Principal Data Architect

About the role

As a Principal Data Architect at Zühlke, you will shape the long‑term data and AI vision for our clients, guiding them through platform modernisation, governance and real‑time architectures. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver data solutions that balance technical excellence with business value.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor, leading design sessions, architecture reviews and proof‑of‑concept projects.
• Participate in pre‑sales and sales activities to create compelling data strategy and modernisation roadmaps.
• Design sophisticated data and AI architectures and oversee their implementation with your team.
• Apply rigorous methodology, including agile DevOps and DataOps practices, to keep deliveries on track.
• Provide expertise in both cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP) and on‑premises environments, selecting the right platform for each use case.
• Lead data engineering efforts, ensuring clean code, efficient models and robust pipelines.
• Take AI projects from prototype to production, emphasizing traceability, transparency and reproducibility.

Required profile

• Strong advisory skills with the ability to influence client decisions.
• Experience in early‑stage engagement, vision setting and sales support.
• Deep understanding of data architecture concepts, data mesh, security and governance.
• Proven ability to work in cloud and on‑premises environments.
• Solid background in data engineering and AI operationalisation.

Required skills

• Microsoft Azure
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• DataOps
• DevOps
• Data engineering
• Data pipelines
• AI / machine‑learning operationalisation
• Real‑time data architectures
• Data mesh concepts
• Data security and governance