Principal Data Architect

Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, IPG Photonics employs over 4,800 people across more than 25 locations worldwide. As a pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers, we are committed to applying light-based technologies in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions that make the world a better place. We are equally committed to building a strong, engaged workforce by attracting and retaining top talent and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports long-term growth and sustainability.

At IPG Photonics, employees can expect meaningful, challenging work, a supportive and team-oriented culture, and competitive benefits.

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Data Architect to lead the design of data architecture across our Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem (ERP and CRM) and enterprise data platform. You will play a critical role in connecting core business systems with modern data platforms to enable scalable analytics, AI, and efficient business operations.

Why This Role Matters

You'll help shape how data flows across critical business systems, reducing complexity and enabling faster, more reliable insights across the organization.

The Principal Data Architect will define and drive the data architecture strategy across core enterprise systems-including ERP, MES, PLM, and other business-critical applications-while enabling a scalable data platform for analytics and AI. This role ensures consistent data models, seamless integration, and high data quality across operational and analytical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Data Architecture (ERP, MES, PLM)

• Define end-to-end data architecture spanning ERP, MES, PLM, CRM, and other enterprise systems
• Establish canonical data models and master data standards (e.g., product, customer, supplier, manufacturing data)
• Design integration patterns across applications (APIs, event-driven, ETL/ELT, data virtualization)

Data Integration & Interoperability

• Lead architecture for cross-system data flows (e.g., order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, manufacturing execution)
• Standardize data exchange, synchronization, and lineage across platforms
• Partner with application teams to reduce point-to-point integrations and data silos

Data Platform & Analytics Enablement

• Align operational data architecture with enterprise data platform (warehouse / lake house)
• Enable high-quality, trusted data for reporting, analytics, and AI/ML use cases
• Define patterns for real-time and batch data processing

Master Data & Governance

• Define and support Master Data Management (MDM) strategy across domains
• Establish data governance, quality, and stewardship models
• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements

Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as a bridge between enterprise applications, data engineering, and business teams
• Influence architecture decisions across IT and business domains
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to architects and engineers

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 10+ years in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise architecture roles
• Strong experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP and CRM), including understanding of underlying data models (Finance & Operations, Sales, Customer Service, etc.)
• Proven track record designing data architectures and integrations around D365, including data extraction, synchronization, and extension patterns
• Deep expertise in data modeling (transactional and analytical), particularly across finance, customer, product, and order domains
• Experience designing cross-system integrations using APIs, Dataverse, Azure Integration Services, or middleware platforms
• Hands-on experience with Azure data ecosystem (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Fabric, Data Lake)
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, data quality, and governance practices
• Ability to influence across business and IT stakeholders without direct authority

Preferred

• Experience integrating D365 with MES, PLM, or other enterprise/manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with Dataverse, Dual-write, BYOD (Bring Your Own Database), and Common Data Model (CDM)
• Experience with event-driven architectures (e.g., Azure Event Grid, Service Bus)
• Knowledge of master data management (MDM) solutions and implementation
• Experience supporting analytics and reporting layers (Power BI, Fabric, or similar) on top of D365 data
• Background in manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial environments