Principal Data Architect

Principal Data Architect – Data PlatformsRussell Investments is seeking a hands-on Principal Data Architect to design and build modern data platforms across our enterprise. This role is focused on practical architecture, data modeling, and platform implementation in a hybrid (on-prem + cloud) environment.You will work closely with engineering, analytics, and platform teams to design scalable data solutions, modernize legacy systems, and enable high-quality data for analytics and AI/ML use cases.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement scalable data architectures, models, and pipelines for analytics and operational use cases.Build and optimize data warehouse and lakehouse solutions using modern cloud platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, Azure).Lead hands-on data modeling (3NF, dimensional, Data Vault) to ensure performance, consistency, and reuse.Execute migration of legacy systems (SQL Server, on-prem) to cloud-based architectures, including hybrid patterns.Implement data quality, MDM, and governance standards directly within data pipelines and models.Enable AI/ML use cases by designing reliable, well-structured, and observable data pipelines.Collaborate with engineering and analytics teams to deliver production-ready data solutions and guide technical design.QualificationsRequired:10+ years of hands-on experience in data architecture or data engineeringStrong expertise in SQL and relational databases (SQL Server preferred)Strong experience with SnowflakeExperience building data pipelines using DBT (3+ years preferred)5+ years of Proven experience designing and implementing cloud data platforms (Azure preferred)Deep knowledge of data modeling (3NF, dimensional, Data Vault)Experience with data warehouse/lakehouse design and optimizationHands-on experience with data migration and hybrid architecturesExcellent communication and stakeholder management across technical and business domains with a demonstrated ability to translate architecture into business outcomes.Preferred:Experience with Databricks, Spark, or PythonFamiliarity with data quality, observability, and governance toolsExposure to AI/ML data pipelines or MLOps frameworksFinancial services or investment domain experienceThis role is not eligible for employment-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.Equal Employment OpportunityRussell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity which refers to a person's actual or perceived sex, and includes self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not different from that traditionally associated with a person's biological sex), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, past or present unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected by law.