Architect - Azure Data & AI

Key Responsibilities

• **Strategic Leadership: **Lead the development of Data and AI strategies and roadmaps, aligning technology solutions with business goals and driving digital transformation initiatives.
• **Solution Architecture: **Design and architect advanced Azure solutions integrating Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, Azure SQL/Cosmos DB/Postgres, and AI technologies to meet complex enterprise requirements.
• **Technical Leadership: **Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring best practices in solution development, deployment, and operational excellence.
• **Systems Integration: **Oversee the integration of Data and AI solutions with existing enterprise systems and processes, ensuring seamless interoperability, data flow, and security compliance.
• **Data Architecture: **Design and implement enterprise data architectures that support AI solutions, leveraging advanced database systems and ensuring data quality, governance, and security.
• **AI & Advanced Analytics: **Architect solutions leveraging Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, and Cognitive Services to deliver intelligent business capabilities.
• **Project Leadership: **Partner with Project Managers and stakeholders to manage complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.
• **Team Development: **Mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and technical excellence within the organization.
• **Standards & Best Practices: **Develop and improve deployment architectures, solution standards, and technical frameworks that guide organizational excellence.
• **Client Engagement: **Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients, conducting executive workshops, presenting solutions, and driving consensus on technical approaches.

Required:

• 7+ years of experience in technical environments (Azure strongly preferred), with a minimum of 3 years in Azure solution architecture and design.
• Proven expertise in architecting and implementing Azure data technologies including Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, and Azure database systems (SQL, Cosmos DB, Postgres).
• Deep knowledge of AI technologies, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning Studio, and Cognitive Services.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience designing and implementing production-grade Data and AI solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of data management concepts including ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, data lake architecture, and real-time streaming.
• Experience with Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and Infrastructure as Code tools (Bicep, Terraform) for CI/CD and automation.
• Strong understanding of Azure networking, security, identity management, RBAC, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including C-level executives and non-technical stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
• Strong consultative skills with demonstrated experience partnering with clients in technical advisory roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

Preferred:

• Experience with event-driven architectures using Azure Event Hub, Service Bus, or Kafka.
• Expertise in distributed computing and performance optimization in Databricks/Spark environments.
• Experience with ML Ops practices and operationalizing machine learning models at scale.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and consistently deliver high-quality results.
• Azure certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203), or Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102).