Cloud Data Architect III

Remote opportunity for candidates who reside and work in the following locations: VA, MD, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, AR, TN, KY, MO, TX, OH, MI, KS. The Cloud Data Architect is responsible for designing, developing and maintaining a unified data architecture that forms the foundation of VCU Health's data estate. The architect will balance hands-on technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative solutions that meet enterprise goals. This role collaborates with Enterprise Analytics leadership, partners with data engineers, analysts and subject matter experts from cross-functional clinical/business areas to define standardized data models and ensure that the models are optimized to support data driven decision making.

Essential Job Statements

Leads the development of scalable and efficient data architectures by designing conceptual, logical and physical data models, storage solutions, and data integration processes on Cloud based Data Management platform.

Designs, develops, and coordinates the integration of diverse data sources into a cohesive Data Lakehouse environment, ensuring quality, security and data privacy.

Leads the development and maintenance of comprehensive documentation of data architecture, including reference architecture, design specifications, and data flow processes.

Defines, implements and orchestrates the best practices and standards for data integrity, data quality, metadata and master data management, and data lifecycle optimization.

Coordinates with other Enterprise Analytics teams members to define the data management strategy and roadmap for the organization.

Stays current with industry trends, vendor product offerings, and emerging tech to ensure the organization leverages the best modern data management tools.

Leads the design of systems with a focus on scalability, performance optimization, and cost-efficiency in the cloud environment.

Provides data management and architecture thought leadership to cross-functional teams in the areas of advanced data techniques, including data modeling, data access, data integration, data visualization, data discovery, database design and implementation.

Responsible for maintaining legacy technologies and processes as new ones are adopted.

Mentors junior Data Architects.

Employment Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business, IT, Math, Data Analytics, Engineering, or related discipline.

Preferred Education: Master's degree in Business, IT, Math, Data Analytics, Engineering or related discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

Years and Type of Required Experience: 8+ years of experience in Database design principles, Data Modeling and Data Warehousing including experience with SQL and NoSQL databases and Big Data technologies. 5+ years of experience in Python/PySpark for building and maintaining data pipelines. 3+ years of experience with cloud based modern data platforms and services (e.g., Azure, GCP or AWS).

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Expert knowledge in database systems, data modeling techniques, and SQL proficiency. Significant experience working with JSON/YAML/XML/Parquet and other open-source data interchange and storage formats. Strong knowledge of Master data and Metadata management and data governance principles. Experience working with big data technologies like Spark, Kafka, NoSQL DB, Splunk etc. Significant experience with agile development processes and concepts. Strong knowledge of DevOps practices and CI/CD processes. Knowledge of Microservices architecture, Data Product and Data Mesh concepts.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Displays intellectual curiosity and integrity. Experience in healthcare environment. Combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.

Working Conditions: N/A

Physical Requirements: N/A

Work Position: Sitting

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards: Physical Requirements: N/A Hazards: N/A

Mental/Sensory Emotional: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking. Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change