Data Architect

Data Architect / Data Engineer (Contract) - Cincinnati, OHOverviewVaco is seeking senior Data Architects and Data Engineers to lead the design and implementation of a modern cloud-based data platform, with exposure to Microsoft Fabric. This role is highly consultative and hands-on, focused on enterprise data architecture, pipeline development, analytics enablement, and knowledge transfer. The engagement is fully remote and contract-based.Location: HybridContract Rate: $80–$100/hourEngagement Type: Contract / ConsultingKey ResponsibilitiesLead Data Architecture and Data Engineering Design end-to-end enterprise data architectures, including lakehouse, warehouse, streaming, and AI/ML integration patternsDefine reference architectures, metadata management strategies, and governance frameworksProduce high-level and logical architecture diagrams aligned to agreed-upon use casesAdvisory & ConsultingPartner with client stakeholders to assess current-state data environments and identify modernization opportunitiesDesign future-state architectures aligned to business outcomesDeliver architecture roadmaps and implementation blueprintsPlatform & Environment SetupDeploy and configure a Microsoft Fabric environmentSet up workspaces, capacities, security models, and supporting infrastructureDefine CI/CD patterns for promoting data and analytics assetsData EngineeringDesign and implement metadata-driven batch ingestion frameworksDevelop up to 10 production-grade data pipelinesImplement monitoring, observability, and remediation processesDesign dimensional data models optimized for analytics and reportingModern Cloud Data PlatformsArchitect solutions using Azure data services (Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, Data Factory)Experience with AWS (Redshift, Glue), GCP (BigQuery), or Databricks-based lakehouse architecturesIntegrate modern tools for ingestion and transformation (ADF, Fivetran, dbt)Support orchestration frameworks such as Airflow or Fabric PipelinesAnalytics & Reporting EnablementConfigure presentation-layer workspacesDevelop semantic data modelsDeliver at least one Power BI report or dashboard to validate the solutionDocument reporting and analytics processesDataOps & MLOps EnablementDesign CI/CD, testing, and observability frameworks across data pipelinesPromote data quality, lineage, and reproducibility through modern DevOps practicesSupport AI-ready data architectures where applicableEnablement, Collaboration & LeadershipLead technical workshops for client data teams covering architecture, data movement, and analyticsWork closely with engineering teams, business stakeholders, and cross-functional consultantsProvide mentorship to junior architects, engineers, and analystsRequired Skills & Experience10+ years of experience in data architecture, data engineering, or analytics consultingDeep expertise with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, AWS, or GCP)Strong understanding of lakehouse architectures, ETL/ELT design, and distributed data storageHands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, or SnowflakeProficiency in SQL, Python, and enterprise data modeling (Kimball, Data Vault, or 3NF)Familiarity with data governance, security models, and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)Experience with BI and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker)Strong communication skills with proven client-facing consulting experiencePreferred QualificationsCloud certifications (Azure, AWS, or GCP data services)Experience designing AI-ready data architectures (feature stores, vector databases, model serving)Understanding of data mesh and domain-driven design conceptsPrior experience in consulting or professional services environmentsDetermining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.Privacy NoticeVaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs.With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.