Principal Data Architect

Principal Data Architect (Databricks & Microsoft Fabric)

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Architect to lead enterprise-scale data modernization and cloud transformation initiatives across Azure, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric ecosystems. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical architecture expertise with strong stakeholder management, business transformation understanding, and the ability to independently lead client-facing engagements. This role requires both hands-on architectural capability and executive-level communication maturity.

Key Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end enterprise data platform architecture across Azure, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric
• Lead modernization programs involving legacy ETL migration, cloud-native transformation, and platform consolidation
• Design scalable, secure, and governed data ecosystems aligned with business outcomes
• Drive architecture decisions with clear rationale, trade-off analysis, and long-term operational considerations

• Independently lead architecture workshops, discovery sessions, and executive stakeholder discussions
• Translate technical solutions into business value for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Influence senior client stakeholders across technology, operations, and business teams
• Provide strategic advisory on platform roadmap, governance, scalability, and transformation approach

• Define standards and best practices across: Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Unity Catalog, OneLake, Medallion Architecture, Data Vault 2.0, Streaming/Data Integration frameworks
• Lead implementation of metadata-driven frameworks and reusable engineering accelerators
• Oversee CI/CD, DevOps, Infrastructure-as-Code, and platform governance implementation

• Design API-first and event-driven integration architectures
• Work closely with application, AI, and platform engineering teams
• Define microservices integration patterns and enterprise interoperability standards
• Architect secure and scalable data access patterns for downstream applications and AI solutions

• Provide architectural governance across large-scale programs
• Lead solution reviews, performance optimization, security reviews, and operational readiness
• Drive delivery quality, scalability, observability, and cost optimization practices
• Support cutover planning, business continuity, rollback strategy, and production readiness

Required Skills & Experience

Must Have

• 12+ years in Data & Analytics architecture
• Strong hands-on expertise in Databricks and Azure Data Platform
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric architecture and implementation
• Enterprise-scale migration and modernization experience
• Strong experience with: Unity Catalog, Delta Lake, Streaming architectures, Event Hub / Kafka, Azure DevOps, Terraform / Bicep, CI/CD pipelines
• Strong understanding of data modelling: Data Vault 2.0, Dimensional modelling, Lakehouse patterns
• Experience designing metadata-driven ETL/ELT frameworks
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred

• Experience in Pharma, Financial Services, or other regulated industries
• Experience with API Management and microservices architecture
• Exposure to AI/ML platform integration patterns
• Experience leading global delivery teams
• Experience handling enterprise governance and transformation programs