Data Platform Architect

Key Qualifications / Skills

• Proven experience as a Data Platform Architect, Senior Data Engineer, or similar role
• Demonstrated ability to operate at system and platform architecture level, not just implementation

• Experience defining and enforcing architectural standards and best practices

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
• Experience working in regulated environments (aviation, financial services, healthcare, or similar)

• Familiarity with data governance, lineage, metadata management, and audit requirements

• Experience overseeing third-party vendors or delivery partners

• Exposure to modern data platforms supporting analytics and BI workloads

Technical Skills

• AWS Certification (e.g. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate/Professional) is a plus

• Strong expertise with AWS, particularly services used in data and platform architectures

• Hands-on experience with Kafka, ideally Confluent Platform or Confluent Cloud

• Strong experience with Terraform and infrastructure-as-code practices

• Proficiency in Python and SQL

• Solid understanding of distributed systems, data pipelines, and data architectures

We are looking for an experienced Data Platform Architect to own the architecture, design, and evolution of enterprise data platforms. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with system design, architectural governance, and vendor oversight. The ideal candidate would have extensive hands-on experience with modern cloud-native architecture (AWS preferred); and event-driven paradigms (Kafka).

You will define scalable, secure, and resilient data platform architectures, guide implementation by internal teams and external partners, and ensure solutions meet the needs of the business while complying with regulatory and security requirements. Experience operating in regulated industries is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Execution Leadership

• Design and implement cloud-native data platform architectures on AWS, covering ingestion, streaming, storage, processing, and analytics

• Architect and guide event-driven and streaming data solutions using Kafka (Confluent Platform / Confluent Cloud); Apache Flink experience is a plus

• Define and maintain infrastructure-as-code using Terraform, including cloud resources, networking, and platform services

• Contribute directly to platform components, automation, and data pipelines using Python and SQL

• Establish architectural patterns for scalability, resilience, observability, security, and cost optimization

• Hands on experience with AWS Services like Lambda, Fargate, EKS, DynamoDB, and MemoryDB.

Architecture, System Design & Governance

• Own end-to-end system design for the data platform, from source systems through consumption

• Define target-state architectures, reference designs, and technical standards

• Make informed architectural trade-offs across performance, cost, security, and operational complexity

• Ensure consistent application of architecture principles across teams and initiatives

Technical Leadership & Vendor Oversight

• Provide architectural direction and technical governance for external vendors and system integrators

• Review vendor-produced designs, implementation plans, and deliverables for quality and alignment

• Ensure vendor solutions adhere to platform standards, security controls, and regulatory requirements

• Act as the technical authority for platform-related decisions across internal and external teams

Platform Ownership & Product Mindset

• Own the data platform as a product, with clear vision, roadmap, and success metrics

• Balance platform reliability, developer experience, and time-to-value for data consumers

• Drive continuous improvement in platform usability, self-service, and operational excellence

Security, Compliance & Regulated Environments

• Design platforms that meet the needs of regulated industries such as aviation, finance, or healthcare

• Embed security, data privacy, auditability, and governance into platform architecture

• Collaborate closely with security, compliance, and risk teams to ensure regulatory alignment

• Support audits, reviews, and regulatory assessments as required