Solution Architect - Data

Cognizant; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Training opportunities

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Cognizant seeks an accomplished Solution Architect with deep expertise in modern data platforms and a track record of leading data engineering teams. This role shapes scalable data solutions, guides delivery across multiple teams, and translates business priorities into high-quality technical outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on experience with Databricks and dbt Cloud, solid data architecture practices, and effective people and stakeholder leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer.
• Hands-on expertise with Databricks (Lakehouse, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, PySpark).
• Hands-on expertise with dbt Cloud (transformation, testing, CI/CD).
• Solid understanding of data warehousing, dimensional modeling, and ELT/ETL patterns.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python.
• Demonstrated people-management experience.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong client and stakeholder management experience and ability to influence decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple data engineering teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Design and optimize data models, pipelines, and transformations using Databricks and dbt Cloud.
• Establish and enforce data governance standards and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical deliverables.
• Lead data integration initiatives across multiple domains.
• Mentor and develop data engineering teams with effective coaching and performance reviews.
• Drive predictable delivery through sprint planning and progress tracking.

Skills

Data architecture leadership

Databricks

dbt Cloud

PySpark

SQL

Python

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Tools

Databricks

dbt Cloud

Python

SQL

Job description

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant combines a passion for client satisfaction, technology innovation, deep industry and business process expertise, and a global, collaborative workforce that embodies the future of work. Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 2000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world.

Contract type: Full-time

Our Culture

Your passion, integrity and experience are integral to Cognizant's success. You will join a dynamic and expanding global leader in IT and Business consultancy where you will be valued for who you are. We take pride in our partnership with our clients, so your ability to add value and provide exceptional service to our clients is fundamental to your success. In return, you will be presented with opportunities to develop your career and collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive, diverse environment.

At Cognizant we recognize that companies that are open and welcoming to a multi-culturally diverse workforce will thrive with fresh perspectives and collaborative knowledge. Cognizant focuses on promoting & increasing gender diversity and providing a workplace which encourages great participation and an equal playing field, where merit and accomplishment are the only criteria for success.

Job Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Solution Architect with deep expertise in modern data platforms and a strong track record of leading data engineering teams. This role is responsible for shaping scalable data solutions, guiding delivery across multiple teams, and translating business priorities into high-quality technical outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on experience with Databricks and dbt Cloud, sound data architecture practices, and effective people and stakeholder leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple teams of data engineers and testers to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Design and optimize data models, pipelines, and transformations using Databricks and dbt Cloud.
• Establish and enforce data governance standards and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate requirements into clear, actionable technical deliverables.
• Lead data integration initiatives across multiple business and technology domains.
• Manage, mentor, and develop data engineering teams through effective task allocation, performance reviews, and technical guidance.
• Drive predictable delivery through sprint planning, prioritization, progress tracking, and timely removal of blockers.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with Databricks, including Lakehouse architecture, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, and PySpark.
• Strong hands‑on expertise with dbt Cloud, including data transformation, testing, documentation, and CI/CD practices.
• Solid understanding of data warehousing, dimensional modeling, and ELT/ETL patterns.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python.
• Demonstrated people‑management experience, with a track record of leading and growing technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong client and stakeholder management experience, including leading workshops, presenting deliverables, and managing expectations.
• Ability to influence decision‑making and build consensus across cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Data Vault 2.0 methodology, including hubs, links, and satellites.
• Familiarity with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Knowledge of streaming architectures and real‑time data processing.
• Relevant certifications in Databricks, cloud platforms, or data management.

Benefits

Joining Cognizant will give you the opportunity to learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry, while having your finger on the pulse of emerging industry trends and working on the cutting edge of technology in your field of expertise.

We Recognize That Our People Perform At Their Best When They Feel Valued As Significant Contributors And That Is Why At Cognizant, Taking Care Of Our Employees Is a Priority

• You can pursue innovative career tracks and opportunities here
• You can enhance your professional development through education and dedicated training
• We’ll give you the skills you need to keep pace with the changing workplace while our compensation, benefits and wellness packages help you stay healthy and plan for the future.