Data Architect

About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced Data Platform Architect / Senior Data Engineer to lead the modernization of its enterprise data infrastructure. This highly visible, hands-on position offers the opportunity to take ownership of the organization's data architecture, spearhead the migration of legacy systems to Microsoft Fabric, and shape the future of data analytics and AI integration. Working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, this individual will design, develop, and implement scalable data solutions that improve operational efficiency and business intelligence. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, self-directed professional who enjoys both strategic architecture and hands-on engineering. This position offers significant autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership, and the opportunity to grow into a key technical leadership role within the organization. Key Responsibilities Data Architecture & Modernization: Design and implement scalable data architecture within Microsoft Fabric, including Lakehouse and medallion architectures, while leading migrations from legacy SQL databases, ETL processes, and reporting systems. Data Engineering & Integration: Develop, optimize, and maintain robust data pipelines, ETL workflows, and API integrations to ensure reliable data movement and accessibility across business systems. Business Intelligence & Analytics: Build and enhance Power BI dashboards, semantic models, and self-service reporting solutions that enable stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions. AI & Technology Innovation: Identify and implement opportunities to leverage Microsoft Copilot, AI agents, and AI-assisted development tools to improve operational efficiency and expand analytical capabilities. Platform Reliability & Technical Leadership: Establish best practices for CI/CD, source control, testing, monitoring, and documentation while collaborating with business leaders to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable technology solutions. Requirements Experience & Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, including 8+ years in data engineering, data architecture, or related technical roles. Modern Data Platform Expertise: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing modern data platforms, preferably Microsoft Fabric, with transferable experience in Azure Synapse, Databricks, or similar Lakehouse technologies also considered. Must have successfully led at least one legacy data migration into production. Technical Engineering Skills: Advanced SQL development skills, strong experience building ETL/ELT pipelines, data modeling, API integrations, and familiarity with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 technologies. Analytics & Emerging Technologies: Hands-on experience with Power BI, including semantic modeling and report development. Exposure to AI-powered solutions, Microsoft Copilot, or Copilot Studio is highly desirable. Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to independently manage projects from architecture through deployment, communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, and work on-site in Bethlehem, PA approximately 2–3 days per week.