For our client, we are currently looking for a Director of Data Engineering

THE CLIENT

Our client is a tech-bio startup that develops cutting-edge AI methods in genome, protein and large language models to accelerate drug discovery and translational medicine. Due to their rapid growth they are looking to expand their team in Basel, Zurich and Lausanne.

YOUR ROLE:

The Director of Data Engineering will be a key member of the leadership team. This person will be responsible for defining and executing the long-term data tools strategy, ensuring that the data architecture is scalable, cost-effective, and aligned with the company’s goals to revolutionize scientific reasoning. You will be a crucial interface between the technical and non-technical teams, supporting the CTO and CFO with expert analysis and strategic recommendations.

This role requires a leader who can manage a team of data engineers and also provide clear and concise financial and operational insights on the data infrastructure. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of successful project delivery in fast-paced, high-growth environments and possesses a deep understanding of the financial and business implications of technical decisions.

YOUR TASKS:

• Strategic Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing data engineering team. Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Define the strategic roadmap for the data architecture and ensure it supports the development and scaling of the client’s products.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct thorough financial analyses of data architecture systems, including cost-benefit analyses of different cloud platforms and technologies. Develop and present clear models to senior management (CTO and CFO) that project the operational costs of our products during growth phases and at steady-state.
• Vendor Management and Procurement: Manage the entire lifecycle of procurement and vendor relationships for data-related services and tools. This includes identifying potential suppliers, negotiating contracts of significant value, and providing senior management with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
• Data Architecture and Pipeline Development: Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of end-to-end data pipelines for ingesting and processing both structured and unstructured data. Ensure the data infrastructure is robust, scalable, and cloud-native.
• Process and Standards Implementation: Establish and enforce best practices for data governance, quality assurance, and security. Lead the implementation of MLOps and LLMOps workflows for model training, deployment, and monitoring.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary technical liaison for internal and external stakeholders, including research collaborators and contractors. Work closely with the CTO, CFO, and other directors to align data initiatives with overall business and scientific objectives.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and Experience: A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field is a must. Several years of experience in data engineering, with at least a few years in a leadership role managing a team. Demonstrated experience in financial analysis, business planning, and vendor management.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, hands-on experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Databricks. Proficiency in Python and SQL, with a strong understanding of data systems such as Delta Lake, Snowflake, or Redshift.
• Business Acumen: Proven ability to model and communicate the financial and strategic implications of technical decisions to a non-technical audience. Experience with budget management, procurement, and contract negotiation for high-value enterprise services.
• Leadership and Communication: Exceptional communication skills are essential. Must be a skilled manager, mentor, and a natural communicator who can articulate complex technical concepts clearly to a diverse group of stakeholders, from engineers to the board of directors.
• Cultural Fit: A passion for building technology that accelerates scientific discovery and a strong desire to work in a mission-driven, fast-paced startup environment.

WHAT OUR CLIENT OFFERS :

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience
• Stock options to share in the long-term success of the company.
• Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of scientific AI, driving breakthroughs in immunology, biotechnology, and drug discovery.
• A fast-paced, product-driven startup environment where ambitious ideas and rapid iteration shape the future of science and medicine.

Location : Offices in Basel, Zürich and Lausanne. Candidate must be based in Switzerland.

Type for position : Permanent