Job Description
Senior Engineer, API and Data (Open to Remote)

We are seeking a Senior API & Data Engineer to own and evolve the critical data flows that power our Metadata API ecosystem. This role sits at the intersection of database architecture, ETL orchestration, and API design, with a focus on modernizing legacy systems while building the next generation of scalable, reliable services. 

 

In this role, you will work across multiple databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL), maintain and enhance a legacy Java-based API, and help shape the evolution of our next-generation Python-based Metadata API platform. 

 

The Metadata API platform is foundational to our publishing ecosystem. This role directly impacts how authoritative data is modeled, propagated, and exposed to external customers as well as our own in-house consumers. The engineer in this position will influence both the stability of current systems and the architectural direction of future platforms. 

 

This is a senior-level position requiring strong technical judgment, architectural thinking, and the ability to assess downstream data impacts across systems. The role reports to the Senior Director of the API, Middle Tier & Mobile team within the Publishing Applications Group.

 

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Own and evolve data flows powering the Metadata API ecosystem, ensuring accuracy, scalability, and reliability across systems
  • Design and optimize relational database schemas, queries, and stored procedures across Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL
  • Maintain and enhance legacy Java-based APIs while contributing to the development of modern Python-based API services
  • Orchestrate ETL processes and manage the safe propagation of schema and data changes across upstream and downstream systems
  • Troubleshoot data and API issues while partnering cross-functionally on platform architecture, API design, and system improvements

 

Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:

  • 5+ years of backend or data engineering experience with strong SQL expertise across relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL)
  • Experience designing “source of truth” data models and managing ETL pipelines or data propagation workflows
  • Proficiency in Java and Python for API development (JAX-RS and FastAPI a plus) and a solid understanding of RESTful design principles
  • Experience working in cloud-based, containerized environments (e.g., AWS, Kubernetes) with familiarity in CI/CD and version control
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to assess downstream data impacts across systems

 

The Penguin Random House national headquarters is located in New York City. The position is open to remote candidates based in the United States.

 

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $130,000. All positions are currently eligible for annual profit award or bonus, subject to Company results.      

 

Applications for this role will be accepted through April 21 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.

 

 

Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.


Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.


Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.

Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

 

 

Company: Penguin Random House LLC | Job ID: 287985