Data Architect

Role Description

Reviews, analyzes and designs integrated data models that will be implemented within a MS/SQL or Oracle database environment. Provides expertise in full life cycle development for the growth of the Data Warehouse environment and quality technical leadership on critical projects. Performs highly complex tasks and brings unquestioned competency to systems administration duties required to support Sharp's distributed computing environment in a highly available manner. Provides direct support to internal Sharp HealthCare (SHC) staff to evaluate and implement new technology and promote the effective and efficient use of computing resources. Will manage IS project initiatives, provide planning expertise and act as a mentor to other technical staff.

Qualifications

• 7 Years experience that includes logical and physical data modeling in a large data warehouse environment with a database architecture comparable to Sharp's (five years of experience as a senior developer within SHC Enterprise Analytics may be substituted for external experience).

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Business or related area (relevant experience in excess of seven years or appropriate certifications may be substituted).

Essential Functions

• Data architecture
  • Utilizes effective analysis and design to create sustainable well performing models using Information Systems accepted framework and tools.
  • Develops standards and processes to ensure best practices are utilized throughout the development life cycle.
  • Determines the strategy for system architecture design to ensure optimal system performance and throughput and implements successfully.
  • Utilizes IS standard ETL tools to map source system data to the data warehouse.
  • Adjusts ETL processes to accommodate changes to source systems and business requirements.
  • Designs data models for use with IS standard reporting tools according to business needs defined.
  • Works with technical resources to accomplish objectives.
  • Designs and communicates physical database designs to database administration.
  • Develops a process to create and maintain ODS (Operational Data Store) to support data warehouse.
  • Provides expertise for schema development and model design for all new data sources.
  • Creates documentation and release notes for thorough project tracking.
  • Works with team and other IT departments to leverage the data warehouse to meet strategic goals.
  • Assists in developing solutions for data quality issues that are discovered in the data warehouse.
• Develop code
  • Analyzes, designs, programs, documents, and maintains computer application software and database files using standard programming conventions.
  • Interprets and translates functional specifications into efficient and effective code development.
  • Minimizes re-write penalties as established by department via thorough analysis, creative design, and sound development of code.
  • Sets standard for technical team for an agile approach to development.
  • Uses sound judgment in performing change control management appropriately, including synchronization of test and production environments.
  • Performs code review using sound knowledge and judgment regarding IS principles and department specifications.
  • Documents file structures, programming constructs, installation and operating instruction and other technical features and project status of applications developed or installed by the department.
  • Exhibits structured programming methodology in code.
  • Uses standardized naming conventions a majority of the time.
  • Ensures that production delays do not occur due to negligence or failure to follow proper procedures.
• Leadership
  • Exercises leadership role with staff and clients to promote customer satisfaction and staff development.
  • Acts as a mentor for all technical staff in the group.
  • Works with individuals in addition to providing group education sessions.
  • Reviews the need for training and recommends the appropriate training programs for designated individuals or workgroups in system functions and operations in order to maximize user effectiveness.
  • Manages client expectations and priorities through effective communication and interaction.
  • Provides leadership in the implementation of technical products and participates in all software and O/S upgrades.
  • Resolves conflicts with client expectations and department issues.
  • Works with project managers to identify tasks and timelines for technical projects.
  • Manages interactions with clients to ensure understanding, agreement and attainment of project goals. Communicates completion dates and delays proactively.
  • Trains new IS staff in system functions and operations in order to maximize user effectiveness and utilization of systems.
  • Cross-trains with other departments.
  • Regularly keeps manager informed through activity reports monthly, or a frequency as established by the manager and requires minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrates ability to independently perform other departmental tasks not specific to data architecture.
  • Participates in department quality improvement processes and offers suggestions to improve customer satisfaction, departmental service levels and productivity.
• Problem resolution and analysis
  • Performs thorough analysis of applications running in Sharp environment for highest level of availability.
  • Designs and implements application installations that are flexible and highly reliable and available.
  • Identifies and resolves system performance issues and provides solution to other key department personnel to assist in resolution if required.
  • Through thorough planning and implementation, in accordance with industry best practices, the environments provide over 95% reliability, as measured from an end user perspective.
  • Applications are expected to be self-monitoring and capable of issuing predictive warnings of failures through existing system monitoring tools.
  • Responds to requests for service within guidelines and timeframes as established to meet organizational objectives.
  • Service incidents are all entered into the trouble tracking system and closed within expected timeframes.
  • Customers are kept informed of the progress of their requests and notified of successful completion or need for delay.
  • Provides on call support as needed to troubleshoot problems as part of the on call rotation schedule.
  • Responds in a timely manner (within 30 minutes) to pages.
  • Will receive remedial issues from other programmers when senior level skills are required for problem resolution.
• System configuration and testing
  • Configures, develops, and executes plans to ensure optimum system performance.
  • Creates and maintains system related documentation such that features and procedures are well documented and communicated.
  • Documentation allows for the continuation of functions by other programmers when the assigned primary Programmer is unavailable.
  • Documentation is kept up to date and is readily available.
  • Ensures the appropriate use of test environments and version control software.
  • Executes against documentation test plans adequately.
  • Consistently maintains software changes across the production and test environments according to IS policy.
  • Performs all levels of testing in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Performs environment synchronization as required in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Ensures that testing demonstrates adequate understanding of the following: standard functionality; client workflow; tables/dictionaries; screen design; system options; rules.
  • Ensures that production delays do not occur due to negligence or failure to following proper procedures.
  • Follows change management procedures.
• Technology review
  • Utilizes effective analysis and creative problem solving techniques within Information Systems accepted framework to develop quality services and resolve problems.
  • Develops and maintains an extraordinarily high level of skill in information technologies applicable to Sharp.
  • Extremely flexible in recommending the appropriate solutions to meet Sharp's needs, regardless of vendor.
  • Acts as in-house consultant to IS applications teams, and is responsible for providing a technical analysis of the proposed system's fit into Sharp's computing infrastructure.
  • Will manage other programmers in the implementation of selected technologies.
  • Is viewed by others in IS as the in-house technical expert.
  • Using sound knowledge of business, strategic, and IS strategies, translates business requirements into system solutions that meet project requirements.
  • Performs a thorough problem analysis using sound judgment, initiative, and own discretion and seeks out required data for problem analysis and resolution.
  • Analyzes user needs/requirements through a variety of appropriate methods such as: on site visits; review of department policies/procedures; review of system capabilities; ensuring attainment of optimal functionality; user satisfaction.
  • Develops a comprehensive analysis of pros/cons and implications of proposed solutions.
  • Demonstrates strategic and forward thinking by conducting thorough analyses of downstream and upstream impact of issues and proposed solutions.
  • Uses effective interviewing skills to elicit client requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in both Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle and experience with Informatica ETL tools.
• Experience with complex systems integration and experience with industry standard data modeling tools.
• Working knowledge of various operating systems including Windows and Unix.
• Understands concepts of creating highly available systems, good programming and leadership skills and ability to mentor junior staff members.