Principal Data Engineer
EAB (Education Advisory Board), Richmond, VA, United States
The Principal Data Engineer, also referred to across the team as the Data Solutions Lead (DSL), is responsible for designing high-impact data and analytics solutions that help higher education institutions unlock the full value of their data within the Edify platform.
This role sits at the intersection of data architecture, partner strategy, and product innovation. The DSL partners closely with Strategic Leaders, Data Engineers, and Product teams to translate complex institutional challenges into scalable, well-architected data solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
Unlike traditional data engineering roles, the DSL’s primary day-to-day work does not focus on building pipelines or writing production code. Instead, they lead discovery, shape solution design, guide implementation, and ensure that delivered solutions are aligned to partner goals, technically sound, and positioned for long‑term success.
We are seeking a leader who can connect data systems to real‑world impact, bringing both technical depth and consultative strength to help institutions modernize their data ecosystems and explore emerging capabilities such as advanced analytics and AI‑driven solutions.
This position is ideally based out of EAB's Washington, D.C. or Richmond, VA office, and is open to remote work within the continental U.S. Occasional travel (up to ~12 days annually) may be required for partner engagements and team collaboration.
This position is also posted at the Senior Data Engineer level; candidates are being considered at both levels for the current opening.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead discovery engagements with institutional stakeholders to translate business questions into clear data and analytic requirements
Design end‑to‑end data solutions, including data models, integrations, transformation logic, and reporting structures that align with Edify platform best practices and long‑term partner data strategy
Serve as a trusted technical advisor to partners, guiding them through complex data challenges and opportunities to expand impact through improved data usage, reporting, and analytics
Mentor or manage Data Engineers and collaborate with Technical Project Managers to guide implementation of designed solutions
Identify, investigate, and resolve performance and production issues, proactively recognizing recurring patterns and developing scalable solutions to prevent future occurrences
Contribute to the development of advanced capabilities, including predictive analytics, automation, and AI‑driven use cases
Provide structured feedback to Product and Engineering teams to inform platform evolution
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience
8+ years of experience in data architecture, analytics consulting, or related roles
Strong proficiency in SQL, experience writing and code‑reviewing complex stored procedures, and working knowledge of data transformation and modeling concepts
Experience designing data pipelines, integrations, and ware house structures
Deep understanding of how data flows across systems and how it is used to drive business decisions
Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous problems into structured, actionable solutions
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences
Detail‑oriented with ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities
Ideal Qualifications
Experience working directly with external stakeholders in a consulting or client‑facing capacity
Familiarity with cloud data ecosystems (AWS preferred) and modern data stack concepts
Experience guiding data strategy, analytics roadmaps, or system design decisions
Exposure to advanced analytics, predictive modeling, or AI/ML use cases
Ability to recognize patterns across implementations and drive reusable, scalable solutions
Experience in higher education or similarly complex data environments
SPM certifications or demonstrated planning, organizing and time management skills
Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic and welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration
Compensation
The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $91,500 – $130,000 per year. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not be limited to relevant experience, skills, and location. At EAB, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the starting salary range for their role.
This hire will additionally be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation. Variable compensation may depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.
Benefits
Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package. Our benefits currently include:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible
20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays
Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each)
401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution
Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre‑tax commuter plans
Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to all employees and immediate family
Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives to promote healthy living, and family access to the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance
Paid parental leave with phase back to work program for birthing and non‑birthing parents
Access to milk shipping service to support nursing employees during business travel
Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dog and cat family members
Company‑provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance
Financial wellness resources and membership in a robust employee discount program
Access to employee resource groups, merit‑based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities
Visa Sponsorship
This opening is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; EAB will thus consider candidates who possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To that end, EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
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This role sits at the intersection of data architecture, partner strategy, and product innovation. The DSL partners closely with Strategic Leaders, Data Engineers, and Product teams to translate complex institutional challenges into scalable, well-architected data solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
Unlike traditional data engineering roles, the DSL’s primary day-to-day work does not focus on building pipelines or writing production code. Instead, they lead discovery, shape solution design, guide implementation, and ensure that delivered solutions are aligned to partner goals, technically sound, and positioned for long‑term success.
We are seeking a leader who can connect data systems to real‑world impact, bringing both technical depth and consultative strength to help institutions modernize their data ecosystems and explore emerging capabilities such as advanced analytics and AI‑driven solutions.
This position is ideally based out of EAB's Washington, D.C. or Richmond, VA office, and is open to remote work within the continental U.S. Occasional travel (up to ~12 days annually) may be required for partner engagements and team collaboration.
This position is also posted at the Senior Data Engineer level; candidates are being considered at both levels for the current opening.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead discovery engagements with institutional stakeholders to translate business questions into clear data and analytic requirements
Design end‑to‑end data solutions, including data models, integrations, transformation logic, and reporting structures that align with Edify platform best practices and long‑term partner data strategy
Serve as a trusted technical advisor to partners, guiding them through complex data challenges and opportunities to expand impact through improved data usage, reporting, and analytics
Mentor or manage Data Engineers and collaborate with Technical Project Managers to guide implementation of designed solutions
Identify, investigate, and resolve performance and production issues, proactively recognizing recurring patterns and developing scalable solutions to prevent future occurrences
Contribute to the development of advanced capabilities, including predictive analytics, automation, and AI‑driven use cases
Provide structured feedback to Product and Engineering teams to inform platform evolution
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience
8+ years of experience in data architecture, analytics consulting, or related roles
Strong proficiency in SQL, experience writing and code‑reviewing complex stored procedures, and working knowledge of data transformation and modeling concepts
Experience designing data pipelines, integrations, and ware house structures
Deep understanding of how data flows across systems and how it is used to drive business decisions
Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous problems into structured, actionable solutions
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non‑technical audiences
Detail‑oriented with ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities
Ideal Qualifications
Experience working directly with external stakeholders in a consulting or client‑facing capacity
Familiarity with cloud data ecosystems (AWS preferred) and modern data stack concepts
Experience guiding data strategy, analytics roadmaps, or system design decisions
Exposure to advanced analytics, predictive modeling, or AI/ML use cases
Ability to recognize patterns across implementations and drive reusable, scalable solutions
Experience in higher education or similarly complex data environments
SPM certifications or demonstrated planning, organizing and time management skills
Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic and welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration
Compensation
The anticipated starting salary range for this role is $91,500 – $130,000 per year. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not be limited to relevant experience, skills, and location. At EAB, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the starting salary range for their role.
This hire will additionally be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation. Variable compensation may depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.
Benefits
Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package. Our benefits currently include:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible
20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays
Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each)
401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution
Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre‑tax commuter plans
Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to all employees and immediate family
Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives to promote healthy living, and family access to the leading app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance
Paid parental leave with phase back to work program for birthing and non‑birthing parents
Access to milk shipping service to support nursing employees during business travel
Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dog and cat family members
Company‑provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance
Financial wellness resources and membership in a robust employee discount program
Access to employee resource groups, merit‑based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities
Visa Sponsorship
This opening is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; EAB will thus consider candidates who possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To that end, EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. We don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
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