Cloud Data Architect

Cloud Data Architect
San Jose, CA (100% Onsite) | 6+ Month Contract | $60-$80/hr (W2 or C2C)
Azure Data Architect | Databricks | Spark/PySpark | Python | Synapse | Data Governance
We're seeking a hands-on Cloud Data Architect to lead the design and evolution of enterprise Azure data platforms supporting analytics, AI, and business intelligence initiatives. This role combines architecture ownership with hands-on Databricks and Spark development in a highly visible enterprise environment.
MUST HAVES:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (required)
• 7+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Enterprise Analytics
• 3+ years of experience designing cloud-based data architectures
• Strong Azure experience including:
  Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks
• Strong data modeling, schema design, and metadata management experience
• Hands-on experience with Spark and Databricks
• Strong Python and SQL skills
• Experience creating architecture documentation, system diagrams, and data flow diagrams
• Ability to work onsite in San Jose, CA 5 days per week

NICE TO HAVE:

• Unity Catalog, Purview, Collibra, Data Hub, or similar governance tools
• Airflow or dbt
• Data lineage and metadata automation experience
• CI/CD and modern data platform practices
• Data security and governance experience
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or enterprise data platforms

RESPONSIBILITIES:
CLOUD DATA ARCHITECTURE & STRATEGY

• Architect and optimize cloud-based data lakehouse and warehouse solutions that support analytics, machine learning, and enterprise integration needs.
• Define scalable and reusable data frameworks for ingestion, curation, transformation, and consumption.
• Evaluate and integrate Azure cloud services (e.g., Databricks, Data Lake, Event Hubs) to deliver high-performance data solutions.
• Implement architectural standards that ensure consistency, interoperability, security, and compliance across the data environment.
• Partner with engineering and business stakeholders to align architectural decisions with organizational objectives and KPIs.
• Drive architectural reviews, proof-of-concepts, and recommendations for future-state cloud data patterns.

METADATA, GOVERNANCE, & LINEAGE

• Design and operationalize metadata-driven architectures that improve discoverability, lineage tracking, and data quality monitoring.
• Collaborate with governance and engineering teams to implement active metadata approaches, enabling dynamic data cataloging and lineage visibility across pipelines.
• Define and enforce standards for metadata capture, schema management, and classification in alignment with enterprise data governance policies.
• Integrate data catalog tools and frameworks (e.g., Unity Catalog, Purview, or Collibra) with cloud ecosystems for automated metadata flow.
• Ensure consistent application of metadata structures across ingestion, transformation, and consumption layers.

DIAGRAMMING, DOCUMENTATION & TECHNICAL CLARITY

• Produce detailed architecture artifacts, including data flow diagrams, system blueprints, and logical/physical data models.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through visualization tools like Lucidchart, Visio, or Draw.io.
• Maintain robust documentation of architecture decisions, integration patterns, and system dependencies.
• Support cross-functional collaboration by sharing architecture roadmaps and data lineage documentation.

HANDS-ON IMPLEMENTATION & OPTIMIZATION

• Contribute to the design and implementation of distributed data pipelines using Databricks and Spark.
• Apply advanced optimization principles for performance, cost, and scalability across compute and storage layers.
• Troubleshoot data latency, integrity, and transform issues across multi-environment pipelines.
• Implement modernization best practices such as CI/CD automation, schema evolution management, and pipeline observability.
• Partner with Dev Ops and platform teams to ensure maintainability and resilience of deployed solutions.

BENEFITS:
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

NOTE:

• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Experience Level:

• Expert Level

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific…