Director, Engineering - Online Systems

Pinterest Pinterest · Consumer · San Francisco, CA · Data Engineering

This role is for an Engineering Director leading a large organization (50+) responsible for building, scaling, and operating Pinterest's foundational online systems (storage, storage API, analytics platforms). The director will define long-term vision, ensure technical excellence, and foster a culture of inclusion and innovation. A key aspect is championing AI adoption to accelerate system development and enhance operations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead a high-performing multi-team organization (50+) building Pinterest’s foundational online systems: storage, storage API, and analytics platforms leveraged by the entire company.
  2. Create a culture of high quality and ownership; ensure systems are reliable, low-latency, and efficient as they scale globally.
  3. Lead and deliver a cross-functional strategic initiative to modernize Pinterest’s online systems tech stack by adopting cutting-edge technologies and practices.
  4. Define and drive the team vision and technical strategy for the next 3+ years, partnering closely with senior engineering leadership and cross-functional partners.
  5. Champion AI adoption to accelerate system development, enhance operations, and continuously improve outcomes for internal customers and business stakeholders.

Skills

Required

  • Distributed systems
  • Storage architectures
  • Caching architectures
  • Managing managers
  • Technical strategy
  • AI adoption
  • System development
  • Operations enhancement
  • Customer outcomes improvement
  • Building and mentoring diverse teams
  • Culture of inclusion
  • Candid feedback
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Navigating ambiguity
  • Technical tradeoffs
  • Influencing stakeholders

Nice to have

  • Analytics platforms
  • Storage API

What the JD emphasized

  • 10+ years of relevant industry experience with deep technical expertise in distributed systems, storage, or caching architectures.
  • 5+ years of experience leading or managing large, high-impact engineering organizations, including experience managing managers and setting direction at scale.
  • Proven success driving the strategy, vision, and technical roadmap for foundational engineering teams supporting mission-critical use cases.
  • Demonstrated experience leveraging AI to accelerate development, enhance operations, and improve customer outcomes.