Michael S. Lewis

Michael S. Lewis

Data Engineer

SQL • Python • dbt • Snowflake • Analytics Engineering

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About Me

Data Engineer specializing in SQL, Python, dbt, Snowflake, and modern analytics engineering platforms. I build reliable data pipelines, analytics-ready data models, and scalable transformation workflows that turn complex enterprise data into trusted business insights.

My background in software quality engineering shapes my approach to data engineering. Over more than a decade working across hardware, firmware, desktop software, mobile applications, and embedded platforms, I developed a strong focus on reliability, structured debugging, root cause analysis, and end-to-end system thinking. I now apply that same engineering mindset to building dependable data systems and analytics platforms.

My engineering interests include metadata-driven systems, data quality frameworks, analytics engineering patterns, data lineage, and automation of repeatable workflows. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting and playing guitars, cycling, fitness training, and building technology projects that explore new tools and engineering approaches.

Selected Projects

Featured Project

Structifact

Structifact is an analytics engineering framework exploring metadata-driven data workflows, schema validation, transformation workflows, and analytics-ready modeling using Python, SQL, DuckDB, and Parquet.

Structifact data engineering architecture diagram

Structifact is a metadata-driven analytics engineering framework that converts declarative schemas into repeatable data transformation workflows, enabling validated, analytics-ready datasets from heterogeneous source systems.

Structifact explores modern analytics engineering principles including schema- driven ingestion, metadata-based orchestration, automated validation, reusable transformations, and analytics-ready modeling.

Key Technologies:

  • Python
  • SQL
  • DuckDB
  • Parquet
  • YAML
  • Data Modeling
  • ETL / ELT
  • Metadata-Driven Pipelines
  • Data Transformation
  • Git

View Structifact on GitHub

Other Projects

Fortress of Flight

A custom WebGL game developed as a collaborative capstone project using the Unity engine and C#.

Fortress of Flight WebGL game screenshot

Developed as a three-person capstone project as part of Oregon State University's Computer Science program.

Built using Unity and C#, featuring escort and tactical ground attack gameplay mechanics.

Play Fortress of Flight

MST3K Database Project

A full-stack database application using Node.js, MySQL, and Handlebars, demonstrating relational data modeling, web application development, and SQL-based querying.

MST3K Database Project

Find out more

Simple Chat

A TCP socket-based client/server chat application implemented in C and Python.

Simple Chat

Demonstrates networking concepts, socket programming, and client/server communication design.

View on GitHub

OpenCL/OpenGL Particle System

A GPU-accelerated particle simulation using OpenCL and OpenGL to demonstrate parallel computation, graphics programming, and real-time physics simulation.

Demonstrates parallel programming concepts and GPU-based computation techniques.

View on GitHub

Additional Projects

Earlier computer science coursework and systems projects covering algorithms, optimization, testing, networking, and systems programming are available in a separate archive.

View Academic Projects

Professional Experience

Data Engineer

Yamaha Guitar Group (Feb 2025 - Present)

  • Design, build, and maintain production SQL-based data models and dbt transformations within Snowflake supporting enterprise reporting and analytics.
  • Develop and maintain Python-based data pipelines and workflows, including orchestration and automation using Prefect.
  • Investigate and resolve production data issues by tracing lineage across source systems, transformations, and downstream analytics layers.
  • Integrate data from multiple enterprise systems, including SAP, into centralized analytics platforms while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, validate data definitions, and align technical implementation with business needs.
  • Improve reliability and performance of data pipelines and Tableau dashboards supporting business reporting and decision-making.

Lead Quality Engineer

Yamaha Guitar Group (Nov 2022 - Feb 2025)

  • Led quality engineering efforts across embedded systems and software platforms for consumer audio products in a fast-paced cross-functional environment.
  • Defined and executed structured test strategies across macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android platforms.
  • Coordinated defect triage and root cause analysis with engineering teams to improve visibility and resolution of complex issues.
  • Partnered with hardware, firmware, and software teams during design and development phases to improve product reliability.
  • Managed release validation across multiple concurrent product cycles while maintaining quality standards.

QA/Product Lead, Wireless Guitar Products

Yamaha Guitar Group (Oct 2019 - Nov 2022)

  • Led validation strategy and execution for wireless audio systems across multiple product development cycles.
  • Collaborated closely with hardware, firmware, software, and sound design teams to investigate and resolve complex system-level issues.
  • Owned test planning and execution across product release cycles, ensuring compatibility, stability, and release readiness.
  • Managed defect triage and root cause analysis while identifying patterns in system behavior.
  • Supported release management activities and product owner responsibilities when needed.

QA Lead

Yamaha Guitar Group (Feb 2012 - Oct 2019)

  • Led a 10-person QA team responsible for validating hardware, firmware, and software across multiple consumer audio products.
  • Defined and executed structured test plans across macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android platforms.
  • Coordinated bug triage and defect analysis while working closely with engineering teams to resolve complex issues.
  • Participated in design reviews and cross-functional discussions to improve product quality and reliability.
  • Managed test execution and release validation across multiple release cycles.

QA Tester

Yamaha Guitar Group (Aug 2011 - Feb 2012)

  • Conducted functional and system-level testing for hardware, embedded firmware, and associated software applications.
  • Configured and maintained cross-platform test environments.
  • Logged, tracked, and managed defects to support release stability and regression prevention.
  • Collaborated with developers to reproduce, isolate, and resolve issues through detailed bug reports.
  • Used audio measurement tools to validate product specifications and performance.

Founder and Instructor

MSL Tutoring (Sep 2003 - Aug 2011)

  • Founded and operated an independent tutoring business focused on mathematics and SAT preparation.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group instruction in mathematics ranging from algebra through pre-calculus.
  • Developed individualized learning plans based on student strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

GitHub Activity