Solutions Architect - Strat Media

Databricks; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Solutions Architect to own end-to-end technical strategy for customer accounts, from discovery through deployment and growth. You will lead architecture discussions, design scalable, production-grade data/ML solutions, and act as a trusted technical advisor to customer architects and engineers.

You will drive platform adoption, contribute to cross-functional initiatives, and help shape product direction based on customer needs.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in solutions architecture, data engineering, pre-sales, or senior hands-on technical roles.
• Strong coding in Python and SQL with live coding, debugging, and solution-building.
• Experience with production deployments on public clouds and driving platform adoption.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technical strategy from discovery to deployment.
• Lead architecture discussions and design scalable, production-grade solutions.
• Advise customer architects and engineering leads as a trusted technical advisor.
• Drive technical wins by demonstrating Databricks differentiation through custom solutions.

Skills

Solutions architecture

Python

SQL

Distributed data systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Databricks Platform

Job description

REQ ID FEQ327R527 At Databricks, our customers challenge us with solving some of the world's toughest data problems. Our customers rely on our Solutions Architect team to understand the technologies that power our platform, the broader cloud and technology ecosystems, and how they can all be brought together to solve these problems. As a Solutions Architect, you will lead the technical strategy for your customers — owning architecture discussions, driving platform adoption, and serving as a trusted advisor to customer technical leads and architects. You combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to position Databricks as the foundation of your customers’ data and AI strategy. You are developing a technical specialization (archetype) and are recognized within your team for depth in a specific domain.

The Impact You Will Have

Own the end-to-end technical strategy for your accounts, from initial discovery through production deployment and consumption growth

Lead complex architecture discussions — designing scalable, production-grade solutions spanning data engineering, ML/AI, and real-time analytics

Serve as a trusted technical advisor to customer architects, engineering leads, and Directors

Drive technical wins in competitive scenarios by demonstrating Databricks’ differentiation through custom-built solutions

Develop and declare an emerging technical specialization (archetype) — becoming a go-to resource for your team in that domain

Orchestrate cross-functional resources (DSAs, SSAs, Partners) to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex customer needs

Influence product direction by providing structured feedback on customer requirements and competitive gaps

What We Look For

• 6+ years in solutions architecture, data engineering, technical pre-sales, or a senior hands-on technical role
• Strong coding proficiency in Python and SQL — you must demonstrate live coding, debugging, and solution-building skills
• Deep expertise in distributed data systems architecture: designing scalable pipelines, streaming architectures, lakehouse patterns, and cloud-native data platforms
• Proficient on the Databricks Platform (or demonstrated ability to achieve proficiency rapidly) with a developing technical specialization in one area (e.g., real-time/streaming, ML/AI, data governance, migrations)
• Proven ability to lead architecture discussions with senior technical stakeholders — whiteboarding, design reviews, and trade-off analysis
• Experience with production deployments on public cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including infrastructure, security, and governance considerations
• Track record of driving platform adoption and consumption growth within accounts
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate complex architectures into business value for both technical and executive audiences
• Ability to travel to customers 30% of the time
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a quantitative discipline (or equivalent experience)

Nice to Have:

• Databricks certifications (Data Engineer, ML, Platform)
• Experience with competitive platforms (Snowflake, AWS native services, Azure Synapse) — understanding the landscape you'll position against
• Background in a data/AI company or cloud provider
• Industry domain expertise (Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail, Media, etc.)

Interview Process:

Recruiter Screen → Hiring Manager Screen → Design and Architecture Interview → Live Coding Assessment → Build, Demo, Pitch! Presentation → Reference Check #CMEG

Pay Range Transparency

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected base salary range for non-commissionable roles or on-target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipated utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page here .

Zone 1 Pay Range $180,000 — $247,500 USD

Zone 2 Pay Range $180,000 — $247,500 USD

Zone 3 Pay Range $180,000 — $247,500 USD

Zone 4 Pay Range $180,000 — $247,500 USD

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and 70% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents.

Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified platform that includes Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog.

To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , and Instagram .

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here .

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards.

Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Compliance

If access to export-controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.