Principal Solutions Architect, Databricks Practice Lead

Title: Principal Solutions Architect, Databricks Practice Lead

Location: Remote; East Coast strongly preferred (NYC or DC Preferred); travel up to 50%

Target Start Date: ASAP

Type: D

Salary / Pay Rate: $200,000+ base plus uncapped variable compensation

Why Work Here

This is a boutique data and AI consultancy with a builder-led, client-first culture that values ownership, clear communication, and shipping work that makes a real difference. Senior people here are not managed from a distance; they are included in key decisions, given front and center ownership, and trusted to run with it. The firm delivers modern data platforms, analytics, and AI agent solutions for mid-market and enterprise clients in private equity, financial services, insurance, healthcare, and retail. Top performers are rewarded directly, and variable compensation is not capped for people who grow the business.

About the Role

We are looking for a senior architect to lead and grow our Databricks practice, owning both the technical direction and the relationship with Databricks. You will be hands-on in client work, starting with a discovery and architecture engagement for a global management consulting client where you will define how data moves from source to consumption across a complex environment. Beyond delivery, you will help sell, shaping solutions with prospective clients and helping set the size and direction of the practice. This role suits a true consultant who can go toe to toe with sharp technical client teams, push back when it matters, and operate without handholding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Databricks practice, setting its technical direction and helping define its growth targets
• Own and grow the partner relationship with Databricks
• Support business development by scoping opportunities, shaping solutions, and presenting to prospective clients
• Design enterprise data architecture from logical through physical, across greenfield and consolidation environments
• Build data models that meet clients' current needs and scale for future ones
• Define non-functional requirements such as data velocity, change frequency, and data ownership boundaries
• Structure recommendations using Databricks and medallion architecture (bronze, silver, gold)
• Develop the substantive thinking behind executive-ready client presentations and recommendations
• Challenge client assumptions constructively and hold your position with technically strong client teams

Required Skills

• Enterprise data architecture experience from logical design through physical implementation
• Data modeling experience in greenfield or consolidation environments
• Deep fluency in Databricks and medallion architecture
• Ability to define non-functional requirements including data velocity, change frequency, and ownership boundaries
• Consulting experience with a track record of operating independently in client-facing roles
• Ability to both sell and deliver, including contributing to pipeline and closing new work
• Experience creating substantive, presentation-ready content for executive audiences
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills

Bonus / Soft Skills

• Experience designing data mesh operating models
• Insurance, risk, or financial services domain exposure
• Experience scoping source systems outside your direct control
• Prior experience building or leading a technology practice
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with high ownership and autonomy
• Confident pushing back on clients with clear reasoning rather than defaulting to agreement

We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.