Specialist Solutions Architect - Cloud Infrastructure & Platform (Azure)

Databricks • United States, CA

10d • $180,000 - $247,500 • Remote

About The Position

As an Infrastructure & Platform Specialist Solutions Architect (SSA), you will serve as a trusted technical advisor, guiding enterprise customers through the architecture, administration, and security of their Databricks deployments on Microsoft Azure. You combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to position Databricks as the foundation of your customers’ data and AI strategy. This role can be remote.

Requirements

• 6+ years in solutions architecture, technical pre-sales, or a senior hands-on technical role
• Advanced expertise across the following areas: Security & Identity: Azure security controls, platform/network/data security, encryption, vulnerability management, compliance, and identity protocols (Microsoft Entra ID / SCIM, OAuth, SAML, Federation)
• Advanced expertise across the following areas: Networking & Deployments: Azure enterprise networking (VNet peering, ExpressRoute, Private Link), network routing, performance optimization, and large-scale deployment management
• Advanced expertise across the following areas: Platform Administration: High availability, disaster recovery, cluster orchestration, observability (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics), and Azure cost management
• Advanced expertise across the following areas: Infrastructure Automation (InfraOps): Hands-on automation using IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, Bicep, ARM) to build, maintain, and scale complex Azure environments
• Strong coding proficiency in Python and SQL — you must demonstrate live coding, debugging, and solution-building skills
• Deep expertise in distributed data systems architecture: designing scalable pipelines, streaming architectures, lakehouse patterns, and cloud-native data platforms
• Proficient on the Databricks Platform (or demonstrated ability to achieve proficiency rapidly) with a developing technical specialization in one area (e.g., real-time/streaming, ML/AI, data governance, migrations)
• Proven ability to lead architecture discussions with senior technical stakeholders — whiteboarding, design reviews, and trade-off analysis
• Track record of driving platform adoption and consumption growth within accounts
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex architectures into business value for both technical and executive audiences
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a quantitative discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Willingness to travel up to 30% as needed

Nice To Haves

• Databricks certifications (Data Engineer, ML, Platform)
• Microsoft Azure certifications (Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer)
• Experience with competitive platforms (Snowflake, AWS native services, Azure Synapse) — understanding the landscape you'll position against
• Background in a data/AI company or cloud provider

Responsibilities

• Guide strategic customers through the full lifecycle of Databricks on Azure, including platform administration, from initial architectural design to production deployment
• Architect secure, scalable enterprise deployments that satisfy complex Azure networking (VNets, Private Endpoints), identity (Microsoft Entra ID), and security compliance standards
• Serve as a subject matter expert in core areas such as Microsoft Azure infrastructure, infrastructure-as-code (IaC), cloud networking, and identity management
• Drive technical wins in competitive scenarios by demonstrating Databricks’ differentiation through custom-built solutions
• Orchestrate cross-functional resources (DSAs, SAs, SSAs, Partners) to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex customer needs
• Influence product direction by providing structured feedback on customer requirements and competitive gaps

Benefits

• eligibility for annual performance bonus
• equity
• comprehensive benefits and perks

What This Job Offers

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