Principal Solutions Architect

Vizient, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 157,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits plan

Job summary

Vizient, Inc. in Chicago, IL seeks a Principal Enterprise Solutions Architect to drive architecture for large-scale data platforms and AI-enabled solutions.

You will partner with Product, Engineering, Data Science, and business leaders to deliver scalable, secure architectures that enable AI-driven value for Vizient and its members. You will lead end-to-end architecture across cross-domain analytics, define data product patterns, and guide Databricks/Lakehouse initiatives while delivering

Qualifications

• 10+ years of architecture experience (Enterprise/Principal Solutions Architect)
• Experience with large-scale data warehousing and analytics
• Hands-on Databricks and Lakehouse expertise (Delta Lake, Unity Catalog)
• Cloud-native data platforms and governance in regulated environments
• Ability to influence across teams without direct authority

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end solution architecture for complex analytics products
• Define and drive technical strategy for enterprise data platforms
• Develop high-level architectural blueprints for data stacks and AI systems
• Lead POCs, evaluate vendors, and oversee scalable data solutions
• Establish patterns for data products, semantic layers, and KPIs
• Drive adoption of GenAI and ML platforms at scale

Skills

Enterprise Architecture

Data Warehousing

Databricks

Azure Cloud

AI/ML Platforms

Leadership

Cross-team Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Delta Lake

Unity Catalog

Azure

Job description

Company Culture

When you're the best, we're the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves. We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future.

Summary

Summary: In this role, you will serve as a Principal Enterprise Solutions Architect, driving the architecture and development of large-scale digital platforms that support Vizient's data and analytics needs. You will champion platform thinking, design thinking, and innovative architectural practices while partnering closely with Product, Engineering, Data Science, and Business leaders. This role blends deep technical expertise with strategic influence, enabling scalable, secure, and AI-driven solutions that deliver long-term value for Vizient and its members.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end solution architecture for complex, cross-domain analytical products spanning clinical, spend, and operational data. Define and drive technical strategy for enterprise data and analytics platforms, aligning architectural decisions with business and organizational goals. Develop high-level architectural blueprints and provide guidance on modern data stacks, including cloud data warehouses and AI/ML systems, with a strong focus on Databricks (Lakehouse, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog). Analyze complex business problems by conducting research and assessments to identify opportunities and recommend actionable, scalable solutions. Design robust data pipelines, ETL/ELT processes, and conceptual, logical, and physical data models to support analytical products. Lead proofs of concept (POCs), evaluate technology vendors, and oversee implementation of complex, scalable data solutions. Establish architectural patterns for data products, semantic layers, domain models, and cross-domain analytics. Ensure architectures meet enterprise standards for scalability, performance, reliability, security, governance, data quality, and observability. Drive adoption of AI/ML and Generative AI capabilities, including architectures leveraging RAG, embeddings, agents, and LLM orchestration. Partner with Data Science and Engineering teams to operationalize ML and GenAI solutions using production-grade patterns. Act as a trusted architectural advisor to Product, Engineering, Platform, and Business leaders, influencing roadmaps and investment decisions. Balance strategic architecture with delivery-focused execution, enabling teams to move quickly without compromising long-term sustainability. Produce clear architecture diagrams and technical documentation to communicate complex concepts to technical and executive stakeholders. Support enterprise decision-making by articulating architectural trade-offs, risks, and long-term implications.

Qualifications

High School diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred (Master's degree preferred). 10 or more years of experience in architecture roles such as Enterprise Architect, Principal Solutions Architect, or equivalent. Broad experience with large-scale database and data warehousing technologies such as Databricks or Snowflake, along with ETL, analytics, and cloud platforms. Deep, hands-on experience with Databricks and Lakehouse architectures, including Delta Lake, Spark, and Unity Catalog. Strong background in data engineering and analytics architecture, including medallion patterns and batch and streaming pipelines. Experience integrating multiple data domains into cohesive, governed data products. Expertise with cloud-native data platforms, preferably Microsoft Azure (AWS or GCP acceptable). Strong understanding of data governance, security, lineage, and data quality, particularly in regulated environments. Proven ability to influence across teams without direct authority and translate business needs into scalable architectural solutions. Experience in healthcare or adjacent regulated domains such as clinical, claims, supply chain, or operations. Hands-on experience designing semantic layers, metrics stores, or data product operating models. Experience defining cross-domain KPIs, performance frameworks, or outcome-based analytics. Strong background designing and implementing Generative AI and ML platforms at scale. Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF (certification preferred). Exceptional visualization and storytelling skills for both technical and executive audiences.

Estimated Hiring Range

At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $156,500.00 to $290,100.00. This position is also incentive eligible.

Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan!

Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

Working at Vizient means shaping the future of healthcare, every day. Alongside our clients, we're building a healthier, more human healthcare system. We connect people, data, and solutions to enable healthcare organizations to improve financial sustainability, enhance system performance, and deliver better care.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, with 11 offices across the United States, Vizient has more than 5,000 employees who bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to transforming healthcare. Together, we're solving some of the industry's most complex challenges while creating opportunities to learn, grow, and drive lasting change for healthcare organizations and the communities they serve. Through our enterprise of companies, we deliver meaningful impact across the continuum of care: Apexus - The exclusive contractor for 340B Drug Pricing Program, managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration. aptitude - The industry's first online direct contracting market, supporting self-contracting activity between hospitals and suppliers. Kaufman Hall - Leading healthcare advisory services to support our clients in achieving financial, clinical, and operational excellence. Provista - Proven supply chain partner specializing in extended, diagnostic, and preventive care facilities, including surgery centers, home health, and senior living.