Senior Data Integration Lead

As a member of the data engineering team, this role is responsible for the design, implementation, support, and modernization of the data ingestion and integration layer within the ISU Foundation Enterprise Data Platform. This includes ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient movement of data between internal systems and external SaaS applications using modern ELT tooling, Azure cloud services, and existing integration technologies that are being strategically retired.

This position balances operational reliability with continuous platform improvement, helping transition legacy SSIS-based processes toward scalable, automated, and cloud-native approaches. This individual provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise for integration architecture, standards, and best practices while partnering closely with data services, analytics, governance, and IT teams.

• Design, implement, and support the integration components of the ISU Foundation Enterprise Data Platform.
• Define and maintain integration standards aligned to the organization’s Azure SQL Managed Instance and Medallion (Bronze/Silver/Gold) architecture.
• Serve as technical subject matter expert for data ingestion, movement, and transformation practices.
• Evaluate and recommend tools and approaches that improve reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency of the platform.
• Configure and manage Fivetran connectors and automated ingestion pipelines.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance existing SSIS packages while leading efforts to migrate legacy processes to modern cloud-native solutions.
• Design and implement API-based and file-based integrations with systems such as Salesforce and other third‑party platforms.
• Build monitoring, alerting, and observability practices to ensure integration, reliability, and data quality.
• Leverage Azure platform services to support integration and automation use cases.
• Develop lightweight orchestration and automation solutions to reduce manual processes.
• Support production incidents, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis.

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in MIS, computer science, engineering, or related field required.
• 6+ years of professional experience in data engineering, data integration, or enterprise data platform development including both legacy ETL and modern cloud-based approaches.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Strong SQL development and performance tuning skills.
• Hands‑on experience with enterprise data integration and ETL/ELT practices.
• Experience developing and supporting SSIS packages or comparable ETL tools.
• Experience working with Azure SQL, Azure cloud services, or similar platforms.
• Experience with SaaS‑based integration tools such as Fivetran or similar technologies.
• Experience designing and supporting REST/API‑based integrations.
• Familiarity with Azure services such as Logic Apps, Azure Functions, or related automation tools.
• Experience with dbt or similar transformation frameworks preferred.
• Experience integrating enterprise SaaS platforms such as Salesforce preferred.
• Python or scripting for automation preferred.
• Experience modernizing or mitigating legacy ETL environments to cloud‑native platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with cost optimization and operational best practices in cloud environments preferred.
• Knowledge of Agile principles and SCRUM development framework preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be adaptable, flexible, and self‑directed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software and technologies.
• Must be able to handle several activities simultaneously with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines and accuracy.
• Must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of:
  Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals.

Travel: None

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

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