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Syracuse University

AI Data Engineer

🇺🇸 Syracuse, NY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $76K - $90K

💻 Information Technology

🗓️ September 26th, 2025

Docker FERPA Kubernetes

Edtech.com's Summary

Syracuse University is hiring an AI Data Engineer who will design, build, and maintain data pipelines that transform structured and unstructured data into assets for AI and analytics solutions. The role requires bridging raw data sources with generative AI platforms, ensuring data quality, compliance, and scalability, while collaborating closely with university stakeholders and IT teams to deliver secure and innovative data solutions.

Highlights
  • Main responsibilities include designing scalable data pipelines, building connectors and APIs for data integration, supporting AI/ML model deployment, ensuring governance and regulatory compliance, and collaborating with academic and administrative units.
  • Required technical skills include expertise in SQL, programming languages like Python, Java, or C#, API development, microservices, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes), and serverless platforms.
  • Experience with AI/ML deployment platforms such as Azure AI Foundry, Google Vertex, Amazon Bedrock, and OpenAI.
  • Knowledge of data governance, privacy regulations (FERPA, HIPAA), ethical AI principles, and Syracuse University security frameworks.
  • Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field, plus 4+ years in data engineering or enterprise IT, with preference given to experience in higher education IT environments.
  • Compensation ranges from $76,000 to $90,000 annually.
  • Position is full-time, exempt staff level S5, with standard university business hours.
  • Works under the VP Information Technology/CIO department.
  • The role emphasizes mentorship on data engineering best practices and innovation in emerging technologies like generative AI and model context protocols.
  • Engages with diverse university stakeholders, IT teams, and academic units to align data solutions with institutional priorities.

AI Data Engineer Full Description

AI Data Engineer
 Posting Details 
Job #  | 042284
Department Code  | 20701-6026
Department  | VP Information Technology/CIO
Job Title  | AI Data Engineer
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Pay Range  | 76,000 - $90,000
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
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable
Job Description  | The AI Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines and integrations that transform structured and unstructured data into enterprise-ready assets to power AI and analytics solutions. This role plays a critical part in bridging raw data sources with generative AI platforms and applications, ensuring data quality, compliance, and scalability. The AI Data Engineer collaborates with university stakeholders, IT teams, and academic units to deliver reliable, secure, and innovative data solutions that advance Syracuse University’s mission.
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 higher education IT environments 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#). 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.). Understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethical AI principles. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
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: Partner with academic and administrative units to understand AI and data needs, delivering tailored solutions aligned with institutional priorities. Act as a liaison between AI/ML teams and business units to maximize value from data assets. Innovation & Mentorship: Provide technical mentorship on data engineering and integration best practices. Stay ahead of emerging technologies (e.g., MCP, serverless, containerization, and generative AI) to drive innovation in data and AI adoption.
Physical Requirements  | *
Tools/Equipment  | *

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.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111027
Job Posting Date  | 09/25/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * How did you first find out about this position? 
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2.  If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position. 
    (Open Ended Question)

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