Data Architect – Snowflake & AI SolutionsWe are seeking an experienced Data Architect with strong expertise in Snowflake, cloud data platforms, and AI-driven data solutions. The ideal candidate will lead the architecture, design, and optimization of scalable enterprise data platforms supporting analytics, reporting, and AI/ML initiatives. This role requires deep hands-on experience with Snowflake architecture, modern data engineering practices, governance frameworks, and emerging AI capabilities such as Snowflake Cortex, semantic search, vector embeddings, and RAG-based solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end architecture and solution design for Snowflake-based data platforms, including:Logical and physical data modelingBatch and streaming ingestion patternsSnowpipe implementationsRaw, curated, and semantic/consumption data layersAnalytics, BI, and AI/ML consumption frameworksDesign and optimize scalable, high-performance:Data warehousesData lakesLakehouse architectures on SnowflakeImplement performance tuning and cost optimization strategies, including:Query optimizationWarehouse sizing and workload managementAuto-scaling and resource monitoringArchitect AI-powered data solutions using Snowflake Cortex technologies:Cortex LLM FunctionsCortex SearchCortex AnalystDocument AIVector embeddings and semantic searchRetrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecturesIntegration with external LLMs and AI platformsDefine and enforce enterprise data governance and security standards:RBACDynamic data maskingRow/column-level securityEncryption and secure data sharingCompliance and regulatory standardsDesign and implement scalable data pipelines integrating:On-premises systemsCloud platformsSaaS applicationsReal-time data processing using Streams, Tasks, and SnowparkCollaborate closely with:Data EngineersData ScientistsBusiness AnalystsProduct and Business StakeholdersLead migration initiatives from legacy and on-prem systems to Snowflake.Establish enterprise reference architectures, reusable frameworks, and best practices.Implement disaster recovery, replication, high availability, and monitoring strategies.Mentor junior architects and engineers while promoting best practices in:Data modelingSemantic modelingAI-ready data foundationsData Vault and dimensional modeling methodologiesRequired Qualifications8+ years of experience in:Data ArchitectureData EngineeringEnterprise Data PlatformsMinimum 4+ years of hands-on experience designing and optimizing Snowflake solutions.Strong expertise in Snowflake features including:SnowparkTasks & StreamsZero-copy cloningTime TravelResource monitorsData sharingSecurity and governance controlsStrong proficiency in:SQLETL/ELT processesData modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)Experience with cloud platforms:AWSAzureGCPProven ability to design secure, scalable architectures supporting:AnalyticsReportingMachine Learning workloadsStrong understanding of:Data governanceData qualityLineageCompliance frameworks (GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA)Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.Preferred QualificationsHands-on experience with Snowflake Cortex AI capabilities:Cortex SearchCortex AnalystLLM functionsVector embeddingsAI agentsRAG architecturesSnowPro Certifications:SnowPro CoreSnowPro AdvancedSnowPro ArchitectExperience with modern data stack tools:dbtAirflowKafkaSparkFivetranMatillionKnowledge of:AI/ML workflowsSemantic searchVector databasesGenerative AI integrationsExperience with:Data Vault 2.0Dimensional modelingDomain-driven designPrior experience in regulated enterprise environments such as:FinanceHealthcarePharmaAdditional InformationHybrid role requiring onsite presence in New York City 3 days per week.Strong communication and client-facing skills are essential.Candidates with architect-level Snowflake expertise and AI integration experience are highly preferred.