Data Engineer Senior
Job Description
Join the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation’s Data and Business Intelligence team to design and improve data systems that support actionable metrics, reporting, and AI/ML use cases. This Senior Data Engineer role emphasizes governance, security, compliance, and strong technical leadership, with hybrid work in Ann Arbor and benefits through the University.
Responsibilities
- Architect and implement end-to-end data warehousing solutions that integrate diverse systems for metrics, reporting, and AI/ML use cases
- Design and build scalable, resilient, and maintainable data architectures across cloud platforms
- Set and enforce standards for data modeling, pipeline development, and documentation
- Apply expert dimensional modeling, including Kimball methodology and Star and Snowflake schemas, to create robust logical and physical models
- Build and optimize complex ELT workflows and data pipelines across a large number of systems
- Lead performance tuning and cost optimization for Snowflake, Matillion, and related cloud technologies
- Contribute to and help operationalize scalable data governance practices
- Ensure compliance with data privacy and security standards in higher education contexts (including FERPA and GDPR)
- Maintain high standards for data quality, documentation, and operational reliability
- Partner with stakeholders across Engineering, Online Learning, XR, and other teams to translate complex business needs into resilient technical solutions
- Mentor and support other data engineers to reinforce rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, into engineering workflows
- Provide hands-on engineering while mentoring colleagues and further developing technical leadership
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field preferred
- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related technical roles
- Expert-level knowledge of dimensional modeling (Star and Snowflake schemas) and data warehousing best practices
- Deep experience with modern ELT frameworks and cloud data platforms, including Snowflake and Matillion
- Proven ability to design, build, and scale complex data pipelines across numerous systems
- Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to independently lead technical initiatives from design through deployment, and manage multiple projects using tools like Asana
- Ability to learn and use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant to the role, consistent with university policy and job responsibilities
Technologies
- Kimball methodology
- Star and Snowflake schemas
- ELT
- Snowflake
- Matillion
- Asana
- AI-enabled tools
- FERPA
- GDPR
Work Mode and Terms
- Hybrid work is available at the discretion of the hiring department, with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday
- Option of remote work on Fridays
- On occasion, you may be required to work onsite on Fridays if needed by the center’s policy and domain leadership or by job requirements
- Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and may change at any time during employment
Compensation: $105,000 to $115,000 per year. Salary is based on education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and salaries established within the unit.
Additional details: This is a 5-year term-limited position with possibility of renewal depending on funding. The position may be renewed or converted into an open-ended base appointment. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
Background screening: Background checks occur upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator, in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application info: Posted 10/13/2026 to 11/12/2026 (review begins as early as the eighth day after posting). Job openings may be removed and filled any time after the minimum posting period ends. This opening ID is 284291.