Data Engineer Senior

Join the University of Michigan Center for Academic Innovation’s Data and Business Intelligence team as a senior data engineer focused on building reliable data platforms for reporting and AI/ML use cases. In this hybrid role based in Ann Arbor, you will design and optimize data warehousing and ELT pipelines while guiding technical practices around security, governance, and data quality.

Role Overview

This is a 5 year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding. The role may also be renewed or converted into an open-ended base appointment. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Core Responsibilities

• Architect and implement end-to-end data warehousing solutions integrating diverse systems to support actionable metrics, reporting, and AI/ML use cases
• Design and build scalable, resilient, and maintainable data architectures across cloud platforms
• Establish and enforce standards for data modeling, pipeline development, and documentation
• Apply expert-level dimensional modeling using techniques such as Kimball methodology and Star and Snowflake schemas
• Build and optimize complex ELT workflows and data pipelines across a large number of systems
• Lead performance tuning and cost optimization efforts using Snowflake, Matillion, and related cloud technologies
• Contribute to and help operationalize scalable data governance practices
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security standards such as FERPA and GDPR in a higher education context
• Promote 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, fostering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Evaluate and thoughtfully incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, into engineering workflows
• In addition to hands-on engineering, mentor colleagues and contribute to a culture of technical rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or 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 (e.g., Snowflake, 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 appropriately use new technologies to improve processes, communication, and outcomes, including AI-enabled tools where relevant and 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

• Hybrid with a minimum of 4 days in the office per week, Monday through Thursday, plus an option to work remotely on Fridays
• On occasion, you may be required to work onsite on Fridays if necessitated by the center’s policy and domain leadership or your job requirements
• Work mode eligibility is at the discretion of the hiring department, and work agreements are reviewed annually and subject to change

Compensation and Term Details

• General salary range: $105,000 - $115,000 per year
• Salary determination factors include education level, experience, knowledge and skills, and salaries established within the unit
• Excellent benefits are available (details at http://benefits.umich.edu/)

Additional Job Information

• Job Opening ID: 284291
• Working title: Data Engineer Senior
• Job title: Data Engineer Intermediate
• Organization group: Vp Acad Innovation
• Department: Center for Academic Innovation
• Career interest: Information Technology
• Location: Ann Arbor Campus, Ann Arbor, MI
• Full-time, Regular, Exempt
• Posting begin/end date: 10/13/2026 - 11/12/2026

Background Screening and Application Timing

• Background checks are conducted upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator
• Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days; review may begin as early as the eighth day after posting
• Applications are reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled