Senior Data Engineer — Music Services Operations Analytics & Strategy

Job description

The Music Services Operations Analytics & Strategy team builds the intelligence infrastructure that powers Apple's media services. Processing billions of records monthly, we manage complex content taxonomies, variable provider data, and hundreds of analytical dimensions — delivering accurate, actionable insights to cross-functional teams, partner organizations, and executive leadership.
We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to architect and deploy the robust, AI-ready data pipelines that serve as the foundation for our analytics capabilities. This role demands both deep systems engineering rigor and strong business partnership — the ideal candidate brings battle-tested experience at massive scale and the strategic foresight to build extensible, modular systems that span across Music, Video, and Books.
<h3>Minimum Qualifications</h3>7+ years of professional experience in data engineering or systems architecture, with a demonstrated history of owning production data systems at massive scale — processing billions of records in complex, high-volume environments
Advanced proficiency in Python and SQL, with expertise in distributed data processing frameworks (e.g., PySpark/Spark), modular software design, and automated testing methodologies
Extensive hands-on experience designing and operating CI/CD pipelines, automated deployment workflows, and version-controlled data infrastructure
Proven expertise in data quality management, resolving complex taxonomy mapping issues, and implementing programmatic anomaly detection on high-volume datasets
Proven ability to lead projects, influence cross-functional teams, and drive consensus in a matrixed organization — translating stakeholder needs into scalable, well-scoped technical solutions
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels
Exceptional aptitude for logical reasoning, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field
<h3>Preferred Qualifications</h3>Strategic mindset with the ability to define long-term data architecture vision, anticipate upstream and downstream challenges, and make data-informed decisions aligned with broader organizational objectives
A resourceful, action-oriented innovator who consistently cuts through ambiguity and engineers creative solutions — particularly through the application of AI-driven technologies, intelligent automation, and emerging data tooling
Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools and workflows within data engineering contexts — including familiarity with LLMs, RAG pipelines, and intelligent automation — with a demonstrated ability to apply these technologies to meaningfully improve speed, quality, and operational output
Deep familiarity with open table formats (Apache Iceberg, Delta Lake), cloud-native data systems, and self-service data platform principles including data mesh architectures
Familiarity with graph databases and SPARQL as a forward-looking capability
Demonstrated expertise implementing data privacy frameworks — including hands-on experience building systems compliant with global regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
Proficiency with data visualization and reporting tools such as Tableau, Superset, or equivalent platforms — with an ability to translate complex data into clear, consumable insights for business audiences
Familiarity with the structural nuances of diverse digital media catalogs — audio, video, and publishing data models
Experience mentoring peers and championing a culture of data engineering excellence across the team
A genuine passion for Apple products and services, with deep familiarity with the Apple ecosystem and an understanding of the content and media landscape that drives Apple Music and beyond