Data System Architect

Summary

As a System Architect within Managed Data Services, you will design and deliver scalable, secure, and efficient data solutions that support business goals and maintain technical excellence. This technical lead role combines software architecture, data engineering, and cloud-native platform knowledge to shape end-to-end solutions, provide architectural guidance, and drive reusable frameworks and POCs.

You will work across engineering, DevOps, SRE, and product teams to ensure cohesive architectures, compliance with security requirements, and reliable production operations. The role offers the opportunity to influence reference architectures, lead technical innovation, and translate high-level designs into detailed, implementable solutions.

Responsibilities

Architectural Design & Documentation.

• Develop C4 architecture models, leveraging diagram-as-code tools such as Structurizr for C4 models and PlantUML or Mermaid for sequence diagrams.
• Contribute to High-Level Designs (HLDs) and translate them into Low-Level Designs (LLDs), including class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and data flow diagrams.
• Identify and own architectural enabler features from ideation through design and delivery.
• Define and document functional and non-functional requirements according to the final design.

Solution Development & Execution

• Conduct POCs focused on Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, and data platform capabilities.
• Lead hands-on development using Python and/or C# within data workflows and pipelines.
• Design and implement solutions leveraging Data Mesh principles and distributed data ownership.

Collaboration & Strategic Alignment

• Ensure consistency, alignment, and a cohesive architectural vision across multiple teams.
• Work closely with DevOps, SRE, Operations, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and deployment of solutions.
• Collaborate with data engineers and stakeholders to ensure data governance and data lifecycle management using Purview.
• Provide guidance on data architecture patterns and scalable data processing solutions.
• Define and maintain reference architectures and best practices for scalable and reusable solutions.
• Provide architectural sign-off on features for Program Increment (PI) Planning and Architectural Runway.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with new initiatives and proactively address potential pitfalls.
• Lead the drafting of ARRs, TRFs, Procurement pre-assessments, and
• Tech Registration for new applications/services.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including service-to- service integrations and environment-specific configurations.
• Provide support for production operations, ensuring reliability and performance of deployed solutions.
• Ensure compliance with data governance, security, and cataloging standards.

Requirements

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
• Expertise in C4 modeling, with hands-on experience in Structurizr, PlantUML, and Mermaid.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages (C# preferred, python). 
• Hands-on experience with Azure Databricks, Unity Catalog, Microsoft Fabric, and Purview.
• Experience designing and implementing Data Mesh architectures.
• Proven ability to execute POCs, develop frameworks, and drive technical innovation.
• Experience defining reference architectures, reusable patterns, and best practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team, with a problem-solving and self-starter mindset.
• Strong understanding of DevOps, SRE, and Operations methodologies.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and working in cross-functional teams.
• Prior experience as a System Architect, along with 2+ years experience as Tech/Engineering Lead, 7+ years as Developer.