Lead AI Data Architect - Data Engineering

🚀 Lead AI Data Architect (Contract)

💼 6-Month Contract | 💰 $800–$1000/day (W2 or C2C)

Are you ready to take ownership of building cutting-edge data ecosystems and leading high-performing teams? We’re looking for a Lead AI Data Architect to drive end-to-end delivery across architecture, engineering, governance, and capability development.

This is a strategic leadership role where you’ll shape the future of data platforms and enable data-driven innovation at scale.

🌟 What You’ll Do

• Lead the architecture, design, and delivery of modern data platforms across cloud and on-prem environments
• Build scalable, high-performance data solutions that unlock business value
• Drive data governance, metadata management, and data modelling best practices
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end data initiatives
• Champion cost optimisation, performance tuning, and agile delivery
• Engage senior stakeholders, influence decisions, and represent data strategy with clarity

🧭 Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Define and deliver data product roadmaps aligned to business goals
• Provide technical leadership, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards
• Drive long-term data engineering and architecture strategy

Technical Oversight

• Lead data architecture and modelling (e.g. SAP PowerDesigner, BiZ Design)
• Build and optimise AI-augmented data pipelines using:
• Azure Data Factory (ADF), ADLS, Databricks, Delta Live Tables, Structured Streaming
• Design robust OLTP systems (schema design, indexing, performance tuning)
• Work across PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server
• Implement governance, security, and lineage using Unity Catalog
• Troubleshoot pipelines and enforce data quality and SLAs

Governance & Quality

• Establish frameworks for data security, privacy, and lifecycle management
• Drive CI/CD and automated deployment practices
• Monitor and optimise pipeline performance

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Product Managers, Business Analysts, Data Scientists, and Architects
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes
• Build alignment and resolve challenges across stakeholders

🛠️ Skills & Experience

Technical Expertise

• 12–17 years in data engineering, architecture, or analytics platforms
• Deep experience with:
• Azure (ADF, ADLS, Databricks, DLT, Azure Functions, Logic Apps)
• SQL, Python, Spark / Scala
• REST APIs / FastAPI
• Strong background in data modelling and architecture frameworks
• Experience with CI/CD (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions)
• Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes basics, API gateways, and load balancing

AI & Future-Ready Skills

• Exposure to AI/ML, GenAI, Agentic AI
• Passion for building future-ready, scalable data ecosystems

🤝 Leadership & Soft Skills

• Proven experience leading medium to large technical teams
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate independently with high ownership and accountability
• Adaptable, with a continuous learning mindset

⭐ Nice to Have

• Experience with Kafka, Hadoop, Spark Streaming
• Workflow orchestration tools (Airflow, Luigi, Azkaban)
• BI tools like Power BI or Qlik Sense
• Certifications in Azure, Databricks, or AI/ML
• Exposure to logistics, trading, or freight-related domains

💡 Why Join?

• Lead impactful, large-scale data transformation initiatives
• Work with modern technologies and forward-thinking teams
• High-impact contract role with strong day rates ($800–$1000/day)
• Flexible engagement (W2 or C2C)

If you’re a hands-on leader passionate about building high-impact data platforms, we’d love to hear from you.