Data Engineer Lead

The University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is hiring a Lead Data Engineer to guide and scale its Data and Business Intelligence function. This hybrid role focuses on enterprise data architecture, governance and compliance, ELT and warehousing solutions, and leading a team of data engineers.

Role Overview

In this position, you will evolve CAI’s data architecture strategy to support reporting, analytics, AI/ML, and operational needs. You will architect and oversee end-to-end data warehousing solutions that integrate diverse institutional and platform data sources, while establishing engineering standards and providing technical guidance across projects. You will also lead discovery sessions with stakeholders and ensure team priorities align with CAI’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Evolve CAI data architecture strategy to support reporting, analytics, AI/ML, and operational requirements
• Architect and oversee end-to-end data warehousing solutions integrating multiple institutional and platform data sources
• Establish and enforce standards for dimensional modeling (including Kimball methodology, Star and Snowflake schemas), pipeline design, documentation, and engineering best practices
• Optimize cloud data platforms (such as Snowflake and Databricks) for scalability, reliability, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability
• Design and maintain complex ELT frameworks and scalable pipeline patterns
• Directly manage and mentor Data Engineers and Senior Data Engineers, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and career development
• Foster shared ownership, technical excellence, and continuous learning within the team
• Provide technical guidance and architectural oversight to support high-quality delivery and consistency
• Plan for team growth and capability development aligned to CAI’s long-term data vision
• Establish and operationalize scalable data governance practices, including standards for data quality, metadata, lineage, and access controls
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory data privacy requirements, including FERPA and GDPR, within a higher education environment
• Promote strong data stewardship and responsible use of institutional and learner data
• Partner with Engineering, Online Learning, XR, and campus stakeholders to translate business and academic needs into cohesive data strategies and solutions
• Lead stakeholder discovery sessions and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Align team priorities to CAI strategic objectives and contribute to roadmap planning within the data domain
• Oversee service delivery and stakeholder engagement to ensure responsive, high-impact data support
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, and incorporate them into engineering workflows and team practices
• Co-lead or sponsor initiatives such as the BI + AI Community of Practice and Data Hours to support campus-wide data literacy and collaboration

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field preferred
• 7+ years of progressive experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related technical roles
• 1+ year of direct supervision of professional staff with demonstrated servant leadership of technical teams
• Expert-level knowledge of dimensional modeling (Star and Snowflake schemas) and enterprise data warehousing best practices
• Deep experience with modern ELT frameworks and cloud-based data platforms such as Snowflake
• Proven ability to design and scale complex data ecosystems integrating numerous source and target systems
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing technical teams
• Experience aligning technical roadmaps with organizational strategy
• Ability to independently manage large, cross-functional initiatives from concept through delivery
• Strong project management discipline and experience using enterprise collaboration tools such as Asana
• Experience establishing data governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Proven ability to lead stakeholder discovery sessions and communicate with non-technical audiences
• Strong collaboration skills in a matrixed, mission-driven organization

Technologies

• Snowflake
• Databricks
• Kimball methodology
• Star and Snowflake schemas
• ELT
• AI/ML
• FERPA
• GDPR
• Asana
• BI + AI Community of Practice
• Data Hours

Work Location and Mode

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid)
• Hybrid schedule: minimum 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays
• On occasion, you may be required to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by the center’s policy and domain leadership or by job requirements
• Work mode eligibility for hybrid or mobile/remote work is determined by the hiring department and may change over time; work agreements are reviewed at least annually

Compensation

Salary range: USD 115,000 - 125,000 per year. The final salary will be based on the selected candidate’s education and experience. Candidates can expect a competitive and equitable salary. For benefits details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/.

Additional Information

• Job Opening ID: 284556
• Organizational Group: Vp Acad Innovation
• Department: Center for Academic Innovation
• Full-Time; Regular; Exempt; Career Interest: Information Technology
• Background screening: background checks are conducted upon acceptance of a contingent offer; checks may be performed using a third-party administrator in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Application review: reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until filled
• Posting window: 10/19/2026 - 11/18/2026
• Minimum posting period: at least seven calendar days; selection may begin as early as the eighth day
• Legal authorization: candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States