Staff Analytics Engineer
Staff · Full Time
Opens PermitFlow's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Staff Analytics Engineer at PermitFlow is a high-impact, hands-on individual contributor role combining analytics engineering, strategic analysis, and technical leadership. You'll own the analytics infrastructure, build AI-powered data solutions, and drive business impact across a rapidly scaling applied AI company serving the construction industry. This role requires extensive experience in analytics engineering, expert SQL and dbt skills, proficiency with cloud data warehouses, and the ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives in an AI-native data environment.
Responsibilities
- Design and Scale Data Infrastructure: Own the end-to-end design, development, and scaling of PermitFlow's data warehouse architecture, dbt transformation models, ETL/ELT pipelines, and core business metrics. This includes establishing data quality standards, implementing automated testing frameworks, and ensuring scalability as the company processes increasing volumes of construction permitting data across multiple geographic regions.
- Drive Analytical Impact and Business Insights: Translate complex business questions from Engineering, Product, Operations, and Customer Success teams into actionable insights, predictive models, and strategic recommendations. Partner with leadership to quantify business opportunities, measure product-market fit metrics, and support critical decisions related to regulatory compliance, market expansion, and customer success initiatives.
- Build AI-Powered Analytics Solutions: Leverage large language models and AI-powered tools to automate routine analysis, enable self-service analytics, and democratize data access across the organization. Design systems that integrate LLMs with PermitFlow's data infrastructure to improve how teams interact with and derive insights from construction permitting data.
- Establish Data Governance and Best Practices: Define and implement technical standards for data modeling, testing, documentation, and governance as the analytics infrastructure scales. Establish best practices for naming conventions, lineage tracking, permission management, and data quality to support an growing AI-native data organization.
- Lead Cross-Functional Data Strategy: Partner directly with leadership across all functions to define key performance indicators, identify high-impact analytical opportunities, and influence strategic business decisions. Independently own ambiguous projects, manage stakeholder alignment, and shape PermitFlow's long-term data strategy and technical tooling decisions.
- Shape the Future Data Function: Take ownership of defining PermitFlow's evolving AI-native data function, including tool selection, process optimization, and team capabilities. Establish the technical vision for how data will power construction AI applications, regulatory intelligence, and business operations as the company scales through its Series B and beyond.
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Expert SQL and Data Transformation
Demonstrated mastery of SQL for complex analytical queries, including window functions, CTEs, optimization techniques, and query performance tuning. Extensive hands-on experience with dbt (data build tool) for building scalable, tested, and documented data transformation layers in production environments.
Cloud Data Warehouse Architecture
Deep, practical experience designing and managing modern cloud data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, or Databricks). Understanding of data warehouse design patterns, optimization strategies, cost management, and implementation of dimensional modeling or data mesh architectures at scale.
Python for Data Engineering and Analytics
Strong Python proficiency for building scalable data pipelines, ETL workflows, and analytical tools. Experience with libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and orchestration frameworks like Airflow or Prefect for implementing production-grade data workflows.
LLM and AI-Powered Analytics
Practical experience leveraging large language models or AI-powered tools to enhance analytics workflows, automate analysis, and improve data accessibility. Familiarity with retrieval-augmented generation, prompt engineering, or LLM integration with data systems for analytics applications.
Analytics and Metrics Definition
Proven ability to design and implement robust metrics, KPIs, and analytics frameworks that accurately represent business performance. Experience with dimensional modeling, metric stores, and creating self-service analytics platforms that drive informed decision-making.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Related Field
Formal education providing strong foundations in data science, software engineering, or mathematics. (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.)
Experience
Analytics Engineering Leadership
5+ years of progressive experience in analytics engineering, data analytics, or business intelligence roles, with demonstrated track record of owning and delivering complex, high-impact initiatives. Experience building analytics functions from the ground up or scaling existing infrastructure is highly valued.
