Principal Data Architect

Role Description

Principal data architects at Thoughtworks play a key part in developing modern data architecture approaches to meet business objectives and provide end-to-end data solutions. They are responsible for enabling clients and Thoughtworks teams to align on outcomes that support the vision painted by data strategists. They lead the design and architecture of the initiatives which are key to delivery of solutions to budget and timelines. They also guide and mentor delivery teams on architectural decisions to deliver to the solution agreements.

• Lead complex data programs, navigating architectural concerns and enabling delivery teams to deliver on accepted standards within time and budget.
• Provide client-facing technical leadership and guidance on topics related to data architecture, engineering, and analytics to advise clients on bringing their data strategy to life.
• Interact with client counterparts from the enterprise architecture group and lead the delivery, alignment and sign-off of key architectural decisions, trade-offs and ways of working.
• Communicate both high- and low-level technical details of data architecture to engineers and business stakeholders.
• Collaborate, influence and guide at the intersection of analytical and operational architecture.
• Responsible for the technical design of data governance, data security and data privacy to fulfill compliance requirements.
• Incorporate data quality frameworks and processes to address and fulfill requirements as set out in strategy and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with sales and pre-sales to clarify requirements and design viable solutions.
• Represent Thoughtworks in various online and offline forums, including events and conferences.

Qualifications

• Experience in defining and implementing different types of data architecture, analyzing trade-offs and can define technology stacks for different types of data architecture.
• Experience in designing application system architecture based on big data, artificial intelligence and related technologies.
• Rich experience in building, maintaining and tuning data platforms, as well extensive experience in data warehouse design, data modeling, data monitoring and operations.
• Experience with common design patterns, application frameworks and foundational/theoretical knowledge (i.e.: distributed systems, data intensive applications, etc.).
• Proficient in common open-source distributed computing/storage technologies, including but not limited to YARN, Impala, Spark, MapReduce, Kafka and Flink, with practical project architecture experience.
• Good understanding of business and communication, collaboration skills, strong learning and summarizing abilities.
• Experience in defining, developing and enabling data-driven techniques, advanced analytics, ML/AI and data mining applications in enterprise.
• Experience in developing real-time and low-latency data streaming solutions and a differentiated view on the complexities and tradeoffs connected with them.
• Experience in productionizing machine learning models and applying techniques, tools and processes.
• Passionate about data infrastructure and operations, with expertise working in cloud environments.

Requirements

• Understand the importance of stakeholder management and can easily liaise between clients and other key stakeholders throughout projects, ensuring buy-in and gaining trust along the way.
• Resilient in ambiguous situations and can adapt your role to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Don’t shy away from risks or conflicts, instead take them on and skillfully manage them.
• Coach, mentor and motivate others and aspire to influence teammates to take positive action and accountability for their work.
• Enjoy influencing others and always advocate for technical excellence while being open to change when needed.
• Cultivating strong partnerships comes naturally; understand the importance of relationship building and how it can bring new opportunities to our business.

Benefits

• No one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks; development is entirely up to you.
• Balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture.
• Career supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow.
• Value in helping each other be our best and empowering employees in their career journeys.