Lead Data Architect; ML+Cloud - Independent Contractor

Position: Lead Data Architect (ML+Cloud) - Independent Contractor

Join to apply for the Lead Data Architect (ML+Cloud) - Independent Contractor role at The ReCover Initiative

Please note:

applicants must apply online; email applications will not be considered.

ReCover is building an evergreen SQL database containing critical industry datasets, research outputs, and continually updated archetype information to support the development of three ML-enabled tools. We require a Lead Data Architect (ML + Cloud) to design the complete data architecture, ML data pipelines, cloud application architecture, and long-term maintenance plan for our public-facing solution. This role is responsible for ensuring the platform is scalable, secure, future-proof, and easily maintainable by internal staff once the contract concludes.

The Lead Data Architect will design the complete data, ML, and cloud application architecture that underpins ReCover's product ecosystem. Working closely with our Research Director (Product Owner), guiding internal DBA, and developers, you will create a scalable and future-proof system that can be maintained internally after handoff. This is a hands-on, architecture-focused role where you will design, document, and guide the build, but will not be required to code full production systems.

Responsibilities

Data Architecture

• Design the end-to-end evergreen SQL data model, including schema, relationships, indexing, and storage strategy, and update logic
• Architect ingestion, transformation patterns, data validation, and update pipelines for research and external industry datasets
• Create data governance rules and a lightweight MDM structure (taxonomy, data lineage, naming conventions, data quality rules, Canadian AI IP)

Machine Learning Enablement

• Design ML-ready data structures, including feature stores and training datasets
• Define algorithm selection considerations for the three ML-based tools
• Architect the ML lifecycle: ingestion → prep → training → deployment → monitoring

Cloud Architecture (Azure Preferred)

• Design the high-level cloud architecture for ReCover's public-facing web application
• Recommend Azure services (SQL DB, Blob Storage, Data Factory, App Services, Functions, Key Vault, etc.)
• Define API and integration patterns across tools and databases

Integration & Interfaces

• Design APIs or microservices for the 3 ML tools
• Establish Git-based workflow for ML pipelines, data engineering, and cloud infrastructure code
• Ensure seamless integration with internal systems and third-party data sources

Security & Compliance

• Design authentication, authorization, and role-based access control
• Establish data privacy standards and secure storage patterns
• Develop a secure access model, authentication strategy, and best practices for privacy and compliance

Documentation & Handoff

• Produce comprehensive architecture documentation, diagrams, and developer-ready design specifications
• Create a long-term maintenance and support plan for internal adoption
• Lead knowledge transfer with the internal DBA and development team

Qualifications

• 7+ years in data engineering, data architecture, and/or ML architecture
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms (Azure strongly preferred)
• Strong SQL/relational data modelling
• Strong documentation / diagramming capabilities
• API design fundamentals
• Experience designing ETL/ELT pipelines (feature engineering, model lifecycle)
• Experience in architecting public-facing cloud applications
• Proven ability to lead or support requirements discovery with non-technical users, translating business and user needs into clear architectural patterns, data structures, and technical constraints
• Strong Git/Git Hub version control skills, including branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative repo management
• Experience in small/startup environments (bonus)

Deliverables

• Evergreen SQL database architecture + schema
• Data ingestion + update pipeline design
• ML architecture + feature store design for 3 tools
• Cloud application architecture (public-facing)
• Security, access, and governance model
• Integration/API design
• Long-term support & maintenance plan
• Full documentation + diagrams + handoff

About The ReCover Initiative

The ReCover Initiative was founded in 2020 with a mission to develop deep…