Solution Architect - Data

Digital Garage; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Garage is seeking an Experienced Solutions Architect in Auckland to drive a multi‑phase data modernisation programme. You will bridge high‑level data architecture with practical engineering on Databricks, Spark, Python, and SQL, delivering robust pipelines and governance using Unity Catalog and dbt.

You will collaborate with enterprise architects, engineers, and domain leads, shaping data models in LinkML and enabling automated workflows, while exploring AI-enabled tooling and practical

Qualifications

• Led data architecture design across core supply chain domains.
• Hands-on Databricks experience with Spark using Python and SQL.
• Experience transforming data with dbt and managing Unity Catalog assets.
• Familiarity with Git workflows and CI/CD in Azure DevOps.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual/logical data design for supply chain domains.
• Assess DCSA data standards and align with business systems.

Skills

Databricks

Apache Spark

Python

SQL

dbt

Unity Catalog

Git

Azure DevOps

CI/CD

Tools

LinkML

DCSA standards

Claude Code

OpenCode

Databricks Genie

Job description

Excellent Solutions Architect role, working on a major data transformation programme

• Tackle a rare blend of architecture, modern data modelling, and early generative AI adoption.
• Long-term contract stability running through to at least March 2027, with high likelihood of extension to mid-2027 and beyond.
• Central Auckland CBD location on Wyndham Street with a team that values pragmatism and innovation over bureaucracy.

Why You’d Like It

• Tackle a rare blend of architecture, modern data modelling, and early generative AI adoption.
• Long-term contract stability running through to at least March 2027, with high likelihood of extension to mid-2027 and beyond.
• Central Auckland CBD location on Wyndham Street with a team that values pragmatism and innovation over bureaucracy.

The Story

Our client is embarking on a multi-phase enterprise data modernisation programme. Rather than simply patching legacy pipelines, they are re-architecting their entire data layer against global digital shipping standards. To turn that blueprint into operational reality, they need a seasoned Solutions Lead who can bridge the gap between high-level conceptual data architecture and practical engineering on Databricks.

Company Profile

This organisation is one of New Zealand’s premier supply chain and logistics leaders, keeping the country connected to global trade routes. Behind the scenes, their technical team is progressive, technology-forward, and committed to early AI enablement. You will be joining an environment where technical ideas are listened to, decisions move fast, and modern tooling is actively embraced.

Your Role

Working in a collaborative, cross-functional setting alongside enterprise architects, engineers, and domain leads, the day-to-day work involves:

• Leading conceptual and logical data design across core supply chain domains.
• Assessing international maritime data standards (DCSA) and aligning them with current business systems and data sources.
• Defining data models in LinkML, leveraging AI tooling to accelerate structural modelling.
• Designing and building automated workflows to convert LinkML definitions into dbt models, interactive documentation, and Databricks Unity Catalog assets.
• Delivering hands‑on data engineering by developing robust Spark pipelines, managing clusters, and running jobs using Python and SQL.
• Maintaining CI/CD deployment pipelines within Azure DevOps, alongside standard Git governance and code reviews.
• Pioneering practical AI adoption, assisting with the development and deployment of in‑house AI agents (using tools like Claude Code, OpenCode, and Databricks Genie).

Benefits

• Competitive Contract Rates: Attractive day or hourly market rate reflecting your technical breadth.
• Longevity: A solid programme roadmap with clear milestones well into 2027.
• Modern Stack: Exposure to bleeding‑edge tools, modern data governance via Unity Catalog, and production‑grade AI tooling.
• Central Location: Easy commute to an Auckland CBD office close to public transport, cafes, and the waterfront.

Your Fit

To hit the ground running in this engagement, the right background will include:

• Demonstrated experience leading solution design and conceptual/logical data architecture.
• Strong hands‑on capability on the Databricks platform, running Apache Spark with Python and SQL.
• Practical background building transformation pipelines in dbt and managing assets within Unity Catalog.
• Working familiarity with Git best practices and CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps.
• Curiosity for modern tooling—experience with LinkML, shipping standards (like DCSA), or building AI agents is a definite bonus, but the ability to pick them up quickly with AI assistance is just as welcome.
• A collaborative mindset with the communication skills to translate complex data decisions to both engineers and commercial stakeholders.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. If you are not a NZ Citizen, you must have the right of permanent residence or a valid work visa.