Data Engineer Lead

The Data and Business Intelligence Team within the Center for Academic Innovation (CAI) at the University of Michigan drives CAI’s data strategy, ensuring that data is used responsibly, ethically, and securely. Our team of data engineers, scientists, and analysts powers internal operations and the Michigan Online platform by leveraging data as our universal language for analytics, insights and decision-making. We strive to democratize access to data while upholding strong standards for governance, security, and privacy. Through collaboration and communities of practice, we share innovations, learn from peers, and help foster a culture of data-informed decision-making across CAI and the broader campus., Data Strategy & Architecture Ownership

• Evolve CAI’s data architecture strategy to support reporting, analytics, AI/ML, and operational needs
• Architect and oversee implementation of end-to-end data warehousing solutions integrating diverse institutional and platform data sources
• Establish and enforce standards for dimensional modeling (e.g., Kimball methodology, Star and Snowflake schemas), pipeline design, documentation, and engineering best practices
• Ensure cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks) are optimized for scalability, reliability, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability
• Design and maintain complex ELT frameworks and scalable pipeline patterns

People Leadership & Team Development

• Directly manage and mentor Data Engineers and Senior Data Engineers, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and career development
• Foster a culture of shared ownership, technical excellence, and continuous learning
• Provide technical guidance and architectural oversight across projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and consistency
• Plan for team growth and capability development to support CAI’s long-term data vision

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• 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 (e.g., FERPA, GDPR) within a higher education environment
• Promote strong data stewardship and responsible use of institutional and learner data

Cross-Functional Leadership & Strategic Alignment

• Partner with Engineering, Online Learning, XR, and campus stakeholders to translate complex business and academic needs into cohesive data strategies and solutions
• Lead discovery sessions with stakeholders and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Align team priorities with CAI’s strategic objectives and contribute to roadmap planning within the data domain
• Oversee service delivery and stakeholder engagement to ensure responsive, high-impact data support

Innovation & Community Engagement

• Evaluate and thoughtfully incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, into engineering workflows and team practices
• Co-lead or sponsor initiatives such as the BI + AI Community of Practice and Data Hours to strengthen campus-wide data literacy and collaboration, The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or 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 experience with demonstrable 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 like 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 effectively with non-technical audiences
• Strong collaboration skills in a matrixed, mission-driven organization

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

The general salary range for this position is $115,000 - $125,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position and salaries that are currently established within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process., $115,000.00 - $125,000.00

About the Center for Academic Innovation

Through curricular innovation, tools for student success, and educational research and analytics, the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation is building the future of education. Our vision is a future in which education connects and empowers learners everywhere to reach their full potential throughout their lives. To realize our vision, we make it our mission to collaborate across campus and around the world to create equitable, lifelong educational opportunities for learners everywhere.