Data Architect

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 206,000; Full time

Job summary

West Monroe is seeking a Data Architect to lead design, implementation, and optimization of data solutions that enable data-driven decisions. You will mentor teams, shape data strategy, and ensure scalable, cost-efficient data systems.

The role requires deep technical expertise and strong leadership to drive innovation and business impact for clients. Hybrid work with 2x in-office per week across US WM offices.

Qualifications

• Experience architecting large-scale data solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven data modeling, ETL, and data pipeline development expertise.
• Strong skills in data platforms such as Databricks or Snowflake.

Responsibilities

• Define data strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Architect robust, scalable data solutions including pipelines, warehouses, lakes, and analytics platforms.
• Establish data governance ensuring data quality, security and compliance.

Skills

Data modeling

ETL

Databricks

Snowflake

Python

SQL

Java

Scala

Spark

Hadoop

Kafka

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science / Data Engineering / Information Systems

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Job description

Are you ready to make an impact?

As a Data Architect at West Monroe, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of data solutions that empower our clients to make data-driven decisions. You will play a critical role in shaping data strategies, mentoring teams, and ensuring the delivery of scalable and efficient data systems. This role requires deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong leadership skills to drive innovation and business impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to define data strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Solution Design: Architect robust, scalable, and secure data solutions, including data pipelines, warehouses, lakes, and analytics platforms.
• Data Governance: Establish and enforce data governance frameworks, ensuring data quality, security, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Lead technical teams in delivering high-quality projects on time and within scope.
• Technology Evaluation: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends, evaluating and recommending tools, platforms, and frameworks to enhance data capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with business analysts, data scientists, and software engineers to integrate data solutions into broader business applications.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and optimize data systems for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Client Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing thought leadership and technical expertise in solving complex data challenges.
• Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, data models, and operational procedures.
• Incident Management: Lead troubleshooting efforts for critical data issues, ensuring timely resolution and root cause analysis.
• Innovation: Drive innovation by identifying opportunities to leverage AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics in data engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in data engineering or architecture, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of architecting and delivering large-scale data solutions in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Expertise in data modeling, ETL processes, and data pipeline development.
• Extensive experience with modern data platforms: Databricks and/or Snowflake preferred.
• Experience with data modeling and engineering in Databricks, including Delta Lake and advanced Spark-based transformations.
• Expertise in data modeling with Snowflake, including schema design, performance optimization, and leveraging Snowflake's unique capabilities (e.g., time travel, zero-copy cloning).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, Java, or Scala.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka).
• Hands-on experience with cloud-native data services (e.g., AWS Redshift, Azure Synapse, Google BigQuery).
• Strong understanding of database technologies (e.g., relational, NoSQL, graph databases).
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Exceptional ability to lead and mentor technical teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure.
• Preferred certifications such as Databricks Professional or Azure Data Engineer Associate.
• Advanced analytical skills to solve complex technical and business problems.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to travel to client sites 30 to 50%.
• Hybrid role - 2x per week in office (can align to any WM office in the US).

Based on pay transparency guidelines, the salary range for this role can vary based on your proximity to one of our West Monroe offices (see table below). Information on our competitive total rewards package, including our bonus structure and benefits is here. Individual salaries are determined by evaluating a variety of factors including geography, experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, purchase shares from our employee stock ownership program and be eligible to receive annual bonuses. Employees will also receive unlimited flexible time off and ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Eligibility for ten weeks of paid parental leave will also be available upon hire date.

Seattle or Washington, D.C. $159,800 — $188,000 USD

Los Angeles $167,400 — $196,900 USD

New York City or San Francisco $175,000 — $205,900 USD

A location not listed above $152,200 — $179,000 USD

Other consultancies talk at you. At West Monroe, we work with you.

We’re a global business and technology consulting firm passionate about creating measurable value for our clients, delivering real-world solutions.

The combination of business and technology is not new, but how we bring them together is unique. We’re fluent in both. We know that technology alone is not the answer, but how we apply it is. We rely on data to constantly adapt and solve new challenges. Actions that work today with outcomes that generate value for years to come.

At West Monroe, we zero in on the heart of the opportunity, getting to results faster and preparing people for what’s next.

You’ll feel the difference in how we work. We show up personally. We’re right there in the room with you, co‑creating through the challenges. With West Monroe, collaboration isn’t a lofty promise, but a daily action. We work together with you to turn vision into clear action with lasting impact.

West Monroe is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer We believe in treating each employee and applicant for employment fairly and with dignity. We base our employment decisions on merit, experience, and potential, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at West Monroe, visit www.westmonroe.com/inclusion. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in our recruiting process, please inquire by sending an email to [e-mail].

Please review our current policy regarding use of generative artificial intelligence during the application process.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read West Monroe’s Notice at Collection for California residents, provided pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and linked here.