Full-Stack Data Mindset
Demonstrated ability to operate across the full data lifecycle, combining strong software engineering fundamentals with deep analytical skills and business intuition. Proven success in environments that demand both technical depth and strategic business thinking.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Track record of leading ambiguous, cross-functional projects independently without requiring extensive guidance. Experience influencing technical and business decisions at the staff level, partnering effectively with executives, product leaders, and engineering teams.
Skills
Required
SQL
Expert-level SQL proficiency with ability to write complex queries, optimize query performance, and design scalable database solutions for analytical workloads.
dbt (Data Build Tool)
Deep hands-on experience building and maintaining production dbt projects, including model organization, testing frameworks, documentation, and CI/CD integration.
Python
Strong Python skills for building data pipelines, analytics tools, and automation. Proficiency with data manipulation libraries and software engineering best practices.
Cloud Data Warehouses
Practical expertise with modern cloud-based data warehouses such as Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, or Databricks, including architecture decisions and optimization.
Data Modeling
Expertise in dimensional modeling, normalization techniques, and designing schemas that balance analytical query performance with maintainability and scalability.
Analytics Strategy
Ability to define KPIs, design metrics frameworks, and translate business questions into analytical requirements and data solutions.
Technical Leadership
Proven ability to lead projects independently, make architectural decisions, mentor others, and influence technical direction within data and analytics functions.
Preferred
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Nice to haveHands-on experience with LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or AI-powered tools for improving analytics workflows and data accessibility.
Data Orchestration Frameworks
Nice to haveExperience with Apache Airflow, Prefect, Dagster, or similar workflow orchestration tools for managing complex data pipelines and dependencies.
Data Governance and Quality
Nice to haveExperience implementing data quality frameworks, testing strategies, lineage tracking, and governance practices in rapidly scaling data environments.
Construction Technology or RegTech
Nice to haveBackground or interest in construction tech, regulatory technology, or complex domain-specific data challenges adds valuable context for understanding PermitFlow's business.
Early-Stage Startup Experience
Nice to haveExperience scaling data infrastructure in high-growth, early-stage companies navigating rapid evolution of business requirements and technical needs.
Analytics Visualization Tools
Nice to haveProficiency with modern BI and visualization tools such as Looker, Tableau, Metabase, or similar platforms for building self-service analytics experiences.
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·USD 165,000 – 250,000
Equity·Stock options
Benefits
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, plus healthcare FSA to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs and support preventive care and wellness.
Retirement Planning
401(k) savings plan with potential employer matching to support long-term financial security and retirement planning for employees.
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Unlimited PTO policy empowering employees to manage work-life balance effectively, plus dedicated paid family leave for major life events and child care.
Home Office and Equipment Support
Home office equipment stipend supporting remote work setup, including ergonomic furniture, monitors, and other essential equipment for productive work from home.
In-Office Dining and Meals
Daily provided lunch and dinner at PermitFlow's NYC headquarters, eliminating meal planning concerns for in-office days and fostering team connection.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax commuter benefits program covering NYC transit passes and parking, reducing commuting costs for employees working from the Manhattan office.
Meaningful Equity Compensation
Competitive equity stake in PermitFlow with opportunity to participate in the company's growth trajectory and success as a high-growth, well-funded Series B startup.
Hybrid Work Flexibility
Hybrid work arrangement with 3 in-office days per week at NYC headquarters, balancing collaboration and flexibility for engineering productivity.
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening Call
Brief conversation with PermitFlow's recruiting team to discuss your background, analytics engineering experience, and interest in the Staff Analytics Engineer role. Expect to cover your experience with dbt, SQL expertise, and familiarity with AI-powered analytics applications.
- 02
Technical Interview - Data Architecture
Detailed technical discussion focusing on data warehouse design, dbt modeling patterns, and your approach to building scalable analytics infrastructure. You may be asked to discuss past projects, design decisions, and how you've optimized for query performance and data quality.
- 03
Analytics Case Study or Problem-Solving
Practical assessment involving translating a business question into an analytical solution. You'll likely discuss your approach to defining metrics, writing SQL queries, and communicating insights to stakeholders. This may be take-home or live problem-solving format.
