AI Data Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

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

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

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 programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.