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. I also make deliberate use of AI-assisted development tools, applying the same engineering judgment to review, validate, and integrate AI-generated work as I would any other code.

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 a metadata-driven data engineering framework that converts declarative dataset definitions into validated SQL, dbt metadata, and catalog artifacts — tested and continuously verified via CI.

Structifact data engineering architecture diagram

Structifact defines a dataset's structure once, in a single declarative YAML (or CSV/Excel) definition, then generates consistent, tested artifacts from it — type-aware SQL, dbt-compatible metadata, and catalog output — instead of hand-maintaining the same schema information in multiple disconnected places.

The project applies the same engineering discipline throughout: an internal representation that separates semantic meaning from generated artifacts, schema and constraint validation, a full test suite, and continuous integration on every change. Development is AI-assisted, with every architectural decision, generated change, and test outcome reviewed and verified rather than accepted at face value.

Key Technologies:

  • Python
  • SQL
  • YAML
  • dbt
  • Data Modeling
  • Metadata-Driven Pipelines
  • Schema Validation
  • AI-Assisted Development
  • Git / GitHub Actions (CI)
  • pytest

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