Data Architect

Title: Data Architect

Location: New York (Hybrid)

Position: Contract

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end data architecture and solution design for Snowflake-based data platforms.
• Design logical and physical data models.
• Define data ingestion patterns (batch, streaming, Snowpipe).
• Architect storage layers (Raw, Curated, Consumption/Semantic layers).
• Design consumption patterns for Analytics, BI, and AI/ML workloads.
• Build scalable, high-performance Data Warehouse, Data Lake, and Lakehouse architectures on Snowflake.
• Optimize query performance, warehouse sizing, workload management, auto-scaling, and cost efficiency.
• Architect AI-powered solutions using Snowflake Cortex.
• Implement Cortex LLM Functions, Cortex Search, Cortex Analyst, and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) capabilities.
• Integrate Snowflake with external LLMs for fine-tuning, AI agents, and multimodal AI applications.
• Define and enforce data governance, security, and compliance standards.
• Implement RBAC, row-level security, column-level security, dynamic data masking, encryption, and secure data sharing.
• Design and implement ETL/ELT pipelines integrating on-premises, cloud, and SaaS data sources.
• Develop real-time data processing solutions using Snowflake Streams, Tasks, and Snowpark.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Analysts, and business stakeholders.
• Deliver reusable, governed data products for analytics and AI initiatives.
• Lead migrations from legacy platforms and data warehouses to Snowflake.
• Establish enterprise data architecture standards, frameworks, and best practices.
• Monitor platform health, performance, and operational efficiency.
• Implement disaster recovery, replication, business continuity, and high-availability strategies.
• Conduct architecture reviews and provide technical leadership.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers.
• Promote best practices in Data Vault, Kimball, Hybrid Modeling, and AI-ready data foundations.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Data Architecture, Data Engineering, or Data Platform roles.
• 4+ years of hands-on Snowflake architecture and optimization experience.
• Strong expertise in:
• Snowflake Warehouses
• Resource Monitors
• Zero-Copy Cloning
• Time Travel
• Data Sharing
• Snowpark
• Streams & Tasks
• Security & Governance Controls
• Advanced SQL skills.
• Strong experience with:
• Data Modeling (Conceptual, Logical, Physical)
• ETL/ELT Design
• Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform)
• Experience designing secure, scalable analytics and ML architectures.
• Knowledge of:
• Data Governance
• Data Quality
• Data Lineage
• Compliance Frameworks (GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with:
• Snowflake Cortex Search
• Cortex Analyst
• Cortex LLM Functions
• Vector Embeddings
• RAG Architectures
• AI Agents
• SnowPro Core, Advanced, or Architect Certifications.
• Experience with:
• dbt
• Airflow
• Kafka
• Spark
• Fivetran
• Matillion
• Knowledge of:
• AI/ML Workflows
• Vector Databases
• Semantic Search
• Generative AI Architectures
• Experience integrating structured and unstructured data.
• Expertise in:
• Data Vault 2.0
• Dimensional Modeling (Kimball)
• Domain-Driven Design
• Experience in regulated industries:
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Pharma
• Enterprise-scale environments