Specialist Solutions Architect - Azure Infrastructure & AI Platform

Databricks; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking an Infrastructure & AI Platform Specialist Solutions Architect to guide enterprise customers through Databricks on Azure from architecture to production deployment. You will design scalable AI compute and networking infra, balanced for performance and cost, with a focus on Enterprise LLM deployments and GenAI.

You will lead architecture discussions with executives and technical stakeholders, drive platform adoption, and coordinate with DSAs, SAs, SSAs, and partners.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in solutions architecture, technical pre-sales, or senior hands-on roles.
• Hands-on experience architecting underlying cloud infra for AI/ML workloads.
• Advanced Azure: security, networking, IAM, and IaC tooling.
• Strong coding in Python and SQL; live coding and debugging.
• Experience leading architecture discussions with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Guide customers through Databricks on Azure from design to production deployment.
• Architect and scale compute/networking infra for AI workloads and GenAI apps.
• Serve as SME in Azure infra, IaC, security, networking, and identity management.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Skills

Solutions architecture

Technical pre-sales

Cloud infrastructure

Azure

IaC

Python

SQL

Distributed data

Databricks platform

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/Engineering or quantitative discipline

Tools

Terraform

Bicep

ARM templates

Azure Monitor

Log Analytics

ExpressRoute

VNet peering

Job description

FEQ427R143As anInfrastructure & AI Platform Specialist Solutions Architect (SSA), you will serve as a trusted technical advisor, guiding enterprise customers through the architecture, cloud infrastructure, and AI deployment patterns of their Databricks Platform on Microsoft Azure. You combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to position Databricks as the foundation of your customers’ data and AI strategy.This role can be remote.The impact you will haveGuide strategic customers through the full lifecycle of Databricks on Azure, including platform administration, from initial architectural design to production deploymentArchitect and scale compute/networking infrastructure designed specifically for AI workloads, enterprise LLM deployments, and high-performance GenAI applications built on DatabricksServe as a subject matter expert in core areas such as Microsoft Azure infrastructure, infrastructure-as-code (IaC), cloud networking, and identity managementDrive technical wins in competitive scenarios by demonstrating Databricks’ differentiation through custom-built solutionsOrchestrate cross-functional resources (DSAs, SAs, SSAs, Partners) to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex customer needsInfluence product direction by providing structured feedback on customer requirements and competitive gaps

What We Look For

• 6+ years in solutions architecture, technical pre-sales, or a senior hands‑on technical role
• Hands‑on experience architecting underlying cloud infrastructure for AI/ML execution—including accelerator configuration (GPUs/TPUs), scalable model serving infrastructure, vectorized data retrieval, and balancing cloud performance vs. cost for large‑scale AI workloads
• Advanced expertise across the following areas:
  • Security & Identity: Azure security controls, platform/network/data security, encryption, vulnerability management, compliance, and identity protocols (Microsoft Entra ID / SCIM, OAuth, SAML, Federation)
  • Networking & Deployments: Azure enterprise networking (VNet peering, ExpressRoute, Private Link), network routing, performance optimization, and large‑scale deployment management
  • Platform Administration: High availability, disaster recovery, cluster orchestration, observability (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics), and Azure cost management
  • Infrastructure Automation (InfraOps): Hands‑on automation using IaC tools (e.g., Terraform, Bicep, ARM) to build, maintain, and scale complex Azure environments
• 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
• 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
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a quantitative discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Willingness to travel up to 30% as needed

Nice to Have

• Databricks certifications (Data Engineer, ML, Platform)
• Microsoft Azure certifications (Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer)
• 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

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 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 anticipates 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.

Local Pay Range

$180,000—$247,500 USD

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including 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.