As IT Data QE Engineering Manager at KinderCare Learning Companies, you will drive delivery excellence, embed quality engineering practices across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), and improve measurable data reliability, accuracy, and observability across enterprise data platforms. This role focuses on validation, reliability, and observability of machine‑learning systems rather than model development.
KinderCare is looking for a strong leader in modern data platforms and machine‑learning quality validation to ensure the reliability of both data pipelines and ML‑driven analytics products.
Responsibilities:
Databricks & Modern Data Platforms Define and execute data quality strategy supporting Databricks‑based Lakehouse platforms (Delta Lake, Spark, SQL)
Validate complex ETL/ELT pipelines across batch and near‑real‑time ingestion workflows
Implement automated data validation frameworks integrated into CI/CD pipelines
Implement data observability practices including freshness, volume, and schema monitoring
Reduce production data defects through early quality gates and proactive monitoring
Partner with Data Engineering to improve pipeline performance, scalability, and reliability
Machine Learning & Advanced Analytics Lead quality validation strategy for ML pipelines, including training data validation, feature integrity checks, and model output verification
Validate ML workflows across experimentation, training, deployment, and monitoring stages within MLOps pipelines
Establish processes for model output verification, performance benchmarking, and reproducibility
Partner with Data Science and MLOps teams to validate monitoring controls for data drift, bias detection, and model performance degradation
Validate ML workflows using tools such as MLflow, Feature Stores, or equivalent ML lifecycle platforms
Validate ML workloads executed within Databricks environments including feature pipelines and model inference datasets
Collaborate with Data Science teams to enhance explainability and operational reliability of models
Data Governance & Enterprise Data Quality Embed governance controls into QE lifecycle (lineage validation, metadata completeness, access control testing)
Establish data quality KPIs aligned with enterprise standards
Lead root cause analysis for systemic data integrity issues impacting reporting and analytics
Leadership & Delivery Excellence Lead cross‑functional quality initiatives spanning Data Engineering, Data Science, and Platform teams
Build and mentor high‑performing Data QE teams
Promote culture of extreme ownership and accountability
Drive cross‑functional alignment between Engineering, Data Science, Product, and Governance
Influence roadmap decisions through quality and risk insights
Strategic Partnership & Influence Serve as a trusted advisor to engineering and business leadership on delivery strategy, capacity planning, and prioritization
Influence roadmap decisions by providing data‑driven insights on sequencing, trade‑offs, and risk exposure
Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to align execution plans with long‑term strategic objectives
Drive cross‑functional alignment in complex, ambiguous environments by providing insights into capacity, sequencing, and trade‑offs
Ensure engineering engagement models evolve to support business growth and innovation
Model Reliability & Observability Establish monitoring validation for model performance degradation and drift
Define quality gates for model promotion and deployment readiness
Ensure reproducibility through dataset and feature version validation
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
7+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data QE, or Data Quality roles, 3+ years leading data or quality engineering teams supporting analytics or ML platforms
Hands‑on experience with Databricks, Spark, SQL
Experience validating ML pipelines including training data quality, feature validation, and model output testing
Working knowledge of model evaluation metrics (precision/recall, ROC‑AUC, drift metrics, or equivalent)
Validated lineage and traceability across data pipelines and ML feature/model artifacts
Experience operating within MLOps or AI‑enabled analytics environments
Experience implementing automation within cloud‑based environments
Strong experience working with external vendors, system integrators, or offshore delivery teams
Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (Agile/Scrum preferred)
Proven ability to influence and navigate complex stakeholder environments
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Preferred Experience working with cross‑functional enterprise teams
Background in technical program management or delivery leadership
Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar tracking systems
Benefits Whole‑family support with discounted child care benefits
Medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets)
Employee assistance programs for mental health and personal growth
Health and wellness programs, paid time off, and discounts for work necessities such as cell phones
… and much more
Equal Opportunity Employment KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.