Principal Data Architect

IPG Photonics; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG Photonics, a global leader in laser technology and automation, is seeking a Principal Data Architect to lead the data architecture design across our Dynamics 365 ERP/CRM ecosystem and enterprise data platform. You will connect core business systems with modern data platforms to enable scalable analytics, AI, and efficient operations.

You will define data models, data integration patterns, and governance to reduce complexity and improve data quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 10+ years in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise architecture.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP/CRM) and data models.
• Proven ability to design data architectures and integrations around D365.
• Deep expertise in transactional and analytical data modeling.

Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end data architecture spanning ERP, MES, PLM, CRM, and other enterprise systems.
• Establish canonical data models and master data standards (e.g., product, customer, supplier, manufacturing data).
• Design integration patterns across applications (APIs, event-driven, ETL/ELT, data virtualization).
• Lead architecture for cross-system data flows (order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, manufacturing execution).
• Standardize data exchange, synchronization, and lineage across platforms.
• Partner with application teams to reduce point-to-point integrations and data silos.
• Align operational data architecture with enterprise data platform (warehouse / lake house).
• Enable high-quality, trusted data for reporting, analytics, and AI/ML use cases.
• Define patterns for real-time and batch data processing.
• Define and support Master Data Management (MDM) strategy across domains.
• Establish data governance, quality, and stewardship models.
• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a bridge between enterprise applications, data engineering, and business teams.
• Influence architecture decisions across IT and business domains.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to architects and engineers.

Skills

Data architecture

Azure data services

Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP/CRM)

Data modeling

Data governance

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Information Systems / Engineering

Tools

Azure Data Factory

Azure Synapse

Azure Data Lake

Dataverse

Power BI

Job description

IPG Photonics is a global leader in advanced laser technology and robotic automation solutions. With the integration of Genesis Systems Group in 2018, we combine decades of expertise in robotic system integration with industry-leading fiber laser innovation to deliver high-performance manufacturing solutions.

Today, we provide cutting-edge automation systems specializing in laser welding, laser cleaning, laser surface modification, and MIG welding automation—helping manufacturers improve quality, productivity, and overall performance.

Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, IPG Photonics employs over 4,800 people across more than 25 locations worldwide. As a pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers, we are committed to applying light-based technologies in ways that improve life.

Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions that make the world a better place. We are equally committed to building a strong, engaged workforce by attracting and retaining top talent and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that supports long-term growth and sustainability.

At IPG Photonics, employees can expect meaningful, challenging work, a supportive and team-oriented culture, and competitive benefits.

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Data Architect to lead the design of data architecture across our Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem (ERP and CRM) and enterprise data platform. You will play a critical role in connecting core business systems with modern data platforms to enable scalable analytics, AI, and efficient business operations.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll help shape how data flows across critical business systems, reducing complexity and enabling faster, more reliable insights across the organization.

Requirements

The Principal Data Architect will define and drive the data architecture strategy across core enterprise systems—including ERP, MES, PLM, and other business-critical applications—while enabling a scalable data platform for analytics and AI. This role ensures consistent data models, seamless integration, and high data quality across operational and analytical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end data architecture spanning ERP, MES, PLM, CRM, and other enterprise systems
• Establish canonical data models and master data standards (e.g., product, customer, supplier, manufacturing data)
• Design integration patterns across applications (APIs, event-driven, ETL/ELT, data virtualization)
• Lead architecture for cross-system data flows (e.g., order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, manufacturing execution)
• Standardize data exchange, synchronization, and lineage across platforms
• Partner with application teams to reduce point-to-point integrations and data silos

Data Platform & Analytics Enablement

• Align operational data architecture with enterprise data platform (warehouse / lake house)
• Enable high-quality, trusted data for reporting, analytics, and AI/ML use cases
• Define patterns for real-time and batch data processing

Master Data & Governance

• Define and support Master Data Management (MDM) strategy across domains
• Establish data governance, quality, and stewardship models
• Ensure compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements
• Act as a bridge between enterprise applications, data engineering, and business teams
• Influence architecture decisions across IT and business domains
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to architects and engineers

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 10+ years in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise architecture roles
• Strong experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (ERP and CRM), including understanding of underlying data models (Finance & Operations, Sales, Customer Service, etc.)
• Proven track record designing data architectures and integrations around D365, including data extraction, synchronization, and extension patterns
• Deep expertise in data modeling (transactional and analytical), particularly across finance, customer, product, and order domains
• Hands-on experience with Azure data ecosystem (e.g., Azure Data Factory, Synapse, Fabric, Data Lake)
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, data quality, and governance practices
• Ability to influence across business and IT stakeholders without direct authority

Preferred

• Experience integrating D365 with MES, PLM, or other enterprise/manufacturing systems
• Familiarity with Dataverse, Dual-write, BYOD (Bring Your Own Database), and Common Data Model (CDM)
• Experience with event-driven architectures (e.g., Azure Event Grid, Service Bus)
• Knowledge of master data management (MDM) solutions and implementation
• Experience supporting analytics and reporting layers (Power BI, Fabric, or similar) on top of D365 data
• Background in manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial environments