Azure Data Platform Lead Architect

Bankwithchoice; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Choice Financial Group seeks a Lead Data Architect to own enterprise data architecture, standards, and design patterns across the Azure Data Platform and Databricks ecosystem.

You will mentor Data Engineers, enforce governance and security controls, and drive platform modernization, AI readiness, and cost optimization while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions.

Some travel to support collaboration and initiatives is expected as part of this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Data Platform Engineering, including 5+ years designing and implementing enterprise-scale cloud data platforms.
• Strong hands-on expertise with Azure Data Services, Databricks, Spark, Python, SQL, ETL/ELT frameworks, and modern lakehouse/data warehouse architectures.
• Proven experience leading technical teams, implementing data governance and security controls, and delivering scalable data solutions in a regulated environment, preferably within banking or financial services.

Responsibilities

• Own enterprise data architecture, standards, and design patterns.
• Lead architecture and solution design for the Azure Data Platform and Databricks ecosystem.
• Implement data governance, security, data quality, integration, and performance standards in alignment with enterprise governance requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Data Engineers.
• Serve as the backup and escalation point for the Data Engineering team.
• Participate in the design, development, and review of data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and platform enhancements.
• Drive platform modernization, AI readiness, scalability, resiliency, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable data solutions.
• Ensure data platform solutions adhere to regulatory, security, architecture, and governance requirements established by the appropriate oversight functions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements to improve data platform capabilities, engineering efficiency, and business value delivery.

Skills

Azure Data Services

Databricks

Spark

Python

SQL

ETL/ELT

Lakehouse architectures

Technical leadership

Data governance & security

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Snowflake

Power BI

Microsoft Fabric

AI/ML platforms

Real-time data streaming

Job description

Choice Financial Group seeks a Lead Data Architect to own enterprise data architecture, standards, and design patterns across the Azure Data Platform and Databricks ecosystem.

You will mentor Data Engineers, enforce governance and security controls, and drive platform modernization, AI readiness, and cost optimization while collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions.

Some travel to support collaboration and initiatives is expected as part of this role.