Azure Data Architect

Matrix Global•USA,

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Azure Data Architect with deep hands-on expertise in cloud data migration, scalable architecture design, and modern data platforms. This role requires a technical leader who can architect and implement enterprise-scale data solutions while working directly with clients to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on experience as a data architect or senior data engineer in Azure environments
Deep expertise in Azure Databricks including Unity Catalog, Delta Lake, cluster optimization, and workspace administration
Strong experience with Microsoft Fabric including Data Factory, Data Warehouse, OneLake, and Power BI integration
Proven track record of leading and executing 3+ cloud migration projects involving large-scale data platforms
Expert-level proficiency in PySpark, SQL, and Python for data processing and transformation
Hands-on experience with Azure services: Data Lake Storage Gen2, Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, Event Hubs, Key Vault
Strong understanding of data modeling (star schema, dimensional modeling, data vault) and database design principles
Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines for data workloads using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions
3+ years of client-facing consulting experience in a professional services or solution architect role
Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Demonstrated ability to gather requirements, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive consensus
Strong presentation and workshop facilitation skills
Experience managing competing priorities across multiple client engagements
Self-motivated with ability to work independently and drive projects to completion

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Azure certifications (DP-203, AZ-305, or equivalent)
Databricks certification (Associate or Professional level)
Experience with data governance tools (Purview, Unity Catalog)
Knowledge of machine learning operations (MLOps) and ML platforms
Experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Bicep)
Background in specific industries such as financial services, healthcare, retail, or manufacturing

Responsibilities

Design and implement scalable, high-performance data architectures on Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric
Lead end-to-end cloud migration projects, moving on-premises data platforms to Azure-native solutions
Build data Lakehouse architectures leveraging Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and Fabric OneLake
Establish data governance frameworks, security protocols, and compliance standards across cloud environments
Define technical standards, best practices, and reference architectures for data solutions
Develop and optimize ETL/ELT pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Databricks workflows, and Fabric Data Pipelines
Implement real-time streaming architectures using Event Hubs, Stream Analytics, and Databricks Structured Streaming
Build performance-optimized data models and queries in SQL, PySpark, and Spark SQL
Configure and optimize Azure resources including storage accounts, compute clusters, and networking
Troubleshoot complex technical issues across the entire data stack
Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients, understanding their business challenges and data strategy goals
Lead discovery workshops and architecture design sessions with stakeholders and technical teams
Present technical recommendations and architecture proposals to executive leadership
Provide hands-on mentorship and knowledge transfer to client teams
Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously while maintaining high-quality delivery
Assess legacy systems and develop comprehensive migration strategies and roadmaps
Execute large-scale data migrations from on-premises databases, Hadoop clusters, and other cloud platforms to Azure
Implement data replication, synchronization, and validation strategies during migration
Minimize downtime and risk through phased migration approaches and rollback procedures