AI Data Engineer

Syracuse University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 89,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking an AI Data Engineer to join the Information Technology Services team on campus in Syracuse, NY. The role focuses on building data pipelines, integrating AI/ML tools, and ensuring data quality and governance across enterprise systems.

You will work with Microsoft Fabric, OneLake, and Power BI to deliver scalable data assets for analytics and AI applications, collaborating with campus units and leadership to drive innovation and education outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in AI, CS, Data Science, or related field; 4+ years in data engineering, AI/ML integration, or enterprise IT.
• Experience in higher education IT environment preferred.
• Strong data wrangling, SQL, Python/Java/C#, and Power BI proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable data pipelines ingesting data from ERP, LMS, research systems, APIs and external datasets.
• Build connectors, workflows, and APIs for unified data across cloud and on-prem platforms.
• Maintain governance, metadata, lineage, and documentation to support auditability and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders; translate requirements and deliver demonstrations and presentations.
• Provide technical mentorship and scale for future institutional needs (MCP, serverless, containers, generative AI).

Skills

SQL

Python

Data wrangling

Power BI

Semantic modeling

API development

Cloud platforms

Docker

Kubernetes

AI/ML integration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

AWS

GCP

Fabric

Job description

AI Data Engineer

Job # | 042947

Department Code | 20701-9701

Department | Information Technology Services

Job Title | AI Data Engineer

Location | Syracuse, NY

Campus | Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range | $89,000 - $95,000

Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level | S5

FLSA Status | Exempt

Hours | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type | Full-time

Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable

Job Description | The AI Data Engineer leverages AI-assisted tools (e.g., code generation, chat-style assistants, agentic workflows) to accelerate pipeline development, documentation, and problem-solving that transforms structured and unstructured data into enterprise-ready assets to power AI and analytics solutions. Built on Microsoft Fabric, Syracuse University’s standard data and analytics platform, this role bridges raw data sources with generative AI applications across OneLake, ensuring data quality, compliance, and scalability. Joining an established Enterprise Data & AI team already building in Fabric, the AI Data Engineer serves as a key technical contributor to large-scale, university-wide initiatives, both current and emerging, that advance institutional strategy. At times, the incumbent may be dedicated to specific, university initiatives or partner units based on institutional priorities and cross-departmental projects.

Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 4+ years of experience in data engineering, AI/ML integration, or enterprise IT. Experience in a higher education IT environment preferred.

Skills and Knowledge | Expertise in data wrangling for structured and unstructured data. Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (Python, Java, or C#). Experience with Microsoft Fabric (OneLake, Data Factory, Real-Time Intelligence, Fabric IQ, notebooks) and comparable data platforms Proficiency with Power BI and semantic modeling (data modeling, relationships, DAX, and OneLake-integrated semantic models) to enable trusted self-service analytics. Familiarity with API development, microservices, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations. Experience with cloud infrastructure (Azure, AWS, GCP), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and serverless platforms (e.g., Logic Apps). Familiarity in deploying AI/ML platforms (Azure AI Foundry, Google Vertex, Amazon Bedrock, OpenAI, etc.). Demonstrated familiarity using generative AI tools to improve personal and team productivity. Understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethical AI principles. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences and to deliver presentations, demonstrations, and briefings to campus stakeholders and leadership.

Data Engineering & Pipeline Development Design and implement scalable pipelines that ingest, clean, transform, and aggregate data from diverse sources (ERP, LMS, research systems, APIs, and external datasets) into formats optimized for AI and analytics. Ensure data quality, integrity, and reproducibility through robust engineering practices.

Integration & Platform Support Build connectors, workflows, and APIs to unify and operationalize data across cloud and on-premises platforms. Support deployment and lifecycle management of AI/ML models, ensuring seamless integration with enterprise applications.

Governance, Security & Compliance Maintain metadata, lineage, and documentation to support transparency and auditability. Ensure adherence to Syracuse University’s ISF, FERPA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements, while applying ethical AI and data governance principles.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Gather and translate requirements from academic and administrative units to deliver tailored solutions aligned with institutional priorities. Represent AI/ML teams in cross-campus meetings, working groups, and governance bodies. Deliver presentations and demonstrations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Innovation & Mentorship Provide technical mentorship on data engineering and integration best practices. Anticipate and scale for future institutional needs (e.g., MCP, serverless, containerization, and generative AI) to drive innovation in data and AI adoption.

Physical Requirements | Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable

About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree