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Principal Data Architect

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Principal data architects at Thoughtworks play a key part in developing modern data architecture approaches to meet business objectives and provide end-to-end data solutions. 

They are responsible for enabling clients and Thoughtworks teams to align on outcomes that support the vision painted by data strategists.

They lead the design and architecture of the initiatives which are key to delivery of solutions to budget and timelines. They also guide and mentor delivery teams on  architectural decisions to deliver to the solution agreements.

Job responsibilities

  • You will lead complex data programs, navigating architectural concerns and enabling delivery teams to deliver on accepted standards within time and budget.
  • You will provide client-facing technical leadership and guidance on topics related to data architecture, engineering, and analytics to advise clients on bringing their data strategy to life.
  • You will interact with client counterparts from the enterprise architecture group and lead the delivery, alignment and sign-off of key architectural decisions, trade-offs and ways of working.
  • You will communicate both high- and low-level technical details of data architecture to engineers and business stakeholders.
  • You will be able to collaborate, influence and guide at the intersection of analytical and operational architecture.
  • You will be responsible for the technical design of data governance, data security and data privacy to fulfill compliance requirements.
  • You will seamlessly incorporate data quality frameworks and processes to address and fulfill requirements as set out in strategy and acceptance criteria.
  • You will collaborate with sales and pre-sales to clarify requirements and design viable solutions.
  • You will represent Thoughtworks in various online and offline forums, including events and conferences.

Job qualifications

Technical Skills

  • You have experience in defining and implementing different types of data architecture, analyzing trade-offs and can define technology stacks for different types of data architecture.
  • You have experience in designing application system architecture based on big data, artificial intelligence and related technologies.
  • You have rich experience in building, maintaining and tuning data platforms, as well extensive experience in data warehouse design, data modeling, data monitoring and operations.
  • You have experience with common design patterns, application frameworks and foundational/theoretical knowledge (i.e.: distributed systems, data intensive applications, etc.).
  • You are proficient in common open-source distributed computing/storage technologies, including but not limited to YARN, Impala, Spark, MapReduce, Kafka and Flink, with practical project architecture experience.
  • You have a good understanding of business and communication, collaboration skills, strong learning and summarizing abilities.
  • You have experience in defining, developing and enabling data-driven techniques, advanced analytics, ML/AI and data mining applications in enterprise.
  • You have experience in developing real-time and low-latency data streaming solutions and a differentiated view on the complexities and tradeoffs connected with them.
  • You have experience in productionizing machine learning models and applying techniques, tools and processes.
  • You are passionate about data infrastructure and operations, with expertise working in cloud environments.

Professional Skills

  • You understand the importance of stakeholder management and can easily liaise between clients and other key stakeholders throughout projects, ensuring buy-in and gaining trust along the way.
  • You are resilient in ambiguous situations and can adapt your role to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
  • You don’t shy away from risks or conflicts, instead you take them on and skillfully manage them.
  • You coach, mentor and motivate others and you aspire to influence teammates to take positive action and accountability for their work.
  • You enjoy influencing others and always advocate for technical excellence while being open to change when needed.
  • Cultivating strong partnerships comes naturally to you; You understand the importance of relationship building and how it can bring new opportunities to our business.

Other things to know

Learning & Development

There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.

Responsible Use of AI in Recruitment

At Thoughtworks, we use AI tools to support our recruitment team with administrative tasks such as drafting communications, scheduling interviews and writing job descriptions.

Crucially, our AI tools do not screen, assess, rank or make hiring decisions. Every application is reviewed by our team and all selection decisions are made exclusively by our interviewers and hiring managers.

We are committed to fairness and responsible AI. We actively manage our AI systems by testing, monitoring for biased outcomes and implementing mitigation measures. We hold our third-party vendors to these same high standards through a rigorous governance process. For additional information, please see our full Thoughtworks AI Policy for Recruitment.

EEO

Thoughtworks is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, stermination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Thoughtworks is also an affirmative action employer of veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For additional information, please see the Thoughtworks, Inc. Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Policy Statement.

US - Work Authorization

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment in the United States.

Accommodations

Thoughtworks is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, participate in interviews, or otherwise engage in the hiring process, you may request an accommodation by completing this form or speaking with your recruiter. Requests may be made at any stage of the application or interview process.

Once a request is received, Thoughtworks will engage in an interactive process with the applicant to determine an appropriate accommodation. Applicants are not required to disclose medical diagnoses or detailed personal information in order to request an accommodation. All accommodation requests will be handled in a timely, confidential, and respectful manner, consistent with applicable legal requirements.

Requesting an accommodation will not negatively affect your consideration for employment. Company prohibits retaliation against any applicant for requesting an accommodation or participating in the accommodation process. Accommodations made during the recruitment process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired. If you are hired by Thoughtworks, and require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you may be asked to engage in our reasonable accommodation process.

Cancellations

As a technology consultancy, the projects we undertake are subject to change based on client needs and agreements. While we strive for consistency, please be aware that project scope or availability may shift, or projects may even be cancelled, during the recruitment and selection process, which is often outside of our direct control. Should the project related to this vacancy be significantly altered or cancelled, all impacted candidates will be promptly and duly informed of the change

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a dynamic and inclusive community of bright and supportive colleagues who are revolutionizing tech. As a leading technology consultancy, we’re pushing boundaries through our purposeful and impactful work. For 30+ years, we’ve delivered extraordinary impact together with our clients by helping them solve complex business problems with technology as the differentiator. Bring your brilliant expertise and commitment for continuous learning to Thoughtworks. Together, let’s be extraordinary.

#LI-Remote

Salary

Benefits: https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/careers/benefits

The annual salary range posted is subject to many factors and may vary depending on experience, geographic location, job responsibilities, performance, skills and/or training.

Salary

$197,000 - $337,000 USD

See here our AI policy.

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