Cloud Data Architect

Ozarks Electric Cooperative • Fayetteville, AR

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cloud Data Architect will be responsible for developing and implementing data strategies and technology roadmaps with a focus on cloud solutions, particularly within Azure environments. This role involves designing and maintaining data models, data lakes, warehouses, and cloud-based data systems to ensure reliable and accessible data. The architect will also oversee data preparation, establish best practices for data operations, and provide technical leadership and collaboration across cross-functional teams. Additionally, the role supports analytics and AI initiatives by designing data solutions for machine learning use cases and enabling efficient data preparation for data scientists and analysts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in data architecture, including hands-on work in cloud environments (Azure preferred).
• Strong understanding of data systems, including data lakes, warehouses, and cloud-based platforms.
• Experience with data modeling, SQL development, and database management.
• Familiarity with data governance, quality, and security practices.
• Experience with tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, Snowflake, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of data analytics and machine learning concepts.
• Proficient in SQL and Python.
• Must have a valid driver's license without violation, which would prohibit insurability.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly explain architecture layout and design.
• Excellent written communication skills to build out detailed documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Cloud certifications (Azure or similar).
• Experience with hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
• Familiarity with unstructured data and feature engineering.
• Experience with data catalogs, metadata management, or observability tools.
• Experience with data visualization and dashboarding tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data strategies and technology roadmaps with a focus on cloud solutions, particularly within Azure environments.
• Design and maintain data models, data lakes, warehouses, and cloud-based data systems that support reliable and accessible data.
• Ensure data is accurate, secure, and available across platforms.
• Establish best practices for data operations, including automation, monitoring, and incident response to maintain data quality over time.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of datasets so they are clean, well-documented, and consistently structured for reporting, operations, and analytics.
• Define and enforce standards for data quality, versioning, lineage, and refresh processes.
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for cloud data assets.
• Implement security and compliance measures to reduce data risk.
• Document and manage data and metadata flows to support traceability.
• Provide guidance on data architecture challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Design reusable data patterns and solutions that can be applied across projects and platforms.
• Define and promote engineering standards for cloud-based systems.
• Continuously evaluate and improve system performance and data reliability.
• Design data solutions that support machine learning and advanced analytics use cases.
• Enable efficient data preparation processes for data scientists and analysts.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure data systems meet evolving business needs.
• Help assess whether datasets are suitable for analytics and AI use, including completeness and quality considerations.
• Meet with vendors/contractors when needed for project development.
• Work with customers when needed for professional services.
• Perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

Benefits

• Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds, required.
• Normal vision and hearing required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior