Principal Data Platform Engineer​/Architect

Work Arrangement: Hybrid 3 days week onsite

Location:

Irvine, CA

Please Note: Snowflake specifically, which is a key focus of this role. The client is looking for stronger examples of translating business needs into technical solutions and platform strategy.

This is not just a broad Data Architecture/Cloud Modernization role. The person needs deep, hands-on Snowflake platform architecture experience and must be able to connect business requirements to the technical platform strategy.

• Deep Snowflake expertise is required - this is a key focus of the role.
• Strong hands-on experience with Snowflake, Fivetran, dbt, and semantic modeling
  .
• Proven ability to translate business needs into technical architecture and data platform solutions
  .
• Experience defining enterprise data platform strategy, architecture, standards, and roadmaps
  .
• Candidates should demonstrate specific platform architecture experience
  , not solely broad data architecture or cloud transformation experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or Business/Technology discipline preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise data platforms.
• 5+ years in a senior/lead architect role driving platform strategy, standards, and governance at enterprise scale.
• Proven expertise designing and operating cloud-based data platforms Snowflake
  , including Lakehouse/medallion architectures
  .
• Hands-on experience with ELT/ETL tools, data modeling, and metadata management (dbt, Fivetran, or comparable).
• Strong background in enterprise integration (API-led, event-driven, or batch patterns).
• Demonstrated success enabling self-service BI and analytics platforms with governed semantic layers. Exposure to machine learning/AI platforms and MLOps practices for operationalizing models. Track record of partnering with business leaders to align data platforms with strategic business needs (growth, efficiency, compliance, innovation).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills; experience influencing technical and executive audiences.

• Data Architecture & Modeling
  - Expert in designing Lakehouse architectures (bronze/silver/gold) and enterprise data models that support both analytics and AI/ML workloads.
• Cloud Data Platforms
  - Deep hands-on knowledge of Snowflake (or equivalent cloud-native platforms), including performance tuning, cost optimization, multi-tenant design, and governance.
• Data Engineering & ELT
  - Strong proficiency in dbt or similar transformation frameworks, ELT/ETL orchestration, metadata management, and automation of data pipelines.
• Integration Patterns
  - Advanced understanding of API-led, event-driven, and batch integration; skilled at designing reusable integration frameworks.
• Analytics & BI Enablement
  - Skilled at architecting self-service BI environments, semantic layers, and governed datasets; experience with enterprise BI tools.
• Machine Learning & AI Enablement
  - Familiarity with ML pipelines, feature stores, and MLOps practices to operationalize AI models.
• Security, Compliance & Governance
  - In-depth knowledge of data security, privacy, and governance frameworks, including RBAC/ABAC models and regulatory compliance.
• Leadership & Communication
  - Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value, influence senior executives, and guide cross-functional teams.
• Strategic Thinking
  - Ability to balance long-term platform vision with short-term delivery, ensuring scalability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness.

The Principal Data Platform Architect defines and drives the…