Data Engineer Lead

Lead Data EngineerThe Center for Academic Innovation (CAI) at the University of Michigan is seeking a Lead Data Engineer to guide and scale our Data and Business Intelligence function. As we expand our Data, BI, and AI/ML capabilities to support innovative educational solutions, the Michigan Online platform and CAI internal operations, you will step into this newly created leadership role and lead the design, governance, and evolution of our enterprise data ecosystem.This role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership. You will establish architectural standards, design and build secure, scalable, high-performing data solutions, and ensure they advance CAI's priorities and mission. As the senior technical authority, you will also lead a team of data engineers and cultivate a collaborative, service-oriented, and innovative culture.Responsibilities include:Evolve CAI's data architecture strategy to support reporting, analytics, AI/ML, and operational needsArchitect and oversee implementation of end-to-end data warehousing solutions integrating diverse institutional and platform data sourcesEstablish and enforce standards for dimensional modeling (e.g., Kimball methodology, Star and Snowflake schemas), pipeline design, documentation, and engineering best practicesEnsure cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks) are optimized for scalability, reliability, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainabilityDesign and maintain complex ELT frameworks and scalable pipeline patternsDirectly manage and mentor Data Engineers and Senior Data Engineers, including performance management, coaching, hiring, and career developmentFoster a culture of shared ownership, technical excellence, and continuous learningProvide technical guidance and architectural oversight across projects, ensuring high-quality delivery and consistencyPlan for team growth and capability development to support CAI's long-term data visionEstablish and operationalize scalable data governance practices, including standards for data quality, metadata, lineage, and access controlsEnsure compliance with institutional and regulatory data privacy requirements (e.g., FERPA, GDPR) within a higher education environmentPromote strong data stewardship and responsible use of institutional and learner dataPartner with Engineering, Online Learning, XR, and campus stakeholders to translate complex business and academic needs into cohesive data strategies and solutionsLead discovery sessions with stakeholders and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiencesAlign team priorities with CAI's strategic objectives and contribute to roadmap planning within the data domainOversee service delivery and stakeholder engagement to ensure responsive, high-impact data supportEvaluate and thoughtfully incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, into engineering workflows and team practicesCo-lead or sponsor initiatives such as the BI + AI Community of Practice and Data Hours to strengthen campus-wide data literacy and collaborationRequired qualifications include:Bachelor's degree required. Degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or related field preferred7+ years of progressive experience in data engineering, data architecture, or related technical roles1+ year of direct supervision of professional staff experience with demonstrable servant leadership of technical teamsExpert-level knowledge of dimensional modeling (Star and Snowflake schemas) and enterprise data warehousing best practicesDeep experience with modern ELT frameworks and cloud-based data platforms like SnowflakeProven ability to design and scale complex data ecosystems integrating numerous source and target systemsDemonstrated success leading and developing high-performing technical teamsExperience aligning technical roadmaps with organizational strategyAbility to independently manage large, cross-functional initiatives from concept through deliveryStrong project management discipline and experience using enterprise collaboration tools such as AsanaExperience establishing data governance frameworks and ensuring regulatory complianceProven ability to lead stakeholder discovery sessions and communicate effectively with non-technical audiencesStrong collaboration skills in a matrixed, mission-driven organizationThe mode of work for this position is Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, with an option of remote work on Fridays. On occasion, you may be required and must be available to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by our center's policy and domain leadership or by your job requirements.The salary for this position will be based upon the selected candidate's education and experience. Excellent benefits are available.Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.