About the job
About The Company
Founded with the mission to transform higher education through innovative data solutions, EAB is a recognized leader in providing comprehensive research, technology, and consulting services to educational institutions. With a focus on unlocking the full potential of institutional data, EAB empowers colleges and universities to make informed decisions, improve student outcomes, and enhance operational efficiencies. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement has established us as a trusted partner in the education sector. We foster a dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and innovation, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of data-driven solutions in higher education.
About The Role
The Principal Data Engineer, also known as the Data Solutions Lead (DSL), plays a pivotal role in designing impactful data and analytics solutions within the Edify platform tailored for higher education institutions. This leadership position sits at the nexus of data architecture, partner strategy, and product innovation. Unlike traditional data engineering roles that focus primarily on building pipelines or writing production code, the DSL leads discovery efforts, shapes solution designs, and guides implementation to ensure solutions are aligned with institutional goals and long-term success. This role requires a strategic thinker with technical depth who can connect complex data systems to real-world impact, helping institutions modernize their data ecosystems and explore emerging capabilities such as advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions. Based out of Washington, D.C., or Richmond, VA, with remote work flexibility, the DSL will collaborate closely with strategic leaders, data engineers, and product teams to translate institutional challenges into scalable, well-architected data solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- 8+ years of experience in data architecture, analytics consulting, or related roles
- Strong proficiency in SQL, including writing and reviewing complex stored procedures
- Experience designing data pipelines, integrations, and data warehouse structures
- Deep understanding of data flow across systems and its application in business decision-making
- Ability to translate ambiguous problems into structured, actionable solutions
- Excellent communication skills for engaging both technical and non-technical audiences
- Detail-oriented with strong multitasking and adaptability skills
- Experience working directly with external stakeholders in a consulting or client-facing capacity (preferred)
- Familiarity with cloud data ecosystems, preferably AWS, and modern data stack concepts (preferred)
- Exposure to advanced analytics, predictive modeling, or AI/ML use cases (preferred)
- Experience in higher education or complex data environments (preferred)
- SPM certifications or demonstrated planning and organizational skills (preferred)
- Commitment to continuous learning and fostering an inclusive, fair, and authentic work culture
- Lead discovery engagements with institutional stakeholders to translate business questions into clear data and analytics requirements
- Design end-to-end data solutions, including data models, integrations, transformation logic, and reporting structures aligned with Edify platform standards and long-term data strategies
- Serve as a trusted advisor to partners, guiding them through complex data challenges and opportunities to enhance data usage, reporting, and analytics capabilities
- Mentor or manage Data Engineers and collaborate with Technical Project Managers to oversee solution implementation
- Identify, investigate, and resolve performance and production issues, developing scalable solutions to prevent recurring problems
- Contribute to the development of advanced capabilities such as predictive analytics, automation, and AI-driven use cases
- Provide structured feedback to Product and Engineering teams to inform platform evolution and enhancements
- Maintain awareness of emerging data technologies and industry best practices to ensure innovative and effective solutions
- Competitive salary range of $91,500 – $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and location
- Discretionary bonus or incentive compensation based on individual and organizational performance
- Comprehensive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
- Generous paid time off, including 20+ days annually, plus paid holidays and floating days
- Flexible work arrangements and flextime options for work-life balance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions
- Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and pre-tax commuter plans
- Employee assistance programs offering counseling and support services
- Wellness programs, gym discounts, and incentives promoting healthy living
- Fertility treatment coverage, adoption, and surrogacy assistance
- Paid parental leave with phased return-to-work options for new parents
- Support services for nursing employees, including milk shipping during travel
- Pet health insurance discounts and company-provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance
- Financial wellness resources and access to employee discount programs
- Opportunities for professional development, merit-based advancement, and participation in employee resource groups
