How to apply for Staff Data and AI Platform Engineer

Workiva

About Workiva

Workiva is a leading provider of cloud-based compliance and ESG reporting solutions, streamlining the complex process of integrated reporting for transparent climate impact and regulatory compliance. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven platform that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions for a sustainable future, all within a collaborative and innovative remote-first culture.

About the role

As a Staff Data and AI Platform Engineer, you'll be the technical authority for Workiva's enterprise data platform, owning its architecture, reliability, security, and cost efficiency. You'll enable domain teams to scale dbt Mesh projects safely, shape the multi-year platform roadmap, and integrate AI/ML capabilities, making a direct impact on the company's data-driven product evolution.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing architectural designs with domain teams, collaborating with security on FedRAMP controls, and evaluating new AI/ML data technologies. You'll also spend time optimizing platform performance, mentoring engineers, and presenting roadmap updates to leadership, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on technical guidance.

Who Workiva is looking for

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Tips for this application

Highlight specific examples of designing and operating data platforms at scale, including metrics on reliability, cost, and performance improvements.
Showcase your experience with dbt Mesh or similar distributed analytics workflows, and how you've enabled multiple teams to collaborate safely.
Demonstrate your knowledge of AI/ML data substrate integration, such as feature stores or vector databases, and how you've applied them in a production environment.
Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership without authority, using examples of driving technical decisions across cross-functional teams.
Research Workiva's ESG reporting focus and mention how your work would support their mission of transparency and compliance in your cover letter.

What to cover in your cover letter

- Emphasize your ability to set technical direction and translate ambiguous challenges into clear architectural standards, as mentioned in the job description. - Highlight your experience with compliance frameworks like FedRAMP and how you've ensured data security and governance in previous roles. - Showcase your collaborative approach to working with domain teams and stakeholders, aligning with Workiva's emphasis on influencing without direct authority. - Express enthusiasm for the AI/ML integration aspect and how you can contribute to the multi-year platform roadmap.

Draft a cover letter

Research before applying

Understand Workiva's ESG reporting platform and how it integrates with various data sources to ensure transparency and compliance.
Learn about Workiva's culture and remote-first work environment, including their values and any recent news or initiatives.
Review Workiva's engineering blog or tech talks to gain insights into their data platform stack and challenges.
Familiarize yourself with FedRAMP and other compliance standards relevant to Workiva's government and enterprise clients.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

How would you design a data platform architecture to support multiple domain teams using dbt Mesh while ensuring data governance and security?
Describe a time you influenced technical decisions across teams without direct authority. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
How do you evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies for integration into a data platform? Provide an example of a buy vs. build decision you've made.
What strategies do you use to ensure cost efficiency and reliability in a large-scale data warehouse environment?
How would you approach migrating a legacy data platform to a modern cloud-native architecture, ensuring minimal disruption to downstream analytics?

Practise interview questions

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid being vague about your experience with specific tools like dbt or cloud platforms; provide concrete examples and metrics.
Don't underestimate the importance of soft skills and stakeholder management; this role requires influencing without authority, so highlight these abilities.
Avoid focusing solely on technical aspects without connecting them to business outcomes, such as cost savings or improved data governance.
Don't neglect to show awareness of AI/ML trends and how they apply to data platforms, as this is a key part of the role's future direction.

Deadline

No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.