Senior Data Architect, Legal Operations

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 196,500 - 277,600; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Senior/Principal Data Architect to own the data architecture vision for Legal Operations. You will design the semantic layer, unified data model, and governance frameworks enabling AI and analytics across global legal systems.

You will lead the Data Management Office, mentor engineers and analysts, and define patterns for data integration, quality, and security while partnering with practice groups to drive adoption and impact across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related fields, with at least 4 years in a senior architecture or leadership role
• Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture including data modeling, dimensional modeling, data lake design, and ETL/ELT patterns
• Strong experience with cloud data platforms, particularly Snowflake
• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data engineering, transformation, and automation
• Experience with data integration and transformation tools (dbt, Fivetran, or similar)
• Experience designing and implementing entity resolution, master data management, or data quality solutions
• Proven experience leading and mentoring data teams
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate data architecture concepts for technical and non‑technical audiences

Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise data architecture for Legal Operations, including the unified data model, semantic layer, and integration patterns
• Design and implement entity resolution to create master records for key entities across legal systems
• Establish common language, taxonomy, and legal ontology that standardizes terminology across practice groups and systems
• Architect the data lake and integration layer that connects matter management, contracts, eBilling, document management, and other legal systems
• Build the data foundation that enables AI systems to achieve production-level accuracy and analytics to deliver trusted insights
• Establish data quality standards, validation rules, and monitoring to ensure data accuracy and completeness
• Design and implement data governance frameworks including data ownership, access controls, lineage, and compliance
• Partner with Data Stewards embedded in practice groups to drive data quality and adoption of standards
• Lead and mentor the DMO team, including Senior Data Engineer and Data Analysts
• Set technical direction and standards for the team; review designs and implementations

Skills

Data modeling

SQL

Python

Cloud platforms

Snowflake

dbt

Fivetran

Entity resolution

Data governance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

dbt

Fivetran

dbt Semantic Layer

Cube

AtScale

Neo4j

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Corporate Functions

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Are you passionate about building data foundations that power intelligent systems and strategic decision‑making? Do you thrive at the intersection of data architecture, governance, and enterprise transformation? Can you translate complex data challenges into elegant, scalable solutions? The Applied Data Science team within Legal Operations is building the data foundation that powers AI and analytics for a global legal organization. We're transforming how legal work gets done — and it starts with trusted, connected data. The Principal Data Architect leads the Data Management Office (DMO) and owns the data architecture vision that makes AI accurate and analytics reliable.

Description

The Senior Data Architect owns the data architecture vision for Legal Operations and leads the Data Management Office. You will design and implement the semantic layer, unified data model, and data governance frameworks that make data trusted, connected, and ready for AI and analytics consumption. This role combines strategic architecture leadership with hands‑on technical work and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise data architecture for Legal Operations, including the unified data model, semantic layer, and integration patterns
• Design and implement entity resolution to create master records for key entities (law firms, vendors, timekeepers, counterparties) across all legal systems
• Establish common language, taxonomy, and legal ontology that standardizes terminology across practice groups and systems
• Architect the data lake and integration layer that connects matter management, contracts, eBilling, document management, and other legal systems
• Build the data foundation that enables AI systems to achieve production-level accuracy and analytics to deliver trusted insights — providing the context, entity relationships, and data quality required
• Establish data quality standards, validation rules, and monitoring to ensure data accuracy and completeness
• Design and implement data governance frameworks including data ownership, access controls, lineage, and compliance
• Partner with Data Stewards embedded in practice groups to drive data quality and adoption of standards
• Lead and mentor the DMO team, including Senior Data Engineer and Data Analysts
• Set technical direction and standards for the team; review designs and implementations

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience); Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or related fields, with at least 4 years in a senior architecture or leadership role
• Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture including data modeling, dimensional modeling, data lake design, and ETL/ELT patterns
• Strong experience with cloud data platforms, particularly Snowflake
• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data engineering, transformation, and automation
• Experience with data integration and transformation tools (dbt, Fivetran, or similar)
• Experience designing and implementing entity resolution, master data management, or data quality solutions
• Proven experience leading and mentoring data teams
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate data architecture concepts for technical and non‑technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building data architectures for legal tech or legal operations environments
• Familiarity with legal systems including matter management, CLM, eBilling, or document management systems
• Experience with semantic layer technologies (dbt Semantic Layer, Cube, AtScale), knowledge graphs (Neo4j), or ontology design
• Understanding of how data architecture enables AI/ML systems, including RAG, embeddings, vector databases, and context management
• Experience with data observability and quality tools (Monte Carlo, Great Expectations, or similar)
• Knowledge of data privacy, compliance, and governance frameworks relevant to legal data

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses—including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.