Data Architect

GreatAmerica Bank National Association; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

401(k) and Company Match

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Profit Sharing

Job summary

GreatAmerica Bank National Association is seeking a Data Architect to design and deliver the organization’s data infrastructure across hybrid cloud environments. You will shape enterprise data architecture, guide modernization, and ensure governance, security, and regulatory compliance while enabling advanced analytics.

In this strategic role you will mentor others, set standards, collaborate with DevOps, Analytics, Data Governance, and other teams, and translate business needs into scalable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, database design, or related roles.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud-based data architectures, transactional and analytical systems, data modeling, data integration tools, and BI concepts.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL database technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Design scalable, end-to-end enterprise data architectures supporting current and future needs.
• Build, prototype, and optimize real-time and batch data pipelines using modern tools and cloud services.
• Design and implement ETL/ELT processes for reliable data movement across systems.
• Establish, document, socialize, and enforce development, modeling, and architectural standards.
• Mentor team members and promote best practices across the data organization.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Consensus-building

Adaptability

Learning mindset

Facilitation

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or related field

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server

Azure data services

Databricks

Salesforce Data Cloud

Python

Spark

dbt

Airflow

Informatica Cloud

Job description

GreatAmerica is a highly successful entrepreneurial company providing equipment financing to businesses across the United States. Our exemplary customer service, our principle-centered business philosophy and our team-based operating approach are key to our success and growth. We have also recently become a bank! We are looking to add a Key Member to our Data Delivery Team! The Data Architect is responsible for design and delivery of the organization’s data infrastructure, including operational source systems, analytical platforms, data movement technology and architectural standards. This role balances technical excellence with business needs to deliver reliable, secure, and highly available solutions in a hybrid cloud environment. As a strategic technical leader, the Data Architect shapes enterprise-wide data architecture and guides long-term platform modernization initiatives. This role ensures that the data ecosystem supports scalability, governance, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytics capabilities, enabling the organization to use data as a strategic asset. We’re looking for a self-starting Data Architect who thrives both independently and, in a collaborative, team-based environment. This role is ideal for someone who isn’t afraid to speak up, share perspectives, and actively drive meaningful discussions. The right candidate will be someone who can mentor others while remaining open to learning new things, who can see the long-term vision and help bring it to life. We value architects who view technical debt as an opportunity for improvement and innovation, and who make pragmatic, business first decisions.

GreatAmerica welcomes applications from candidates residing the following states, where we currently support employment and payroll operations: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Design scalable, end-to-end enterprise data architectures that support current and future business needs.
• Build, prototype, and optimize real-time and batch data pipelines using modern data integration tools and cloud services.
• Design and implement ETL/ELT processes to ensure seamless and reliable data movement across systems.
• Integrate diverse data sources across the enterprise using standardized patterns and frameworks.
• Establish, document, socialize, and enforce development, modeling, and architectural design standards.
• Implement data quality metrics, monitoring capabilities, and issue resolution processes in partnership with Data Governance.
• Define, manage and enforce data governance, quality, security and compliance frameworks in partnership with Data Governance.
• Create and maintain clear documentation of architectural decisions, standards, and patterns.
• Implement data protection strategies, including access controls and data privacy measures.
• Ensure data architectures align with regulatory requirements and internal compliance standards.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies to improve data management and platform capabilities.
• Architect and optimize cloud-native solutions leveraging Microsoft Azure services.
• Lead modernization initiatives, including migrations from legacy platforms to cloud-based solutions.
• Support scalability, performance tuning, and cost optimization of data platforms.
• Build strong relationships with business and technical stakeholders to understand evolving needs and translate them into architectural solutions.
• Collaborate with DevOps, Engineering, Analytics, Data Governance, and other cross-functional teams to operationalize data solutions.
• Serve as a technical thought leader influencing multi-year data strategy and platform decisions.
• Mentor team members and promote best practices across the data organization.
• Partner with other architects to ensure enterprise alignment with data standards and architectural principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data architecture, database design, or related roles.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud-based data architectures, transactional and analytical systems, data modeling, data integration tools, and business intelligence concepts.
• Experience with both SQL and NoSQL database technologies.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale data warehouses and data lakes.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Azure services, including Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Databricks, Azure Data Lake Storage.
• Experience with Salesforce data models and Salesforce Data Cloud preferred.
• Experience leading modernization, migration, and cloud transformation initiatives.
• Advanced SQL certifications and/or ITIL knowledge are a plus.

Skills

• Strategic thinking with the ability to drive enterprise-level architectural decisions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance technical and business trade-offs.
• Excellent collaboration and influence skills across technical and business teams.
• Ability to navigate differing viewpoints and achieve consensus.
• Adaptability to changing technologies, business priorities, and data needs.
• Strong learning mindset, particularly around cloud, AI/ML, and emerging technologies.
• Effective facilitation and consensus-building capabilities.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft SQL Server (SSIS, SSAS, Service Broker)
• Azure (Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Functions, Azure DevOps)
• Databricks
• Salesforce (Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Data Cloud)
• Python
• Spark
• dbt
• Airflow
• Informatica Cloud
• Microsoft Office Suite

We value diverse backgrounds and adding new perspectives.

Share rewards is an integral part of our culture. We believe in the value of hard work and reward our employees beyond the paycheck. Our total rewards package is based on eligibility and includes:

Benefits

• Financial Benefits
• Competitive Compensation
• Monthly Bonuses for Eligible Employees
• 401(k) and Company Match
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Health, Wellbeing, and Family Planning Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Gym Reimbursement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Education and Career Planning Benefits
• Tuition Assistance
• Networking Opportunities
• Leadership Development Opportunities
• Perks
• Paid Parking
• Service Awards
• Hybrid work arrangements
• Business casual environment
• A strong organizational culture focused on our greatest asset: you!

Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

GreatAmerica is the largest independent, family-owned national commercial equipment finance companies in the U.S. and is dedicated to helping manufactures, vendors, and dealers be more successful and keep their customers for a lifetime.

With a focus on the small ticket vendor and OEM finance channel we have partnered with some of the largest and industry leading companies in the Office Equipment, Communications, IT, Automotive, Construction, Healthcare, and Franchise market sectors.

In addition to financing, GreatAmerica offers innovative non-financial services to help our customers grow.

We have also recently become a bank! At GreatAmerica we enjoy the benefits of being independent and family-owned, fostering quick decision making, customer response and innovation.

Established in 1992 our team has grown to over 750 employees and a portfolio of over $3+ Billion.

Our exemplary customer service, principle-centered business philosophy and team-based operating approach are key to our success and growth.

With a strong balance sheet and consistent financial performance through all economic cycles, GreatAmerica has experienced amazing results and unparalleled growth.

When you are part of the GreatAmerica team, you will grow professionally and work with some of the most talented finance professionals in the industry.

There is no doubt in our minds we are building the greatest company of its kind, offering the finest products and services available anywhere.

When you are part of the GreatAmerica team, you are part of the future, part of an opportunity to grow professionally and to reach your potential while enjoying your work.