Data Architect, Consulting Principal

Data Consulting Principal

The Enterprise Data & AI Architect is responsible for aligning data and AI technology strategy with business goals, designing and maintaining the organization's data architecture, and ensuring that data solutions leverage advanced analytics and generative AI to meet current and future business needs. This role collaborates with stakeholders across business and IT to develop and implement enterprise-wide data Lakehouse standards, big data processes, real-time streaming architectures, master data management strategies, data governance, and AI/ML platforms.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and maintain the enterprise data Lakehouse architecture, frameworks, and guidelines.
• Collaborate with business and IT leaders to align data solutions with strategic objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend data technologies including Snowflake, AWS Redshift, AWS EMR, and Apache Spark.
• Lead the design and implementation of complex big data, real-time streaming, and master data management systems.
• Ensure architectural integrity and consistency across data and AI projects, leveraging formats like Apache Iceberg.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for data architectures, governance processes, and standards.
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with data architectures, ensuring robust governance and data quality practices.
• Provide expertise and mentorship to data engineers, analysts, and technical teams in building solutions using AWS SageMaker, AWS Bedrock, and other generative AI platforms.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies in data management, analytics, and AI to drive innovation.
• Create roadmaps and blueprints for supporting advanced analytics, AI/ML, and generative AI capabilities.
• Adhere strictly to established architecture governance models and data compliance standards.
• Review product standards, patterns, and build configurations ensuring security, scalability, and lifecycle sustainability.
• Maintain security awareness and adhere to regulatory compliance related to data management and AI usage.
• Define strategic goals for modernizing and rationalizing enterprise data platforms.
• Ensure solutions adhere to CFG well-architected principles and best practices in cloud data management.

What you need to have to be considered:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or related fields.
• 8+ years of experience in Data and AI architectures, with at least 3 years specifically in enterprise data architecture roles.
• Deep expertise in enterprise data Lakehouse architectures, data modeling, and big data technologies.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, master data management (MDM), and data quality principles.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS), specifically with AWS Redshift, AWS EMR, AWS SageMaker, AWS Bedrock, Apache Spark, and Snowflake.
• Demonstrated experience implementing real-time data streaming solutions using Kafka, Kinesis, or similar.
• Proficiency with data formats and table formats such as Apache Iceberg.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty, AWS Solutions Architect).

These will help you stand out:

• Domain knowledge in banking and financial services.
• Proven experience in large-scale data and digital transformation projects.
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices within data and AI systems.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Work Authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship (H-1B, L-1B, L-1A, etc.)

Salary and other compensation: The annual salary for this position is between $122,400-$194,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program and stock awards, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

What we offer:

• The chance to work with impact. Here, you're empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
• Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
• The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other's experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and pension plan with matching contributions.
• Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents from day one.
• True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

About us Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2024) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world.

Other employment-related information Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

While our system allows applications in all languages, job required language(s) and proficiency level(s) vary. However, basic English proficiency is required for Company-wide communications purposes. Further, for roles located in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required to communicate with our global clients.