VP of Data; Data Science & Engineering

Sylvan is on a mission to redefine the specialty contracting (MEP + Conveyance) industry. Our goal is to transform Sylvan into a “tech-powered” construction platform. We are deploying a sophisticated stack of advanced tools—including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), AR/VR, and drones—to drive unprecedented efficiency in large scale, mission-critical projects and setting a new standard for productivity in the trades.

Sylvan is a premier multi-trade construction services platform (covering HVAC, piping, and electrical) serving essential sectors, including data centers, advanced manufacturing, energy, automotive, and oil & gas. We are backed by E3 Tech (E3T), a private investment firm launched by Rudy Adolf together with Andreessen Horowitz. E3T invests in essential service industries with good tailwinds where there is opportunity to create value through a programmatic M&A (roll-up) strategy and cutting-edge AI deployment.

E3T’s first vertical is multi-trade construction services for complex industrial and commercial projects and their platform investment is Sylvan. Together with Egan, that was acquired in October 2025, the Sylvan group is now over $1B in revenue.

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on VP of Data to lead the data science and engineering function across the Sylvan platform and its subsidiaries. This is a high-impact role designed for a “doer” who can build a modular data architecture from the ground up. You will create the unified Data Lake that serves as our core value proposition, enabling us to integrate new acquisitions rapidly and power the AI-driven future of construction

• Data Platform Architecture:
  Design and implement a modular, flexible data lake that aggregates data from disparate, on-prem legacy systems (e.g., VISTA, Sage 300, ERPs, Procore, ACC Build) across all operating companies.
• M&A Integration:
  Own the data onboarding roadmap for rapid acquisitions, ensuring new entities can “plug into” the platform to realize immediate tech-driven value.
• AI & Analytics Enablement:
  Partner with E3 Tech’s AI incubation arm and EIRs to provide the data foundation for internally developed AI solutions and external AI products.
• Strategic & Hands-On Execution:
  Act as the “core brain” of the data strategy while remaining willing to roll up your sleeves to perform technical work yourself.
• Stakeholder & Change Management:
  Act as the internal champion for technology, influencing field leaders, project managers, and executives to embrace data-driven workflows.
• External Resource Management:
  Direct the efforts of external partners like Slalom Consulting during the MVP build phase and manage future IT reporting lines.

• Hands-on Technical Depth:
  Ability to personally execute data engineering tasks without requiring a large internal team immediately.
• Legacy Environment Mastery:
  Proven experience navigating “messy” data, on-prem ERPs, and inconsistent digital footprints common in industrial sectors.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Ideally has experience in construction, manufacturing, or nearby complex service-heavy legacy sectors.
• Business Orientation: A result-oriented mindset, preferably with experience in PE backed environments where data is used to drive specific financial and operational outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking:
  Deep understanding of how data aggregation enables the deployment of AI, BIM, and other advanced construction technologies.

• Reporting:
  This role reports directly to the CEO (Rob Metz).
• Location:
  
  Preferred locations are Detroit, MI (Sylvan HQ) or Grand Rapids, MI (Egan HQ). Secondary options include New York or San Francisco for candidates willing to travel to regularly to Michigan.