Data Architect — Hybrid, Modern Data Platform Design

Ascend Learning; Leawood (KS); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid time off

401(k) matching program

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness resources

On-site workout facilities

Job summary

Ascend Learning in Leawood, KS, is seeking a Data Architect to design and deliver scalable data solutions that align with business objectives. The role involves leading data architecture strategy, modernizing platforms, and ensuring secure and reliable data systems.

The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience with modern data platforms and strong expertise in data architecture and integration. A hybrid working model is available.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience with modern data platforms.
• Strong expertise in data architecture and integration.
• Proficiency with data pipelines and transformation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable data solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Assess and modernize existing data infrastructure.
• Partner with stakeholders to define data strategies.

Skills

Data architecture

Data modeling

Data integration

Azure Data Factory

SQL Server

Tableau

GitLab

Agile methodologies

AI/ML

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in technology

Tools

Snowflake

Databricks

Amazon Redshift

Terraform

Job description

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company,is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

What You’ll Do

As a Data Architect, you will design and deliver scalable, high-performance data solutions aligned to business objectives and internal client needs. You will lead data architecture strategy, modernize platforms, and ensure data systems are secure, reliable, and future-ready.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our office location in Leawood, KS.

How You’ll Spend Your Time

Design Scalable Data Solutions

• Architect modern data ecosystems including cloud data warehouses, lakehouse platforms, and medallion architectures using dimensional models (Star/Snowflake).
• Develop and govern data models, frameworks, and standards for how data is structured, stored, accessed, and shared across the organization.
• Establish and maintain a centralized data dictionary.
  
  

Build and Evolve the Data Platform

• Assess and modernize existing data infrastructure, leading cloud migrations and architecture transformations.
• Design and maintain scalable data pipelines and integrations across systems using APIs and data tools.
• Implement DataOps/DevOps practices and automation to streamline and operationalize data workflows.
  
  

Drive Data Strategy and Collaboration

• Partner with business and technical stakeholders to define data strategies and deliver aligned solutions.
• Own architectural decisions and ensure quality, performance, and successful delivery of data initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across BI, product, engineering, and business teams.
  
  

Ensure Standards and Innovation

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data teams.
• Enforce standards for security, compliance, performance, and cost management.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, including AI/ML, and incorporate innovations where appropriate.
  
  

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree in technology related field or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 6+ years’ experience with modern data platforms (e.g., SQL Server, Snowflake, Databricks, Azure Synapse/Fabric, Amazon Redshift).
• Strong expertise in data architecture, modeling (ERDs, dimensional modeling), and data integration across systems.
• Proficiency with data pipelines and transformation tools (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Coalesce, Snowpipe) and version control (e.g., GitLab).
• Experience with BI and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Python, R) and advanced analytics techniques.
• Familiarity with DataOps/DevOps practices and automation tools (e.g., Terraform, ARM).
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills; experience working with cross-functional and distributed teams.
• Understanding of data governance, security, and best practices.
• Experience with AI/ML and familiarity with modern AI platforms (e.g., Azure ML, Copilot, Claude, OpenAI) is preferred.
  
  

HIRING RANGE

The current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $108,300.00-$154,880.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company paid life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
• Charitable matching program
  
  

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.