Senior Data Architect

The Friedkin Group - Houston, TX

Full-time - Senior

Houston, TX

Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities

About the position

The Senior Data Architect plays a pivotal role within the Data and Analytics organization, responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a robust and scalable data architecture. This position requires a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of data management, modeling, and integration to enhance the organization's data capabilities, supporting advanced analytics, machine learning projects, and real-time data processing needs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop comprehensive data architecture solutions, including data models, metadata, and data integration frameworks, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Establish data standards, policies, and procedures to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with data engineers and data scientists to integrate data from various sources into a cohesive data architecture, supporting operational and analytical applications.
• Oversee the implementation of data storage solutions (SQL, NoSQL, Data Lakes) and ensure their optimization for performance and accessibility.
• Lead the design and implementation of ETL/ELT processes and data pipelines using technologies such as Databricks, Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Kafka.
• Utilize cloud environments like AWS (preferred) or Azure to leverage services for efficient data handling and processing.
• Ensure compliance with data governance and security policies by implementing best practices in data encryption, masking, and access controls.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies in data architecture, advocating for and implementing improvements to the data ecosystem.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior data architects and data engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, and database design, with a proven track record in designing and operating large-scale data systems.
• Expertise in data integration and ETL/ELT workflows, with hands-on experience in tools such as Apache Airflow and Talend.
• Fluent in Infrastructure-as-Code paradigms (e.g., Terraform).
• Comprehensive knowledge of data platforms and services like Databricks, Dataiku, and AWS native data offerings.
• Solid experience with big data technologies (Databricks, Apache Spark, Hadoop, Kafka) and cloud services (AWS, Azure) related to data processing and storage.
• Proficient in SQL and programming languages relevant to data architecture (Python, Java, Scala).
• Hands-on RDBMS experience (data modeling, analysis, programming, stored procedures).
• Familiarity with machine learning model deployment and management practices is a plus.
• Fluent with CI/CD workflows and automation.
• Strong communication skills, capable of collaborating effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or other relevant certifications.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with machine learning model deployment and management practices is a plus.
• Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or other relevant certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Retirement plans.
• Generous paid leave.