The Principal Data Architect will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for enterprise data platform modernization, driving the design and implementation of a cloud-native data architecture on Google Cloud Platform. This role requires deep expertise in large-scale data warehouse migrations, modern data architecture patterns, and the ability to deliver scalable, secure, and cost-effective technical solutions.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Architecture & Design
- Lead the architectural vision for managing and optimizing data warehouse ecosystem on Google Cloud Platform, with BigQuery as the primary analytics engine
- Design comprehensive data architecture patterns including data Lakehouse frameworks, real-time streaming architectures, and federated data access layers
- Establish enterprise data governance frameworks aligned with DAMA-DMBOK principles, ensuring data quality, lineage, and regulatory compliance
- Define data integration strategies spanning batch, streaming, and API-based patterns to support diverse use cases across insurance and membership service lines
- Architect and review design for multi-layered data zones (raw, curated, consumption) with appropriate security controls and access patterns
Technical Leadership & Execution
- Own the technical design for migration strategies, including schema optimization, performance tuning, and workload migration planning
- Design ETL/ELT modernization approaches, transitioning from legacy tools to cloud-native data integration platforms (Dataflow, or partner solutions)
- Establish CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices for data platform deployments
- Define monitoring, observability, and operational excellence frameworks for production data workloads
- Lead proof-of-concept initiatives to validate architectural decisions and de-risk complex technical challenges
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Serve as primary technical liaison with customer’s Data Business Unit and IT leadership for multiple initiatives
- Translate complex technical architectures into executive-level communications and compelling business narratives
- Lead technical deep-dive sessions, demonstrating architecture viability and addressing stakeholder evaluator concerns
- Produce comprehensive architecture documentation, decision records, and runbooks aligned with enterprise standards
- Provide technical mentorship to data engineering teams, elevating skills in cloud-native data architecture patterns
- Establish architectural review processes and technical guardrails to ensure solution quality
- Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation with emerging GCP capabilities like Gemini-powered AI data tools
Required Qualifications
Technical Expertise
- 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, with 5+ years focused on cloud data platforms (GCP strongly preferred)
- Proven track record leading technical pursuits for $5M+ enterprise engagements
- Deep expertise in Google BigQuery architecture, performance optimization, and cost management strategies
- Proven experience leading large-scale data warehouse modernization programs
- Expertise in data integration tools and patterns (Cloud Dataflow)
- Experience with data governance frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK, Data Mesh, Data Fabric concepts)
- Knowledge of security and compliance requirements for regulated industries (insurance, financial services)
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to C-level executives
- Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across business and technology organizations
Preferred Qualifications
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer and/or Cloud Architect certifications
- Familiarity with insurance industry data models and regulatory requirements
- Knowledge of Adobe Analytics, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and MarTech integration patterns
- Experience with FinOps practices and cloud cost optimization methodologies