Data Architect Chicago, IL

Inspire11 Ranks No. 110 on Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 178,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) plan with 100% match up to 3%

Paid time off and paid parental leave

Job summary

Inspire11 is seeking a Data Architect to design the technical backbone of clients' data ecosystems, enabling scalable analytics and AI solutions. You will lead the architecture of modern data platforms, develop end-to-end ELT/ETL pipelines using SQL and Python, and ensure data privacy and compliance.

This position offers a competitive salary range of $131,000 – $178,500 USD and includes excellent benefits such as medical insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise cloud platform design.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Python.
• Deep familiarity with cloud data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement cloud-native data architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Lead the architecture of end-to-end ELT/ETL pipelines using SQL and Python.
• Build and optimize enterprise data platforms, including data lakes and warehouses.

Skills

Data modeling (relational, dimensional/star schema)

SQL

Python

Cloud data platforms (Fabric, Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift, Synapse, BigQuery)

DevOps and infrastructure-as-code

AI/ML knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Leadership in technical strategy and solution design

Job description

About Inspire11

Elevens, as we call ourselves here, are curiously smart, purposefully scrappy, and dedicated to the highest standard of quality. By being true to ourselves and others, we create a respectful environment that enhances collaboration, drives growth through high expectations, and ensures alignment with our core values.

Inspire11 is more than a modern business and technology consulting firm; we’re a revolution. We work differently – and it shows. Every move we make is tied to measurable value, and our success aligns with our clients’ success.

Why Join Us

• Growth Through Challenge: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence and accountability. At Inspire11, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and empowering our employees to take ownership.
• Autonomy to Do Your Best Work: Outcomes matter more than outputs. You’ll have the autonomy to shape your work, drive decisions, and make an impact.
• Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation: We champion inclusivity and authenticity. Diversity drives better solutions and fuels our culture of energy and camaraderie.

Data Architect – Role Overview

As a Data Architect, you will design the technical backbone of our clients’ data ecosystems—enabling scalable analytics, AI, and automation. You’ll lead the architecture of modern data platforms, shape technical strategy, and ensure secure, reliable delivery across complex environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement cloud‑native data architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP to support advanced analytics and AI solutions.
• Lead the architecture of end‑to‑end ELT/ETL pipelines using SQL and Python, integrating structured and unstructured data into unified models.
• Build and optimize enterprise data platforms, including data lakes, warehouses (Fabric, Databricks, Snowflake, Redshift, Synapse, BigQuery), and semantic/dimensional models.
• Ensure data privacy, security, and compliance with masking, tokenization, retention policies, and metadata‑driven governance frameworks.
• Implement infrastructure‑as‑code, CI/CD pipelines, and testing frameworks for scalable, automated deployments.
• Conduct deep data profiling and validation, shaping decisions based on source quality, lineage, and business context.
• Translate business needs into scalable designs using source‑to‑target mappings, conceptual wireframes, and technical documentation.
• Identify opportunities to integrate AI and machine learning, leveraging use cases such as intelligent data quality, metadata automation, and ML feature stores.
• Support client engagement and pre‑sales, presenting architectural strategies, influencing decisions, and mentoring delivery teams.
• Bring a forward‑thinking mindset to AI‑powered solutions, including agentic solutions and LLM integrations.

Required Experience & Skills

• 8+ years in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise cloud platform design.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and Python, with hands‑on experience building scalable ELT/ETL solutions.
• Deep familiarity with cloud data platforms: Fabric, Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift, Synapse, BigQuery.
• Expertise in data modeling (relational, dimensional/star schema), metadata management, and performance optimization.
• Strong understanding of DevOps and infrastructure‑as‑code: Git, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML and ability to identify intelligent automation opportunities.
• Excellent communication and consulting skills; ability to explain complex designs to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proven leadership in technical strategy, solution design, and team mentorship in a consulting environment.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite at Inspire11 or client locations as required.

Compensation

$131,000 – $178,500 USD, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with 100% match up to 3% of salary.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid parental leave.
• Other benefits: employee assistance program, connectivity stipend, and charitable giving match.

EEO Statement

Inspire11 is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.