robust data engineering foundation into a strategic advantage, leveraging data science to unlock actionable insights to the benefit of our internal teams and our customers.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and scalability, you’ll play a critical role in enabling Platform.sh to uncover meaningful insights from our unique and complex datasets. By shaping how we leverage data, you will drive innovation to enhance infrastructure, boost reliability, and optimize application performance, delivering meaningful impact across the organization.

What to expect

• Drive strategy: Partner closely with the CTO to craft a data science strategy that aligns with our organizational goals and lead transformative initiatives to shape the data science future here. 
• Understand data: First, understand our data engineering infrastructure, pipelines, and tools while identifying areas for optimization and innovation.
• Enable insights: Unlock actionable insights by leveraging our data engineering foundation to improve platform stability and optimize data performance. 
• Integrate MLOps: Operationalize machine learning by integrating MLOps practices, ensuring models are scalable, reliable, and impactful.
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Deepen alignment with engineering, product, and business teams to foster early collaboration and deliver user-focused, innovative solutions.
• Empower teams: Inspire and mentor a talented team of data engineers, creating an environment of accountability, growth, and innovation.
• Foster experimentation: Cultivate a culture of experimentation and learning, ensuring the team continuously adapts and evolves to meet business needs.
• Focus on impact: Drive high-impact initiatives that leverage data science to simplify processes, solve critical challenges, and create tangible value for customers.

What you bring

• Proven leadership in Data Science & Engineering: Experience building and leading data teams in start-up and scale-up environments, with a proven ability to scale operations, align teams with business objectives, and foster collaboration across functions.
• Strategic and operational focus: A track record of shaping and defending high-level data science strategies, as well as translating them into actionable, operational goals while balancing short-term execution with long-term planning.
• Business-centric vision: The ability to connect data science initiatives to measurable business outcomes, ensuring every project delivers value.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Adept at simplifying complex technical concepts and articulating priorities, progress, and impact to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Commitment to empowerment: A leadership style that inspires, mentors, and supports diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and pride in delivery.
• Adaptability: Willingness to immerse yourself in our existing data engineering ecosystem, learning the intricacies of our pipelines, tools, and business processes to craft impactful strategies.

Bonus Points for

• Technical expertise: Mastery of Python, SQL, R, and of data-centric platforms like Databricks, BigQuery, Snowflake, or Vertex AI, paired with a deep understanding of infrastructure, API performance, and/or machine learning pipelines.

Where we hire

At Platform.sh, remote work isn't just a trend - it's our way of life. The freedom of remote work with the support of a diverse, global team has been our successful model for nearly a decade! Our culture celebrates flexibility and collaboration, while we have team members in over 30 countries spanning every time zone, we are currently focused on hiring in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To enhance team synergy, we come together (at least) once a year in person, seizing the opportunity to connect, tackle challenges, and foster camaraderie. 

How we hire

We know that a great hire won’t meet every requirement that we’ve outlined. If you can see yourself elevating the team, we want to hear your story. Few of us would be here had we not taken a chance.   

You can expect 5 interviews on Google Meet to follow the order below. Should you successfully move through the entire process you will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of Platformers. Our goal is to ensure you can make the most informed decision on whether this role, and our culture aligns with what you’re looking for in your future working environment. 

1. 45 Minutes with Talent Acquisition 
2. 60 Minutes with Hiring Manager (CTO)
3. 60 Minutes with Team (Data Engineering team members)
4. 60 Minutes with Cross Team (VP of Engineering, SVP, Operations & Engineering)
5. 45 Minutes with Executives

All roles require background checks.

What we offer:

💡 An innovative product you can believe in. We’re sustainably changing the way companies develop and manage their web applications

🏆 We’re voted as A Best Place to Work by 96% of our employees, Forbes Top 30 Companies for Remote Jobs, and France Best Workplaces for Women

🗣️ Leadership that cares in a flexible, open work environment, where your voice is encouraged. We can always find ways to do better and look forward to hearing your ideas

🌎 Global team, rich with culture and diversity

🧳 Annual team gatherings

💆‍♀️ Wellness budget

🧠 Professional development budget

💻 Office equipment budget

 👫 Mentorship Program

🩺 Comprehensive health coverage (US, CA, UK, and FR employees only)

🏝 Generous PTO (geographically dependent)

👶 Inclusive parental leave (geographically dependent)

🤝 Tandem – a pool of linguists from around the world willing to help each other learn new languages.

📈 Company stock options (discretionary)

You’re welcome here.

At Platform.sh, we take pride in our commitment to being an inclusive and diverse workplace. We strive to create an environment built on trust, support, and respect for all individuals. We welcome everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, education, languages spoken, or veteran status. We encourage you to be yourself, connect with like-minded individuals, and share your passions.

If you require accommodation at any stage of our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to reach out to your talent acquisition partner. Your comfort and accessibility are important to us.