FDE Software Engineer III

Customers trust the Alation Data Intelligence Platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. With more than $340M in funding – valued at over $1.7 billion and nearly 600 customers, including 40% of the Fortune 100 — Alation helps organizations realize value from data and AI initiatives.

Alation has been recognized in 2024 as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the fifth time, a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment.

Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to bring diverse perspectives together and empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths to live out our values each day. These are: Move the Ball, Build for the Long Term, Listen Like You're Wrong, and Measure Through Customer Impact.

Joining Alation means being part of a fast-paced, high-growth company where every voice matters, and where we're shaping the future of data intelligence with AI-ready data.

Join us on our journey to build a world where data culture thrives and curiosity is celebrated each day

Job Description
We're looking for an exceptional
Forward Deployed Software Engineer (FDE)
to help build production-grade Java-based metadata connectors for the Alation Data Catalog platform. You will work directly with customers, integrating their enterprise data systems with Alation by building custom metadata ingestion pipelines.

This is a highly technical, hands-on role that combines deep Java engineering skills, architectural judgment, and customer empathy. You'll play a critical role in connecting the world's most important data platforms—databases, BI tools, data lakes, cloud services—to one of the leading data intelligence products.

What You'll Do

• Design, build, and deploy robust, maintainable Java-based connector applications that extract and transmit metadata into Alation.
• Work directly with customers and Product architects to understand their data ecosystems, define integration strategies, and troubleshoot in complex, secured environments.
• Implement connectors that interface with enterprise systems through APIs, JDBC, or SDKs
• Package and deploy solutions using Docker-based sidecars, working closely with internal infrastructure and release teams.
• Develop and maintain reusable Java libraries and tools to accelerate future connector development.
• Participate in technical design reviews, customer architecture sessions, and production rollouts.
• Collaborate across engineering, product, and customer success teams to deliver high-impact solutions quickly and safely.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation of connector code, configuration, and usage guidelines.

What You Need

• 5+ years of professional experience designing, developing, shipping software products and/or n-tier services.
• Strong Java Expertise: Extensive experience in Java development, including deep knowledge of core Java concepts, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
• Database Connectivity: Proficiency in working with various database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and experience in developing database connectors using JDBC, ODBC, or other relevant APIs.
• Docker Experience: Experience deploying containerized applications using Docker.
• Authentication and security mechanisms: Familiarity with modern authentication and security mechanisms (OAuth, SAML, PKCS, X.509, SSO).
• Data Transformation: Experience in data transformation and mapping techniques, including ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
• Performance Optimization: Knowledge of performance tuning and optimization techniques for data-intensive applications.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with Data Catalogs: Familiarity with data catalog concepts, metadata management, and data governance principles.
• Knowledge of BI Tools: Experience with popular BI tools and platforms, and understanding of their data connectivity requirements.
• Cloud Experience: Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-based data sources.
• Big Data Technologies: Exposure to big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark) and experience in handling large datasets.

Alation, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.
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