Senior Data Architect

Overview
The Sr Data Architect leads the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architecture strategies, blending deep hands-on technical execution with strategic leadership to driving innovation, experimentation, and best practices in data management, data engineering, and AI systems design (including GenAI and agentic AI). This role provides expert guidance on complex data challenges, influences key stakeholders, and ensures that data architecture aligns with business objectives and technological advancements

Responsibilities
Enterprise Data Strategy

• Develop and drive the implementation of enterprise-wide data architecture strategies
• Lead the design of complex, cross-functional data solutions
• Align data architecture with business goals and technology roadmaps
• Provide thought leadership in emerging data and AI architecture concepts (e.g., data mesh, data fabric, multimodal AI pipelines, agentic AI systems, vector databases)

Advanced Data Solutions

• Architect and build sophisticated data solutions for big data, real-time analytics, and machine learning
• Run quick POCs (Proof of Concepts) to validate new data and AI solutions, tools and frameworks
• Design and implement data lakes, data warehouses, and hybrid architectures
• Lead the adoption of cloud-native data platforms and services
• Develop strategies for data integration across diverse systems and platforms

Innovation and Technology Leadership

• Evaluate and recommend emerging data, AI and GenAI technologies and methodologies
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for new data architecture approaches
• Collaborate with vendors and partners to influence technology roadmaps
• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge data solutions within the organization

Governance and Best Practices

• Establish and enforce data and AI architecture standards and best practices
• Contribute to data governance initiatives and policies
• Ensure compliance with data regulations and industry standards
• Develop strategies for maintaining data quality and consistency across the enterprise

Mentorship and Knowledge Leadership

• Mentor data architects and other data professionals
• Lead advanced training sessions and workshops on data and AI architecture
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and forums
• Contribute to the data architecture community through publications or speaking engagements

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture or engineering, with a strong hands-on focus on AI and cloud-native data platforms.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing large-scale AI systems, including LLM-based, GenAI, and agentic AI applications.
• Expertise in Python, SQL, and modern data frameworks (e.g., PySpark, Airflow, Snowflake, LangChain, Hugging Face, Vertex AI, OpenAI)
• Strong background in data modelling, distributed systems, and cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Experience developing and deploying AI/ML/GenAI pipelines leveraging vector databases and RAG frameworks.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field.

Preferred

• Experience with agentic AI design patterns, including tool-use orchestration, autonomous workflow agents, or AI copilots.
• Proficiency in API design, microservices, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype new AI concepts and transition successful PoCs into production-grade systems.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found