Data engineer

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

We are seeking an AI/ML Data Engineer to support our Global Data and Analytics team. The AI/ML Data Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, and optimizing data pipelines and infrastructure using Databricks to support AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives. This role will involve working closely with business stakeholders to identify high-value AI/ML use cases and translating business requirements into technical solutions. The engineer will work to ensure the successful deployment of AI/ML solutions at scale, leveraging Azure services and Databricks tools.

This position is remote eligible, with a strong preference for candidates based in San Diego and able to maintain office presence.

The Responsibilities

• Work directly with business stakeholders to identify and define AI/ML use cases, translating business needs into technical requirements.
• Design, develop, and optimize scalable data pipelines in Databricks for AI/ML applications, ensuring efficient data ingestion, transformation, and storage.
• Build and manage Apache Spark-based data processing jobs in Databricks, ensuring performance optimization and resource efficiency.
• Implement ETL/ELT processes and orchestrate workflows using Azure Data Factory, integrating various data sources such as Azure Data Lake, Blob Storage, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering teams to meet data infrastructure needs for model training, tuning, and deployment within Databricks and Azure Machine Learning.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve issues within Databricks workflows, ensuring smooth operation and minimal downtime.
• Implement best practices for data security, governance, and compliance within Databricks and Azure environments.
• Automate data and machine learning workflows using CI/CD pipelines through Azure DevOps.
• Maintain documentation of workflows, processes, and best practices to ensure knowledge sharing across teams.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The Individual

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in data engineering, with a strong focus on Databricks and AI/ML applications.
• Proven experience working directly with business stakeholders to identify and implement AI/ML use cases.
• Expertise in Apache Spark and hands-on experience with Databricks for building and optimizing data pipelines.
• Strong programming skills in Python and Scala for data engineering and machine learning workflows in Databricks.
• Experience with Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Synapse Analytics.
• Proficiency with Databricks Delta Lake for data reliability and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with MLflow and Databricks Runtime for Machine Learning for model management and deployment.
• Knowledge of Azure DevOps for implementing CI/CD pipelines in Databricks-based projects.
• Strong understanding of data governance, security practices, and compliance requirements in cloud environments.
• Familiarity with emerging Databricks features such as Delta Live Tables and Unity Catalog.
• Ability to travel up to 5-10%.
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred

• Experience with real-time data processing using Apache Kafka or Azure Event Hubs.
• Master's degree in Computer Science or related technical fields.

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners

• Regular collaboration with business stakeholders to identify and implement AI/ML solutions that drive business value.
• Close interaction with data engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of data pipelines and AI/ML models.
• Work alongside IT teams to optimize cloud infrastructure and resource allocation within Databricks and Azure.

External Partners

• Customers and Vendors.

The Work Environment

No strenuous physical activity, though occasional light lifting of files and related materials is required. 30% of time in meetings, working with team, or talking on the phone, 70% of the time at the desk on computer, doing analytical work. Minimal travel required 5-10%. Travel includes airplane, automobile travel and overnight hotel.

Physical Demands

Typically, 40% of time in meetings; 60% of time at the desk on computer/doing paperwork/ on phone, doing analytical work. Walking, standing, and sitting for long periods of time are routine to accomplish tasks in this role. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to travel on short term notice.

Salary Transparency

The salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time), and paid Holidays. All benefits are non-contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].