Principal Data Architect (AI & Data Platforms)

Job#: 3031504

Job Description:
Principal Data Architect (AI & Data Platforms)

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Contract

Contract Duration: 12 Months

Role Overview

This role requires a Principal Data Architect to define and lead a multi-year data platform strategy. The position focuses on balancing short-term delivery with long-term modernization, converting architecture principles into actionable guidance, and driving innovation in AI/ML. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to business, technology, and compliance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define a multi-year data platform strategy and roadmap, focusing on cloud-native, Lakehouse, and event-driven architectures.
• Monitor, assess, and sponsor proofs of concept for new data and analytics technologies, including AI/ML use cases.
• Drive the migration from legacy data warehouses to modern, cloud-ready Lakehouse platforms like Databricks or Snowflake.
• Provide expertise in relational/NoSQL databases, open table formats (Iceberg, Delta Lake), and streaming technologies (Kafka).
• Ensure solutions align with enterprise data strategy, governance, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Lead data literacy programs and communities of practice to foster the adoption of AI and modern engineering principles.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and Agile Release Trains to integrate platform strategy and AI innovation into delivery workflows.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business, technology, and compliance stakeholders, communicating strategic impact and cost/benefit analyses.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 10+ years in data engineering or architecture within cloud or hybrid environments, with a measurable impact on modernization and scalability.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise with cloud-native Lakehouse platforms (Databricks, Snowflake), streaming (Kafka), and ETL/ELT tools (Informatica).
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data engineering, automation, and AI/ML pipelines.
• Experience with BI tools such as MicroStrategy, Tableau, and ThoughtSpot.
• Knowledge of metadata, lineage, and data quality governance tooling (e.g., Collibra DQ, SALT, Informatica EDC).
• Familiarity with distributed query engines (Starburst), graph databases (TigerGraph), NoSQL databases (MongoDB), and data mesh principles.
• Understanding of AI/ML concepts, platform choices, MLOps, and integration into enterprise data platforms.
• Experience operating within Agile/SAFe environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
• Cloud certifications for AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Vendor certifications from Databricks, Snowflake, or Oracle.
• AI/ML certifications (e.g., AWS ML Specialty, Azure AI Engineer, Google Professional ML Engineer).
• Demonstrated experience with FinOps and cloud cost optimization strategies for data platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

A competitive pay rate is offered. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options. A 401k retirement plan is also available to eligible employees. We provide paid sick leave as required by state and local law.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. This employer will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.