Enterprise Data Architect
10 days ago
Houston
Job Description Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Enterprise Data Architect to lead architecture design and early-stage implementation for a large-scale Enterprise Analytics transformation program. This initiative involves designing and deploying a secure, governed, cloud-based analytics platform that integrates multiple enterprise systems into a unified lakehouse architecture. The Technical Architect will define the core technical blueprint across data ingestion, medallion architecture, governance integration, semantic modeling, security controls, and interoperability frameworks. This is a hands-on architecture and delivery role. The selected candidate will both define standards and lead the implementation of foundational frameworks that establish long-term scalability, governance, and regulatory alignment. You will be a hands-on builder who moves quickly from blueprint to repeatable product. You favor pragmatic, measurable solutions that unlock customer value and enable rapid adoption. This role requires full-time, on-site presence in Houston to enable close collaboration. Key Responsibilities 1. Enterprise Analytics Platform Architecture • Design the target Microsoft Fabric lakehouse architecture, including:, • OneLake structure and tenancy model, • Bronze, Silver, Gold (medallion) layering strategy, • Semantic layer architecture, • Governed operational vs. sandbox environments, • Define non-functional requirements, including performance, scalability, observability, disaster recovery, and cost optimization., • Produce and maintain version-controlled architecture blueprints covering platform, governance, integration, and security. 2. Unified Data Integration Framework • Define ingestion and integration patterns across multiple enterprise and external systems., • Establish reusable, parameterized ingestion pipelines for batch and near real-time processing., • Define orchestration, monitoring, alerting, and logging standards., • Implement classification-driven ingestion controls., • Design scalable patterns for multi-domain and multi-tenant growth. 3. Medallion Architecture & Data Modeling • Define architecture and standards for:, • Bronze (raw, authoritative record), • Silver (harmonized enterprise layer), • Gold (domain-specific curated marts), • Establish naming conventions, modeling patterns, and cross-domain consistency standards., • Ensure semantic models align with curated Gold datasets and enterprise definitions. 4. Security Architecture & Compliance Alignment • Define end-to-end security architecture aligned to:, • Zero Trust principles, • Regulatory data handling requirements, • Enterprise security frameworks, • Architect RBAC models across Fabric, governance tools, and semantic layers., • Define encryption, network isolation, data masking, and logging strategies., • Ensure security architecture is validated prior to onboarding sensitive data domains. 5. Governance & Metadata Integration • Design implementation of enterprise data governance tooling (e.g., Purview)., • Define collection structures, scanning patterns, and metadata standards., • Partner with cloud administration to operationalize governance workflows., • Ensure data onboarding reflects approved governance and quality gate processes. 6. API & Interoperability Architecture • Define API and event-driven integration standards., • Establish authentication, authorization, throttling, and monitoring controls., • Ensure interoperability across internal systems and external stakeholders., • Align architecture with long-term AI and LLM enablement objectives. 7. Initial Implementation Leadership • Lead implementation of reusable ingestion frameworks for priority systems., • Implement logging, observability, and error-handling frameworks., • Partner with Business Analysts and Data Analysts to deliver first-generation semantic models., • Define reconciliation and cross-source validation logic., • 10+ years of experience in data architecture, cloud architecture, or enterprise analytics platforms., • Proven experience designing and implementing:, • Lakehouse architectures (medallion pattern), • Enterprise data warehouses, • Cloud-native ingestion and orchestration frameworks, • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure data services, or equivalent cloud analytics platforms., • Experience implementing enterprise governance tools (e.g., Purview or similar)., • Strong expertise in:, • RBAC and Zero Trust security architecture, • Metadata-driven architecture, • Data lineage and classification frameworks, • Experience building reusable ingestion and transformation patterns., • Experience in regulated or high-security environments (energy, utilities, financial services, federal, etc.)., • Familiarity with NIST-aligned security frameworks., • Experience supporting multi-entity or multi-tenant architectures., • Experience designing AI-ready data foundations.