Principal Data Architect

Sparq

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Data Architect to design and evolve scalable AWS-based data architecture across various layers including operational, analytical, lakehouse, pipeline, and semantic. The role involves architecting multi-tenant SaaS data models, bridging operational and analytical data needs, and leveraging AI tools to streamline tasks and improve work quality. You will design and optimize data platforms using AWS technologies, build architecture supporting complex healthcare data structures with a focus on privacy, security, compliance, and governance, and lead technical design discussions. This position establishes best practices for data modeling, pipeline design, and platform standards, designs secure AWS data governance patterns, supports enterprise-grade DataOps practices, and translates architecture strategy into actionable technical plans. You will serve as a technical bridge across various teams and mentor engineers.

Requirements

• Deep expertise designing modern AWS-based data architectures across operational, analytical, lakehouse, pipeline, and semantic layers.
• Expert-level experience designing multi-tenant SaaS databases, including Silo, Pool, and Hybrid isolation models.
• Proven ability to bridge OLTP and OLAP design patterns across operational systems, lakehouse platforms, and enterprise analytics environments.
• Hands-on experience with AWS data and database technologies such as Amazon Aurora, DynamoDB, AWS Glue, S3, Apache Iceberg, Amazon Redshift, and related services.
• Experience designing systems that process complex healthcare data structures, with healthcare claims data experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of data privacy, security, compliance, and governance requirements in healthcare or other regulated environments.
• Advanced experience with cross-account and multi-region AWS governance using AWS Organizations, AWS Control Tower, IAM Identity Center/SSO, and AWS Lake Formation.
• Experience implementing secure cross-account data sharing, centralized identity management, and cross-account data cataloging.
• Strong experience with DataOps, data quality, observability, and lineage tools such as AWS Deequ, Great Expectations, or similar frameworks.
• Hands-on experience using infrastructure-as-code tools such as AWS CDK or Terraform to support repeatable, version-controlled data platform deployments.
• Strong proficiency in data engineering tools and languages such as Python, SQL, Spark, notebooks, and ETL/ELT frameworks.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools to enhance daily work, or a strong desire to do so, including a willingness to experiment, learn, and champion AI adoption within your role.
• Ability to translate architecture into deliverable work, including epics, features, user stories, and implementation plans within Agile environments.
• Ability to operate as a senior technical leader across multiple teams, influencing architecture, delivery, and engineering standards without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical, business, security, compliance, and executive stakeholders.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Regardless of your specific role, we seek individuals who are excited to explore, adopt, and evangelize AI tools and methodologies. If you have experience in AI or a proven track record of rapidly learning and mentoring others on emerging tech, you’ll fit right in.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve scalable AWS-based data architecture across operational, analytical, lakehouse, pipeline, and semantic layers.
• Architect multi-tenant SaaS data models, determining when to use Silo, Pool, or Hybrid isolation strategies based on tenant tiering, contractual obligations, and data security requirements.
• Bridge operational and analytical data needs by designing high-throughput OLTP systems alongside scalable OLAP and lakehouse solutions for reporting, AI/ML, and executive analytics.
• Actively leverage AI tools to streamline tasks, improve the quality of your work, and share best practices with teammates while continuously seeking new ways to integrate AI into your everyday workflows.
• Design and optimize data platforms using AWS technologies such as Amazon Aurora, DynamoDB, AWS Glue, S3, Apache Iceberg, Amazon Redshift, and related services.
• Build data architecture that supports complex healthcare data structures, including claims data, with a strong focus on privacy, security, compliance, and governance.
• Lead technical design discussions, identifying dependencies, risks, tradeoffs, and compliance considerations to support predictable delivery.
• Establish best practices for data modeling, pipeline design, taxonomy, data quality, lineage, observability, and platform-wide standards.
• Design secure cross-account and multi-region AWS data governance patterns using AWS Organizations, AWS Control Tower, IAM Identity Center/SSO, and AWS Lake Formation.
• Support enterprise-grade DataOps practices, including automated data quality checks, end-to-end lineage, observability, and infrastructure-as-code using AWS CDK or Terraform.
• Translate architecture strategy into actionable technical plans, including epics, features, and sprint-ready stories for engineering teams.
• Serve as a technical bridge across Data Engineering, Data Science, Security, Compliance, Product, and Enterprise Architecture teams.
• Mentor engineers, review complex data architecture and code, and elevate system-level thinking across the team.

Benefits

• Ongoing investment in your growth through training, mentorship, and industry certifications
• Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies across multiple industries
• Recognition programs and employee awards within an inclusive culture that celebrates great work, including our AI Innovators Program
• Remote or hybrid work options
• Competitive salary + bonus opportunities
• Robust benefits package, matching 401(k) plan, and substantial PTO
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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