From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

We’re looking for a director of engineering to lead the build of next-generation, agent-driven platforms powering the Starbucks coffeehouse and partner (employee) experience. This role will drive innovation across agentic frameworks, data engineering, and internal applications—shaping the future of how data, AI, and tools come together to enable smarter, faster decisions at scale.

You’ll lead high-performing engineering teams to design and deliver scalable platforms across agentic frameworks, modern data engineering, and enterprise applications. This role is deeply cross-functional—partnering closely with data science and business leaders to translate complex needs into intuitive, high-impact solutions. From building intelligent, self-learning systems to evolving our enterprise BI platform, you’ll set the technical vision, raise the bar on engineering excellence, and ensure our platforms seamlessly power decision-making across the coffeehouse and partner experience.

As a director, engineering, you will…

We’d love to hear from leaders who can build and scale modern, AI-driven engineering platforms in a complex, retail environment. In addition to strong experience in platform and data engineering:

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software, platform, or data engineering, with 5+ years leading managers and senior engineers
• Experience leading engineering at director-level scope within large, complex organizations
• Experience building or working with AI-driven, agent-based, or intelligent system architectures
• Strong background in modern data platforms and architecture
• Experience building and scaling internal platforms and enterprise applications
• Demonstrated success hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing engineering teams
• Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to translate technical strategy into business impact
• Experience working across distributed teams and influencing across organizational boundaries

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k)-retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

This role is located in Nashville and will be in office Monday – Thursday.

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com or 1(888) 611-2258.