- 04
Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
Conversation with PermitFlow leadership (potentially CPO, CFO, or CTO) focusing on your experience leading ambitious projects, influencing technical decisions, and working cross-functionally. Discussion of how you'd shape data strategy and scale an analytics function.
- 05
AI/LLM Capabilities Discussion
Exploration of your practical experience with large language models, AI tools for analytics, and creative thinking around how LLMs could enhance data workflows, self-service analytics, or business intelligence at PermitFlow.
- 06
Final Interview with Hiring Manager
Comprehensive conversation with the hiring manager covering role expectations, your long-term career goals, how you'd approach current data challenges at PermitFlow, and cultural alignment with the team's mission and values.
Full posting
Original listing.
PermitFlow is redefining how America builds. We’re an applied AI company serving the nation’s builders, tackling one of the largest information challenges in the economy: understanding what can be built, where, and how. Our AI agent workforce helps the fastest-growing construction companies navigate everything from permitting and licensing to inspections and project closeouts – accelerating housing, clean-energy, and infrastructure development across the country.
Despite being a $1.6T industry, construction still suffers from massive delays, wasted capital, and lost opportunity. PermitFlow has already delivered unprecedented speed, accuracy, and visibility to over $20B in development, helping contractors reduce compliance time, de-risk projects, and scale with confidence.
As the U.S. enters a new capex supercycle across data centers, factories, housing, and renewables, joining PermitFlow means building the AI infrastructure at the core of every construction project driving the next wave of reindustrialization.
We’ve raised over $90M, most recently completing our Series B, from top-tier investors including Accel, Kleiner Perkins, Initialized, Y Combinator, Felicis, and Altos Ventures, with backing from leaders at OpenAI, Google, Procore, ServiceTitan, Zillow, PlanGrid, and Uber.
Our HQ is in New York City with a hybrid schedule (3 in-office days per week). We prefer NYC-based candidates or those open to relocation.
Role Overview
We’re looking for a Staff Analytics Engineer to help build and shape the future of data at PermitFlow. You’ll own our analytics infrastructure, tackle complex business problems, and help define how we leverage AI to make data more accessible and actionable across the company.
This is a high-impact, hands-on individual contributor role combining analytics engineering, strategic analysis, and technical leadership. You’ll partner directly with leaders across Engineering, Product, Operations, and Customer Success to turn data into better decisions.
We’re building an AI-native data function, and we’re looking for someone excited to challenge traditional approaches, take ownership, and shape how data powers a rapidly scaling business.
What You'll Do
Own our data foundation: Design, build, and scale our data warehouse, dbt models, pipelines, and core metrics.
Drive business impact: Translate complex business questions into actionable insights, predictive models, and strategic recommendations.
Build AI-powered analytics: Leverage LLMs to automate routine analysis, enable self-service insights, and improve how teams interact with data.
Set technical direction: Establish best practices for data modeling, quality, testing, and governance as our infrastructure scales.
Partner with leadership: Work cross-functionally to define KPIs, identify opportunities, and influence critical business decisions.
Shape our data function: Help define our long-term data strategy, tooling, and technical standards as PermitFlow grows.
What We're Looking For
Extensive experience in analytics engineering, data analytics, or BI, with a track record of owning complex, high-impact initiatives.
Expert SQL skills and deep, hands-on experience with dbt, data modeling, and modern cloud data warehouses.
Strong Python skills and experience building scalable data pipelines and analytics infrastructure.
Practical experience using LLMs or AI-powered tools to improve analytics workflows and data accessibility.
A full-stack data mindset, combining strong engineering fundamentals with analytical depth and business intuition.
Proven ability to lead ambiguous, cross-functional projects independently and influence technical and business decisions.
A builder’s mindset, strong communication skills, and excitement for shaping an evolving, AI-native data function.
What We Offer
Competitive salary and meaningful equity in a high-growth company
100% company-paid base medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees + healthcare FSA
401(k) savings plan
Unlimited PTO and paid family leave
Home office & equipment stipend
Daily in-office lunch and dinner provided
Commuter benefits (pre-tax transit and parking)
PermitFlow provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or family status, as protected by applicable law.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
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