Senior Data Architect

UCLA Outpatient Clinics; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 128,500 - 298,100; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic health system in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Data Architect to influence its enterprise data ecosystem. The role involves establishing standards and guiding the design of scalable, cloud-native data systems. Key responsibilities include data governance and integrating AI capabilities. This flexible hybrid position requires on-site presence at least 10% of the time. The salary range is $128,500 - $298,100 annually based on qualifications and experience. This is a three-year contract role with potential for conversion to a career position.

Qualifications

• Experience in shaping enterprise data ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of data modeling and engineering best practices.
• Ability to partner with multiple departments to ensure data reliability.

Responsibilities

• Define architectural vision and establish enterprise standards.
• Guide design of scalable and secure data systems.
• Influence data and AI strategies across UCLA Health.

Skills

Architectural judgment

Data governance

Cloud-native platforms

Data modeling

AI integration

Tools

Azure Databricks

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Description

The Senior Data Architect will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UCLA Health’s enterprise data ecosystem as we transition to a modern, cloud-native platform built on Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric. This leader will define the architectural vision, establish enterprise standards, and guide the design of scalable, secure, and AI‑ready data systems that power analytics, machine learning, and emerging generative AI capabilities across the organization.

In this role, the focus extends far beyond hands‑on implementation. The Senior Data Architect will drive enterprise‑level decision‑making related to data modeling, engineering best practices, governance and compliance integration, and long‑term platform sustainability. Partnering closely with Product Data Engineering, Analytics, Data Science, and Research, this individual ensures that data is reliable, well‑governed, and effortlessly consumable for both traditional analytics and advanced AI workloads.

Success in this position requires strong architectural judgment and the ability to navigate the complexities of a large healthcare enterprise—balancing performance, cost, security, compliance, and usability. As UCLA Health accelerates its adoption of AI, this architect will ensure foundational data structures support feature reuse, semantic consistency, trusted access patterns, and scalable integration with AI and LLM‑driven systems.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the data and AI strategy of one of the nation’s leading academic health systems. Your work will directly contribute to improving patient care, advancing research, and enhancing operational efficiency across UCLA Health.

This flexible hybrid role allows for a blend of remote and on‑site work, requiring presence on‑site at least 10% of the time, and as needed by operational requirements. Please note, travel to the “home office” location is not reimbursed. Each employee will complete a FlexWork Agreement with their manager to outline expectations and ensure mutual understanding. These arrangements are periodically reviewed and may be adjusted or terminated as necessary.

Salary offers are based on a variety of factors including qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $128,500 - $298,100 annually. The University anticipates offering a salary between the minimum and below the midpoint of this range.

This is a three year contract role. Contracts may convert to a Career position.