Data Architect

Empower • Overland Park, KS

3d • $138,000 - $200,100

About The Position

The Data Architect analyzes, designs, and implements scalable data architectures and data models within cloud-based platforms. This hands-on technical role translates business and technical requirements into secure, reliable, and high-performing data solutions for analytics, reporting, and operational data products. Working with data architects, engineers, analytics teams, and business stakeholders, the role develops models, architectures, and frameworks that support data-driven decision-making while aligning with enterprise standards, governance practices, and evolving business needs.

The position operates in a professional office environment. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; visa sponsorship, including CPT/OPT, is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, Business, or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of experience in data engineering, data architecture, analytics engineering, or related technical roles, including a minimum of 5+ years in a data-centric role.
• Strong experience in data modeling, including logical and physical modeling, and use of data modeling tools such as ER/Studio, ERwin, or PowerDesigner.
• Advanced SQL skills and experience with relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, DB2, or Redshift.
• Experience with cloud platforms and data services, including AWS, Azure, or GCP, and big data frameworks such as EMR or Spark.
• Strong understanding of modern data architectures, including data lakes, data warehouses, lakehouses, and streaming platforms.
• Hands-on experience with distributed data processing, data integration, and NoSQL technologies, including graph, key-value, and columnar technologies.
• Experience with data visualization and analytics tools such as Tableau, Cognos, BusinessObjects, MicroStrategy, SAS, or SPSS.
• Proficiency in programming or scripting languages such as Python, R, or SQL.
• Understanding of data governance, data quality, data privacy, and security practices.
• Experience with DevOps and DataOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large and complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights, and translate them into scalable data architectures and models.
• Design and implement end-to-end data architectures supporting ingestion, storage, processing, and consumption for analytics and operational use cases.
• Develop and maintain logical and physical data models, data flows, and architecture documentation.
• Create and optimize data models to support dashboards, reporting, and data visualization tools.
• Apply modern data architecture patterns, including data lakes, data warehouses, lakehouses, batch and event-driven processing, and change data capture.
• Design cloud-native and cloud-compatible solutions, including data platform modernization and migration strategies.
• Ensure data solutions adhere to governance, security, privacy, and compliance standards.
• Design for scalability, reliability, and performance, including partitioning strategies and schema optimization.
• Collaborate with engineering, infrastructure, security, and business teams to deliver aligned data solutions.
• Participate in architecture and design reviews, identifying risks, trade-offs, and optimization opportunities.
• Support DevOps and DataOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and team members on data architecture and modeling best practices.
• Translate business requirements into data quality standards and actionable data solutions.
• Continuously refine models, methodologies, and architectures based on feedback and evolving business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions up to 6%, financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Paid time off program, ten paid company holidays, and three floating holidays each calendar year.
• Paid volunteer time: 16 hours per calendar year.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid short- and long-term disability.
• Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Business Resource Groups open to all employees.

What This Job Offers

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