Data Architect

SysTechCorp Inc; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

SysTechCorp Inc. in New York seeks a Principal Data Architect to lead enterprise data platform modernization on Google Cloud Platform, with BigQuery as the analytics engine.

You will drive strategic architecture, design data lakehouse patterns, real-time streaming, and secure, cost-conscious solutions while engaging with executives across insurance and member services.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, with 5+ years in cloud data platforms (GCP preferred).
• Proven track record leading $5M+ enterprise data initiatives.
• Deep expertise in BigQuery, performance tuning, and cost management; experience with regulated industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural vision for data warehouse ecosystem on GCP with BigQuery as the analytics engine.
• Design data lakehouse patterns, real-time streaming, and federated access layers.
• Govern data governance aligned with DAMA-DMBOK, ensuring quality, lineage, and compliance.
• Define data integration strategies across batch, streaming, and API-based patterns.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and architecture docs for enterprise programs.

Skills

BigQuery

GCP

Data Architecture

Data Governance

Security & Compliance

CI/CD

Data Integration

Cloud Dataflow

Executive Communication

Tools

Dataflow

BigQuery

GCS

Job description

The Principal Data Architect will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for enterprise data platform modernization, driving the design and implementation of a cloud-native data architecture on Google Cloud Platform. This role requires deep expertise in large-scale data warehouse migrations, modern data architecture patterns, and the ability to deliver scalable, secure, and cost-effective technical solutions.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Architecture & Design

• Lead the architectural vision for managing and optimizing data warehouse ecosystem on Google Cloud Platform, with BigQuery as the primary analytics engine
• Design comprehensive data architecture patterns including data Lakehouse frameworks, real-time streaming architectures, and federated data access layers
• Establish enterprise data governance frameworks aligned with DAMA-DMBOK principles, ensuring data quality, lineage, and regulatory compliance
• Define data integration strategies spanning batch, streaming, and API-based patterns to support diverse use cases across insurance and membership service lines
• Architect and review design for multi-layered data zones (raw, curated, consumption) with appropriate security controls and access patterns

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Own the technical design for migration strategies, including schema optimization, performance tuning, and workload migration planning
• Design ETL/ELT modernization approaches, transitioning from legacy tools to cloud-native data integration platforms (Dataflow, or partner solutions)
• Establish CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices for data platform deployments
• Define monitoring, observability, and operational excellence frameworks for production data workloads
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives to validate architectural decisions and de-risk complex technical challenges

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as primary technical liaison with customer’s Data Business Unit and IT leadership for multiple initiatives
• Translate complex technical architectures into executive-level communications and compelling business narratives
• Lead technical deep-dive sessions, demonstrating architecture viability and addressing stakeholder evaluator concerns
• Produce comprehensive architecture documentation, decision records, and runbooks aligned with enterprise standards
• Provide technical mentorship to data engineering teams, elevating skills in cloud-native data architecture patterns
• Establish architectural review processes and technical guardrails to ensure solution quality
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation with emerging GCP capabilities like Gemini-powered AI data tools

Required Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, with 5+ years focused on cloud data platforms (GCP strongly preferred)
• Proven track record leading technical pursuits for $5M+ enterprise engagements
• Deep expertise in Google BigQuery architecture, performance optimization, and cost management strategies
• Proven experience leading large-scale data warehouse modernization programs
• Expertise in data integration tools and patterns (Cloud Dataflow)
• Experience with data governance frameworks (DAMA-DMBOK, Data Mesh, Data Fabric concepts)
• Knowledge of security and compliance requirements for regulated industries (insurance, financial services)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to C-level executives
• Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across business and technology organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer and/or Cloud Architect certifications
• Familiarity with insurance industry data models and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of Adobe Analytics, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and MarTech integration patterns
• Experience with FinOps practices and cloud cost optimization methodologies