Lead Data Architect

Caterpillar Brazil; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Lead Data Architect to define the Power & Energy data vision and roadmap. This role guides data strategy, models, and governance in collaboration with the Lead Data Engineer to deliver scalable, secure data solutions.

The candidate should have a strong background in data warehousing, modeling, and enterprise-scale initiatives, with experience guiding cross-functional teams in modern platforms and cloud migrations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, data engineering, software engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 12+ years of progressive experience in data/analytics/information architecture or enterprise tech
• 4+ years leading enterprise-scale data architecture initiatives across multiple domains
• Deep expertise in data warehousing, data modeling (conceptual/logical/physical)
• Experience defining enterprise data strategies, roadmaps, governance frameworks
• Experience translating business strategy into data architecture solutions with leadership teams

Responsibilities

• Define data strategy and target state vision aligned to business strategy
• Create and maintain data models (conceptual, logical, physical)
• Partner with engineers to translate architecture into implementable solutions
• Ensure architecture supports performance, scalability, and extensibility
• Enforce governance, standards, and metadata management across domains
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enable enterprise-wide data consistency

Skills

Programming languages

Data architecture

Data modeling

Cloud migration

Power & Energy domain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/Data Eng or related field

Tools

Python

Java

Job description

Career Area: Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Lead Data Architect

Role Summary: We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect to define and guide the Power & Energy segment data vision, structure, and standards in close partnership with the Lead Data Engineer. This role is accountable for designing the blueprint of the data ecosystem—ensuring that data is structured, governed, and aligned to business needs—while the engineering team operationalizes and builds the solutions. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking, data modeling expertise, and firsthand architectural guidance across modern data platforms.

What You Will Do

Data Strategy & Target State Vision

• Map the current-state data landscape, including systems, flows, redundancies, and gaps.
• Define and maintain the future-state data architecture vision and roadmap aligned to business strategy.
• Establish guiding principles for scalable, reusable, and governed data ecosystems.

Data Modeling & Architecture

• Build and maintain conceptual data models that define core business entities and relationships.
• Guide the development of logical and physical data models in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Ensure consistent application of industry-standard modeling techniques (e.g., dimensional, data vault).
• Define canonical data definitions and promote reuse across domains.

Solution Design & Engineering Partnership

• Partner closely with the Lead Data Engineer to translate architecture into implementable solutions.
• Provide oversight and guidance on end-to-end data solution design, from ingestion through consumption.
• Ensure architecture decisions support performance, scalability, and extensibility.
• Review and validate solution designs to ensure alignment with architectural standards.

Data Governance & Standards

• Ensure the right data sources are identified and leveraged for each use case.
• Enforce alignment with enterprise data standards, governance policies, and security requirements.
• Promote data quality, consistency, and lineage across the data ecosystem.
• Define standards for metadata management, data classification, and access controls.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Collaborate with business stakeholders, analytics teams, and IT to ensure architecture supports business capabilities.
• Drive alignment across domains to reduce duplication and enable enterprise-wide data consistency.
• Function as a trusted advisor on data-related decisions and trade-offs.

What You Have

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 12+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, information architecture, or enterprise technology roles.
• 4+ years of experience leading enterprise-scale data architecture initiatives across multiple business domains.
• Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, data warehousing principles and data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)
• Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise data strategies, roadmaps, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technology teams to translate business strategy into data architecture solutions.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Knowledge of Caterpillar's Power & Energy business, including products, customers, operations, and key business processes.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, etc.)
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale data modernization, cloud migration, and digital transformation programs.

Additional Info

The location for this position is East Peoria or Mossville, IL. Domestic relocation is NOT available. This role requires 5 days onsite. SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE.

What You Will Get

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just a salary because we value your performance. We offer a total rewards package that provides benefits on day one (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of an annual bonus. Added benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly one hundred years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
• 401(k) savings plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
• Career Development
• Incentive bonus
• Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement
• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates: August 24, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.