Data Engineer

Institute of Foundation Models Open · verified Oct 24, 2026

On-site Sunnyvale Full-time Mid-level Data Engineering

At a glance

Mid-level Data Engineering role at Institute of Foundation Models. Sunnyvale · full-time · $150,000–$450,000 base.

SalaryStated by Institute of Foundation Models

$150,000 – $450,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

RoleData Engineering

SeniorityMid-level

LocationSunnyvale

WorkplaceOn-site

EmploymentFull-time

Base pay$150,000–$450,000

PostedApr 9, 2025 · 1y ago

Role brief

dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Gather and clean datasets to researcher specifications, preparing them quickly for NLP research
Build web crawlers, APIs and automated workflows that improve how data is collected
Turn and assess LLM outputs as structured material for model training and benchmarks
Create data pipelines for processing, storing, retrieving and delivering datasets to research teams
Document dataset methods and pipeline design, and work with peers to uphold data quality

What you bring

A bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering or another related technical field
Extensive experience using Python for data engineering, processing and automation
Hands-on ability to build web crawlers, automated extraction systems and processing pipelines
Knowledge of algorithms, data structures, databases, SQL and performance tuning
Experience with cloud platforms and distributed processing tools such as AWS, Spark or another listed technology

Who this fits

This role suits a mid-level data engineer who enjoys delivering research datasets on tight timelines and collaborating with researchers and engineers. The position is onsite in Sunnyvale.

From the employer

About the Institute of Foundation Models We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.
The Role As a Data Engineer specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and large-scale data processing, you will quickly and effectively gather, curate, and prepare high-quality datasets to support cutting-edge NLP research. Your role will be instrumental in enabling researchers by delivering essential data through efficient and scalable engineering practices, including web crawling, LLM-generated content refinement, and robust data pipelines, primarily leveraging Python and related technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Rapidly collect, curate, and preprocess datasets based on detailed specifications provided by NLPresearchers,delivering data within tight timelines.
Develop and maintain efficient web crawling solutions, APIs, and automated workflows to continuously improve data collection processes.
Refine and evaluate outputs from Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate structured datasets suitable for model training and benchmarking.
Implement scalable data pipelines, ensuring efficient data processing, storage, retrieval, and distribution to research teams.
Collaborate closely with researchers and engineers to ensure collected data meets specified quality and relevance criteria.
Document data collection methodologies, dataset characteristics, and pipeline architecture clearly and effectively.
Engage with peer teams and participate in technical reviews to uphold best practices and data quality standards.
Represent MBZUAI at industry and research forums, showcasing technical capabilities in large-scale data processing and AI data infrastructure.

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical field required
Master’s degree or PhD degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related technical fields preferred.

Professional Experience - Required

Extensive experience in data engineering, data processing, and automation using Python.
Demonstrated proficiency in designing and deploying web crawling solutions, automated data extraction, and processing pipelines.
Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, databases, SQL, and performance optimization.
Experience working with cloud infrastructure and distributed data processing frameworks (e.g., AWS, Spark, Kafka, Kubernetes).
Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capability to rapidly address technical challenges.
Strong communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.

Professional Experience - Preferred

Proven track record of supporting NLP or AI research teams with rapid and reliable data delivery.
Experience working with large language models, including evaluation, efficient inference, and prompt engineering.
Experience with refining outputs from large-scale AI models, such as LLM-generated data.
Contributions to open-source projects, coding competitions, or high visibility in coding communities (e.g., GitHub, Stack Overflow).
Familiarity with the latest advancements in NLP data processing and large language model technologies.

Benefits Include *Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits *Bonus *401K Plan *Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays *Paid Parental Leave *Employee Assistance Program *Life insurance and disability

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