Job Description:
The Senior Director Data Engineer will serve as a core architect and enabler of our evolving data ecosystem. You will help design and scale the foundational infrastructure for our global clients, transforming fragmented, reactive data processes into proactive, intelligent systems powered by AI and a robust semantic layer. You will work closely with Analytics, Media, Product, and Engineering teams to optimize data pipelines, automate complex transformations, embed trust and visibility into every stage of the data lifecycle, and enable AI-driven insights that address "why" questions through enhanced reasoning and accuracy.
Responsibilities
Build, scale, and maintain robust data pipelines/models using DBT, Python, PySpark, Databricks, and SQL, integrating AI-first foundations and semantic layers for consistent data interpretation.
Design and manage semantic models, star schemas, ontologies, taxonomies, knowledge graphs, and glossaries using DBT YAML, GitHub, Unity Catalog, Fabric/OneLake, and Power BI for unified understanding and AI reasoning.
Utilize low-code/no-code tools (Trifacta, DBT, Power BI, Tableau, Fabric/OneLake, Copilot Studio) to build governed semantic layers supporting natural language querying, vector search, and hybrid AI indexing.
Own AI deployment pipelines with containerized agents and automation using Kubernetes, n8n, LangChain, Azure AI Foundry, and Copilot Platform (MCP) for multi-step retrieval, summarization, and notifications.
Strengthen AI accuracy/governance via metadata, access controls, and grounding (vector DBs, search indexes, knowledge graphs) to deliver reliable responses, source citation, and “why” reasoning.
Design modular, reusable data models for analytics, reporting, AI enablement, and agentic apps, including LLM integration for intent parsing, routing, retrieval, and synthesis.
Develop and monitor mapping tables, validation rules, lineage, error logging, and observability for ETL/ELT health, data integrity, schema control, and real-time quality monitoring.
Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and stakeholders to transform raw data into governed datasets, leveraging Adverity for multi-source integration and normalization.
Implement agentic AI and Copilot integrations to enhance data accessibility, autonomous resolution, and dynamic insights across processes.
Drive innovation in Data Quality Suite roadmap, including real-time monitoring, dynamic interfaces, self-serve tools, and AI-enhanced features for scalability.
Contribute to medallion architecture (bronze/silver/gold), best practices for reusable components, semantic layer extension (e.g., RAG indexing), and AI infrastructure.
Manage Databricks Unity Catalog, Workflows, SQL Analytics, Notebooks, and Jobs for governed analytics and ML workflows.
Develop pipelines/tools with Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Power Apps, Azure Data Lake/Blob, and Copilot Studio, tied to GitHub, n8n, and Kubernetes orchestration.
Leverage GitHub and GitHub Copilot for version control, CI/CD, automation, code suggestions, and collaboration on SQL, Python, YAML, and agent development.
Utilize Java or Scala for custom processing scripts, scalable ingestion, and advanced AI actions like code execution and vector search.
Qualifications
8+ years of experience as a Data Engineer or in a similar role building scalable data infrastructure, with at least 2+ years focused on AI-integrated systems, semantic layers, or agentic AI deployments.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field required.
Advanced expertise in SQL, Python, DBT; strong experience with PySpark, Databricks, and semantic layer tools like DBT YAML, Unity Catalog, and knowledge graphs required.
Hands-on experience with ETL/ELT design tools like Trifacta (Alteryx), Adverity, Azure Data Factory, Fabric/Power BI DAX, or similar, including data normalization and workflow automation.
Proven experience building and extending semantic layers for AI applications, including ontologies, taxonomies, vector databases, and integration with LLMs for enhanced reasoning, accuracy, and "why" question resolution.
Deep experience in the Microsoft Tech Data Stack, including Power BI, Power Apps, Fabric/OneLake, Azure Data Lakes (ADLS Gen2), Azure Blob Storage, Copilot Studio, and Azure AI Foundry for ModelOps and intelligent actions.
Experience with AI deployment and orchestration tools such as Kubernetes, n8n, LangChain, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) for containerized agents, multi-step workflows, and governance.
Strong experience in developing and managing API endpoints, integrating with external systems, and supporting LLM access for conversational AI and automation.
Proficiency in Java or Scala for large-scale data processing, ingestion workflows, and custom AI integrations.
Experience supporting data observability, quality frameworks (e.g., unit tests, reconciliation logic, job monitoring), and AI governance (e.g., metadata embedding, compliance rules).
Strong familiarity with Git-based development, GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding, and structured code collaboration in environments like DBT Cloud and GitHub Actions.
Act quickly and independently, demonstrating a self-starter mindset with a proven ability to learn new tools and technologies on the fly, while delivering scalable solutions using any combination of tools in our tech stack to drive continuous improvement and impact.
Bonus: Exposure to building tools in Microsoft Power Apps or other low-code platforms, including Copilot integrations for monitoring and workflows.
Bonus: Experience in advertising, marketing, or digital media environments, particularly with use cases like performance reporting, reconciliation automation, or brand visibility optimization.
The annual salary range for this position is $113,000-$182,850. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law.
Benefits available with this position include:
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance,
• Life insurance,
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance,
• 401k,
• Flexible paid time off,
• At least 15 paid holidays per year,
• Paid sick and safe leave, and
• Paid parental leave.
Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.
To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.
At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.
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Location:
New YorkBrand:
Dentsu MediaTime Type:
Full timeContract Type:
PermanentDentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [email protected] by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.
Top Skills
What We Do
Dentsu Creative is a global creative agency network designed to unlock exponential growth for clients. We use Transformative Creativity as a differentiating, driving force to bring our capabilities together to positively impact people, business and society. Established in 2022, Dentsu Creative is integrated with dentsu’s Media and CXM businesses in over 145 countries and regions, to offer Integrated Growth Solutions.
