Data Architect

Title: Senior Denodo Data Architect

Location: Houston TX - Onsite

Duration: Full time

The Sr. Data Architect oversees the execution of GST’s data delivery strategy utilizing Denodo. They are involved in all phases of the analytic projects, from requirements gathering, data architecture, integration guidance and developing support artifacts. This Sr. Architect demonstrates senior-level leadership skills and experience in guiding the team to build a self-sustainable BI platform. They will create best practices, define and govern data architecture standards, lead and support development efforts, manage BI demand, coordinate resource capacity, prioritize and lead the scoping effort. The ideal candidate has the ability to mentor others in maintainable development practices and code reviews and ensures correct capitalization / expense activities of the project team and can provide business insight across multiple domains. This Sr. Architect will demonstrate an ability to manage complex, high-quantity and potentially contradictory information to effectively solve problems, applies knowledge of the business to advance organizational goals, and intuitively navigates complex policy, people and process-related organizational dynamics.

Essential Functions

Engagement

• Collect feedback and influence users and stakeholders to prioritize and develop data-centric work products and support requests.
• Work with internal (IT technical and functional) and external (vendor) partners to source, review, and deliver data-related solutions for projects.
• Create and track KPIs for enterprise data virtualization service capability to share with management and user community.
• Ability to drive the architecture, design along with experience in leading the team technically

Architecture

• Refine the current Denodo deployment with sound data architecture that delivers data for Analytics, BI and Applications via services
• Ensure data security is maintained throughout the user, application, platform, and data layers.
• Design integration with front-end tools (Tableau, custom apps) and back-end applications and data (e.g. SAP).

Process

• Establishes process for Architecture review, code review and development process for the Denodo engineers.
• Continuously refines the processes by measuring process related KPIs.

Development

• Maintain and extend agile data development methodology in support of both self-service and full-service models.
• Create reusable semantic and report-specific data layers that are secure and performant.
• Develop techniques for optimizing solutions, including caching, refactoring, performance, and testing.
• Define data catalogues.

Admin/Support:

• Troubleshoot issues that may occur within the data platform or in consuming apps/tools and data sources.
• Ensure SLAs are developed and met for response and resolution times for business-critical data platform.
• Establish and implement operations (e.g. monitoring and logging) to keep platform (multiple Windows servers) stable and up-to-date (i.e. quarterly updates and periodic upgrades).

Works under minimal supervision:

• Other duties as assigned.
• Responsibly receive, transmit, and handle consumer and customer data per applicable policies and procedures.
• Review and follow data privacy practices, policies, and guidelines.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises one or more employees. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in data modeling and SQL, with a strong emphasis on designing and implementing data architectures.
• 3+ years of experience working with Denodo or similar data virtualization platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience with AWS and Databricks or similar data engineering platforms is a plus, particularly in the context of large-scale data processing and analytics.
• Experience with other data integration technologies or platforms is a plus, particularly in complex, enterprise-level environments.

Technical Experience:

• Strong understanding of Data Virtualization principles with 3+ years of hands-on experience in Denodo administration and development, including installation, configuration, security, and cache management in a highly available enterprise environment.
• Expertise in Denodo-specific features, including Data Catalog for metadata management, Data Movement for efficient data replication and distribution, and Resource Manager for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring high performance.
• Comprehensive experience in data modeling, including business, logical, conceptual, and physical models, with 3+ years of hands-on practice in designing and implementing these models across various data environments.
• 6+ years of SQL experience with demonstrated ability to optimize queries and manage large-scale data processing.
• Familiarity with LDAP, SSL, and other security protocols to ensure secure data access.
• Experience with JDBC, XML, and Web Services APIs, with a focus on integrating diverse data sources.
• Basic understanding of SAP apps, including CDS views, BW queries, and HANA databases, with the ability to integrate these into broader data architectures.
• Working knowledge of cloud-based data solutions, particularly in hybrid environments integrating on-premise systems (e.g., HANA, SQL Server). Experience with AWS cloud services (e.g., S3, RDS, Redshift, Lambda) is a plus.
• Exposure to Databricks or similar data engineering platforms is a plus, especially in the context of data processing and analytics.
• Experience in query optimization, including analysis of SQL execution plans, particularly in heterogeneous environments.
• Familiarity with version control systems like GIT is a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Problem-Solving and Complexity Management: Effectively manages complexity and ambiguity to find innovative solutions and solve problems.
• Results-Oriented: Drives results by consistently achieving task completion and project closure, even in the face of challenges.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to adjust to varying timelines and priorities.
• Attention to Detail and Prioritization: Exhibits strong attention to detail while maintaining the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in alignment with business goals.
• Interpersonal and Team Skills: Promotes healthy relationships and positive team dynamics through strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic Planning and Alignment: Demonstrates the ability to plan and align work with organizational priorities, emphasizing a sense of urgency where needed.
• Business Insight and Influence: Leverages business knowledge to provide valuable insights and influence stakeholders effectively.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Capable of mentoring team members and guiding them through complex technical challenges.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Desirable: Denodo Platform Certification (Architect level) or equivalent experience with demonstrated proficiency in Denodo administration and development.
• Desirable: Certification in data architecture, Databricks (e.g., Databricks Certified Data Engineer), or other relevant data virtualization platforms.

Thanks & Regards

Mike

NAVA Software Solutions LLC

Email: Mike.p@navasoftware.com