Data & AI Architect

Ascend Technologies • Little Rock, AR

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Data & AI Architect is Ascend Technologies’ technical owner of its enterprise data and AI platform. The role sets the platform roadmap and designs, builds, secures, and operates the data infrastructure that supports reporting, automation, and AI applications. The architect works hands-on across databases, pipelines, and AI integrations to keep data trusted, protected, and ready to scale, and chairs the Data Governance Committee. Over time, the role develops into the architectural authority for how Ascend uses data and AI, partnering with teams that build on the platform.

Ascend uses a modern, cloud-based data and analytics environment incorporating technologies such as PostgreSQL, Azure, and Python for business intelligence, data integration, automation, and AI-enabled solutions. The environment emphasizes security, governance, and scalability. The architect works with the Data Analytics and Reporting Lead and engineering partners, serving as the technical lead for what is built. The position is fully remote.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in data engineering, database administration, data architecture, or a similar role.
• Strong SQL and hands-on PostgreSQL database administration experience, including performance tuning, backup, and recovery.
• Experience with dbt or equivalent transformation tools and orchestration tools such as Prefect or Airflow.
• Working knowledge of Azure or a similar cloud, including networking and identity.
• Ability to build and maintain pipelines and automation in Python.
• Experience building automated deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions or an equivalent.
• Hands-on experience building with AI and LLM tools, such as AI coding assistants or LLM integrations.
• Practical experience with role-based access, encryption, and credential management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional groups and explain technical decisions to non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Claude Code or Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.
• Experience with containerized deployments.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, ServiceNow, Paylocity, or Sage Intacct data models.
• Experience leading data governance.
• Background in managed services or IT services.

Responsibilities

• Own the platform roadmap and architecture, set priorities, and direct work across staff and engineering partners.
• Design and maintain dbt models, the semantic layer, and data quality tests to keep reported numbers trusted.
• Administer PostgreSQL, including performance, backup and recovery, and monitoring.
• Run automated, repeatable pipeline deployments using Prefect and GitHub Actions, without dependence on any one person’s machine or credentials.
• Manage security and access by implementing appropriate access controls, data protection measures, encryption, and credential management practices.
• Chair the Data Governance Committee and work with system owners and data stewards to keep definitions, standards, and data quality current.
• Design and operate secure AI integrations, and guide AI-native applications and automations from prototype to production.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed