Data & AI Platform Architect – Azure & Databricks

Pauwels Consulting; Melle; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pauwels Consulting represents a major utility sector client seeking a senior Data Architect to guide the strategic development of the data and AI landscape in a hybrid on-premise and cloud environment in Belgium. You will design scalable, secure architectures for data products, machine learning, and generative AI use cases within a complex enterprise setting.

The role requires 5+ years in data architecture and 3+ years in data/AI platform architecture, with Delta Lake, Lakehouse patterns, MLOps,

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a Data Architect addressing enterprise data challenges.
• 3+ years experience specialized in Data Platform or AI Platform Architecture.
• Delta Lake and Lakehouse architecture pattern expertise.
• Generative AI, LLM solutions, RAG architectures, and vector databases experience.
• Hands-on experience with MLOps platforms and event-driven architecture.
• Ability to translate conceptual information models into logical data models.
• Experience in hybrid on-premise and cloud environments.
• Knowledge of AI governance and Responsible AI frameworks.
• Dutch language proficiency (native).

Responsibilities

• Define the architectural vision and multi-year roadmap for the Data & AI platform.
• Define patterns for data products, ML solutions, and generative AI initiatives.
• Lead innovation initiatives involving Azure OpenAI, RAG, and vector-based knowledge architectures.
• Architect integration patterns between SAP, Databricks, and Confluent Kafka.
• Establish governance guardrails and standards for platform governance and responsible AI usage.
• Collaborate with security, governance, and business stakeholders to reach consensus on strategic tech decisions.

Skills

Data Architecture

Delta Lake

Lakehouse Architecture

Generative AI

LLM solutions

RAG architectures

Vector databases

MLOps

Event-driven architecture

Hybrid cloud

Dutch (native)

Tools

SAP

Databricks

Confluent Kafka

LeanIX

S/4HANA

Datasphere

BW

TOGAF

ArchiMate

Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Job description

Our client, a major organization in the utility sector, is seeking an experienced professional to guide the strategic development of their data and AI landscape. The role focuses on designing scalable, secure, and future-proof architectures that support data products, machine learning, and generative AI use cases within a complex enterprise environment.

• Develop and maintain the architectural vision and multi-year roadmap for the enterprise Data & AI platform.
• Define architecture patterns for data products, machine learning solutions, and generative AI initiatives.
• Lead innovation initiatives involving Azure OpenAI, RAG, and vector-based knowledge architectures.
• Architect integration patterns between SAP, Databricks, and event-streaming platforms like Confluent Kafka.
• Establish architectural principles, guardrails, and standards for platform governance and responsible AI usage.
• Collaborate with security, governance, and business stakeholders to facilitate consensus on strategic technology decisions.

• 5+ years experience as a Data Architect addressing complex enterprise data architecture challenges.
• 3+ years experience specialized in Data Platform or AI Platform Architecture.
• You possess expertise in Delta Lake and Lakehouse architecture patterns.
• You bring experience with Generative AI, LLM solutions, RAG architectures, and vector databases.
• You have hands-on experience with MLOps platforms and event-driven architecture.
• You possess the ability to translate conceptual information models into logical data models.
• You have experience working in hybrid environments involving both on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
• You bring professional knowledge of AI governance and Responsible AI frameworks.
• You are an analytical thinker with the ability to clearly substantiate architectural choices to stakeholders.
• You are native in Dutch.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with SAP BDC, Datasphere, BW, or S/4HANA data integration.
• Familiarity with LeanIX for enterprise architecture management.
• Certifications such as TOGAF, ArchiMate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Databricks credentials.
• Willingness to obtain specific AI-related certifications.

• Start date: 17 November 2026.
• Duration: 12 months.
• Work regime: Full-time.
• Location: Melle.
• Working model: hybrid
• Contract: open to both permanent employees and freelancers.