Lead Data Architect

Midwest Reliability Organization; Minnesota; On-site; USD 121,575 - 162,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Goal achievement bonus plan

Cost shared health insurance

401k match

Job summary

Midwest Reliability Organization in St Paul, MN, is seeking a Lead Data Architect responsible for designing and maintaining data architecture for operational data. The role involves collaborating with business stakeholders and IT teams to ensure scalable and reliable data systems.

The ideal candidate should have over ten years of experience in data architecture and expertise in data modeling, SQL, and cloud data platforms like AWS or Azure. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of experience as a Data Architect or Data Engineer.
• Expertise in database design and data modeling.
• Experience with Python, R, or SQL for data programming.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and ETL processes.
• Build and optimize data models and databases for performance.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand data requirements.

Skills

Data modeling

SQL

Data management

Data engineering

ETL frameworks

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Reports To Director of Power System Risk Management

Location: St Paul, MN

Job Summary

The Lead Data Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining MRO’s data architecture for operational data. The primary responsibility of the position is defining how data is collected, stored, integrated, and used across the organization to support business intelligence, data analytics, and operational efficiency. This role requires advanced technical expertise combined with the ability to collaborate with business stakeholders, IT teams, and data professionals to ensure data systems are scalable, reliable, secure, and aligned with business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain data pipelines, APIs, and ETL processes to integrate diverse internal and external data sources
• Build and optimize data models, databases, and storage solutions that support scalability, reliability, and performance
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand data requirements and ensure solutions meet organizational needs
• Develop tools and frameworks to ensure efficient access, processing, and analysis of integrated data
• Create and maintain documentation establishing data quality, governance, and system design to integrate datasets
• Mentor and coach data analyst(s) on best practices related to data usage, interpretation, and querying of integrated systems
• Build trust and alignment across departments related to data, translation of complex data concepts for non-technical audiences, and foster a culture of data-informed collaboration
• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and practices in data engineering and analytics, and recommend opportunities for increased effectiveness, efficiency, and adoption
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or related field is required
• A minimum of ten years’ experience as a Data Architect, Data Engineer, or similar role (including leading creation of a data structure from strategy to implementation)
• Expertise in data modeling (conceptual, logical, and physical) and database design
• Proficient with SQL, relational and non-relational databases, and data warehousing
• Familiarity with data governance, quality management, and metadata standards
• Experience with data programming in Python, R, or SQL and ETL/ELT frameworks, APIs, and cloud-based data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Strong communication, organizational and technical writing skills with the ability to bridge technical and business perspectives
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, or lead junior staff members
• Knowledge of advanced analytics, machine learning, or big data platforms (e.g., Spark, Databricks, Snowflake) is preferred
• Previous experience in the electric utility industry or strong operational understanding of electric utilities, is desired

Physical Working Conditions and Travel Requirements

• Standard office environment, requires mobility and sedentary work
• Travel Requirement: Less than 10%

Pay Range

$121,575 – $162,100* annual

Based on MRO’s Pay Philosophy wage range – New/Developing Employee – Proficient Employee (75% – midpoint).

Benefits

MRO has a very competitive benefit package that includes a goal achievement bonus plan, cost shared health insurance, life/AD&D, STD, LTD, flex hybrid schedules, 401k match + defined contribution plan, PTO, training/development opportunities, etc.