Azure Data -AI -Architect

Description

Azure Data Architect

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Azure Data Architect with deep hands-on expertise in cloud data migration, scalable architecture design, and modern data platforms. This role requires a technical leader who can architect and implement enterprise-scale data solutions while working directly with clients to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Design and implement scalable, high-performance data architectures on Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric
• Lead end-to-end cloud migration projects, moving on-premises data platforms to Azure-native solutions
• Build data Lakehouse architectures leveraging Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and Fabric OneLake
• Establish data governance frameworks, security protocols, and compliance standards across cloud environments
• Define technical standards, best practices, and reference architectures for data solutions

Hands-On Implementation

• Develop and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Databricks workflows, and Fabric Data Pipelines
• Implement real-time streaming architectures using Event Hubs, Stream Analytics, and Databricks Structured Streaming
• Build performance-optimized data models and queries in SQL, PySpark, and Spark SQL
• Configure and optimize Azure resources including storage accounts, compute clusters, and networking
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across the entire data stack

Client Engagement & Consulting

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients, understanding their business challenges and data strategy goals
• Lead discovery workshops and architecture design sessions with stakeholders and technical teams
• Present technical recommendations and architecture proposals to executive leadership
• Provide hands-on mentorship and knowledge transfer to client teams
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously while maintaining high-quality delivery

Migration Expertise

• Assess legacy systems and develop comprehensive migration strategies and roadmaps
• Execute large-scale data migrations from on-premises databases, Hadoop clusters, and other cloud platforms to Azure
• Implement data replication, synchronization, and validation strategies during migration
• Minimize downtime and risk through phased migration approaches and rollback procedures

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• 5+ years of hands-on experience as a data architect or senior data engineer in Azure environments
• Deep expertise in Azure Databricks including Unity Catalog, Delta Lake, cluster optimization, and workspace administration
• Strong experience with Microsoft Fabric including Data Factory, Data Warehouse, OneLake, and Power BI integration
• Proven track record of leading and executing 3+ cloud migration projects involving large-scale data platforms
• Expert-level proficiency in PySpark, SQL, and Python for data processing and transformation
• Hands-on experience with Azure services: Data Lake Storage Gen2, Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, Event Hubs, Key Vault
• Strong understanding of data modeling (star schema, dimensional modeling, data vault) and database design principles
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines for data workloads using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions

Consulting & Soft Skills

• 5 + years of client-facing consulting experience in a professional services or solution architect role
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to gather requirements, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive consensus
• Strong presentation and workshop facilitation skills
• Experience managing competing priorities across multiple client engagements
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and drive projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Azure certifications (DP-203, AZ-305, or equivalent)
• Databricks certification (Associate or Professional level)
• Experience with data governance tools (Purview, Unity Catalog)
• Knowledge of machine learning operations (MLOps) and ML platforms
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Bicep)
• Background in specific industries such as financial services, healthcare, retail, or manufacturing

MU