Solutions Architect - Retail

Databricks • Chicago, MA

8d • $180,000 - $247,500

About The Position

As a Solutions Architect, you will lead technical strategy for customer accounts, own architecture discussions, drive platform adoption, and serve as a trusted advisor to customer technical leads and architects. You will combine technical expertise with strategic thinking to position Databricks as the foundation of customers’ data and AI strategies, while developing a technical specialization and becoming a recognized domain resource within your team.

The role covers end-to-end account technical strategy, from initial discovery through production deployment and consumption growth. You will design scalable, production-grade solutions across data engineering, ML/AI, and real-time analytics; lead complex discussions with senior technical stakeholders; and demonstrate Databricks’ differentiation in competitive scenarios through custom-built solutions. You will also coordinate cross-functional resources, provide structured product feedback, and help influence product direction.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of experience in solutions architecture, data engineering, technical pre-sales, or a senior hands-on technical role.
• Strong coding proficiency in Python and SQL, including the ability to demonstrate live coding, debugging, and solution building.
• Deep expertise in distributed data systems architecture, including scalable pipelines, streaming architectures, lakehouse patterns, and cloud-native data platforms.
• Proficiency with the Databricks Platform, or demonstrated ability to achieve proficiency rapidly, and a developing technical specialization in an area such as real-time/streaming, ML/AI, data governance, or migrations.
• Proven ability to lead architecture discussions with senior technical stakeholders, including whiteboarding, design reviews, and trade-off analysis.
• Experience with production deployments on a public cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including infrastructure, security, and governance considerations.
• Track record of driving platform adoption and consumption growth within accounts.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to translate complex architectures into business value for technical and executive audiences.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a quantitative discipline, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

• Databricks certifications in Data Engineer, ML, or Platform.
• Experience with competitive platforms such as Snowflake, AWS native services, or Azure Synapse.
• Background in a data/AI company or cloud provider.
• Industry domain expertise, such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail, or Media.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technical strategy for accounts, from initial discovery through production deployment and consumption growth.
• Lead architecture discussions and design scalable, production-grade solutions spanning data engineering, ML/AI, and real-time analytics.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to customer architects, engineering leads, and Directors.
• Drive technical wins in competitive scenarios by demonstrating Databricks’ differentiation through custom-built solutions.
• Develop and declare an emerging technical specialization (archetype), becoming a go-to resource for the team in that domain.
• Orchestrate cross-functional resources, including DSAs, SSAs, and Partners, to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex customer needs.
• Provide structured feedback on customer requirements and competitive gaps to influence product direction.

Benefits

• Eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
• Equity.
• Benefits and perks are offered, with specific details varying by region.

What This Job Offers

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