Senior Data Application Engineer

About the role

Cooley AI, the wholly‑owned subsidiary of Cooley LLP, is seeking a Senior Data Application Engineer for its Innovation team. The role focuses on building and supporting interactive data applications on the firm’s Databricks platform, enabling users to access insights, workflows, and AI‑powered capabilities efficiently. The engineer will collaborate with product owners, architects, and cross‑functional stakeholders to deliver intuitive, reliable, and secure applications using Databricks Appkit, AI‑assisted development tools, and GitHub‑based engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Build and enhance interactive data applications using Databricks Appkit, AI‑assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code), and optional local development in VS Code, following GitHub‑based version control and pull‑request workflows.
• Implement UI components, data visualizations, and user‑facing features that integrate with Databricks data sources and Lakehouse‑native APIs.
• Develop internal tools that streamline workflows, improve data accessibility, and enhance user experience for legal and business teams.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation to ensure reliability, maintainability, and compliance with firm standards.
• Troubleshoot application issues, perform root‑cause analysis, and implement fixes under senior engineer guidance.
• Maintain and update content‑driven applications, ensuring accuracy, usability, and policy compliance.
• Contribute to internal documentation, user guides, and knowledge bases.
• Assist senior engineers in building and maintaining ingestion, transformation, and integration workflows on the Databricks platform.
• Write SQL queries to retrieve, validate, and prepare data for use in data apps; monitor data jobs and application integrations.
• Support data quality efforts through validation checks, structured testing, and documentation updates.
• Collaborate with Data Platform team members, Product Owners, Data Architects, and platform teams to ensure clear presentation, governance, security, and architectural alignment.
• Engage with Technology, Security, and Legal stakeholders to meet compliance and access‑control requirements.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies (stand‑ups, sprint planning, retrospectives) and communicate progress, blockers, and updates to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Use AI‑assisted development tools to accelerate coding, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Develop lightweight automation workflows using Databricks, low‑code/no‑code tools, or API‑based integrations.
• Prepare structured content and data for AI‑driven tools, internal search experiences, and RAG‑style applications.
• Explore emerging Databricks capabilities and propose improvements to internal processes.
• Stay current on trends in web development, data applications, and AI‑assisted engineering.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5+ years of directly applicable experience (e.g., data engineering, data application development).
• Proficiency with front‑end technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular.
• Basic SQL skills and understanding of relational databases.
• Experience building or maintaining web applications, websites, or content‑driven platforms.
• Experience using GitHub for version control, branching, and pull requests.
• After orientation, proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours and travel as required.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience with Python or another scripting language.
• Exposure to Databricks, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP), or Lakehouse concepts.
• Familiarity with REST APIs, JSON, and basic integration patterns.
• Experience with VS Code or similar development environments.
• Background in data engineering, analytics, or application development.
• Experience with low‑code/no‑code automation tools.
• Understanding of UI/UX principles and accessibility best practices.
• Exposure to AI‑assisted development, RAG workflows, or data‑driven application design.

Skills

• Strong problem‑solving ability and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Effective collaboration in cross‑functional Agile teams.
• High attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality work.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining technical concepts clearly.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for growing within data engineering or application engineering.
• Proactive, analytical mindset with a collaborative spirit.

Compensation

The expected annual pay range for this full‑time position is $220,000 – $250,000, with the final offer dependent on geographic location, experience, and skill set. Senior‑level candidates may be considered for a higher salary range.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with applicable medical plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health, dependent care, and pre‑tax commuter benefits.
• Life insurance, AD&D, and long‑term care coverage (firm‑paid for benefited employees).
• Short‑term medical benefits.
• 21 days of paid time off (PTO) plus 10 paid holidays annually.
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits.
• Backup care for children and/or adults.
• Additional elective benefits including various health and dependent‑care options.
• Detailed benefit orientation for new employees.

Schedule

Full‑time position with the expectation to work extended and/or weekend hours as needed and occasional travel.