Data Architect

Role: Data Architect
Duration: 6-12+ Months Contract
Location: San Jose, CA/McLean, VA (Onsite)

Education - very important
only Btech in Computer Science degree is allowed.
or B E in Computer Science.

• The hiring manager is looking for a true Data Architect, not a data engineer or migration-focused profile.
• Candidates must have demonstrated experience designing and owning an end-to-end data platform from scratch, including data ingestion, storage, processing, and consumption layers, and be able to clearly explain how these components interact.
• There is a strong emphasis on scalability and performance engineering, including designing for large-scale, high-volume data systems, optimization strategies, and overall platform efficiency.
• Distributed data processing is critical, especially Spark fundamentals. Candidates must demonstrate real hands-on experience, not just theoretical or surface-level exposure.
• Architects who can create and evolve architecture documentation, think beyond existing processes, and communicate designs clearly with strong architectural ownership and depth.
• Please avoid sending execution-only data engineers or cloud migration-heavy profiles without clear architectural ownership.

The Data Architect will be a key contributor to designing, evolving, and optimizing our company's cloud-based data architecture. This role requires a strong background in data engineering, hands-on experience building cloud data solutions, and a talent for communicating complex designs through clear diagrams and documentation.

Core Responsibilities:

Cloud Data Architecture Design & Strategy:

• Design and implement secure, scalable cloud-based data pipelines, data warehouses, and data lakes.
• Drive the selection and integration of cloud data services (e.g., storage, databases, analytics tools).
• Develop comprehensive cloud data strategies in alignment with business goals.

Diagramming & Documentation:

• Produce clear and informative visual diagrams (e.g., data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, system architecture diagrams) to guide implementation and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain detailed documentation of data architecture, design decisions, and processes.
  

Hands-on Implementation & Optimization:

• Actively contribute to the hands-on implementation of cloud data solutions.
• Proactively identify and implement performance optimization strategies for cloud data systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to data pipelines, data quality, and data accessibility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on data engineering experience using distributed computing approaches (Spark, Map Reduce, DataBricks)
• Proven track record of successfully designing and implementing cloud-based data solutions in Azure
• Deep understanding of data modeling concepts and techniques.
• Strong proficiency with database systems (relational and non-relational).
• Exceptional diagramming skills with tools like Visio, Lucidchart, or other data visualization software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of cloud-specific data services (e.g., DataBricks, Azure Data Lake).
• Expertise in big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark).
• Strong understanding of data security and governance principles.
• Experience in scripting languages (Python, SQL).
  

Additional Skills:

• Communication: Exemplary written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with all teams and stakeholders.
• Problem-solving: Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills for complex data challenges.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and demonstrate potential for technical leadership.