Senior Data Architect

Role OverviewAs a Senior Data Architect, you'll lead the design and implementation of modern data platforms for enterprise clients across Energy, Financial Services, and Public Sector. You'll work directly with C-level stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable, governed data architectures on Azure, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Delivery (60%)
Lead data architecture assessments and gap analysis for enterprise clients
Design target-state architectures (lakehouse, data mesh, modern data warehouse)
Create detailed technical roadmaps with phased implementation plans
Architect end-to-end solutions: ingestion, storage, processing, consumption layers
Develop governance frameworks: data cataloging, lineage, quality, security
Lead discovery workshops and present architectural recommendations to executives
Mentor junior consultants and provide technical oversight on projects
Ensure solutions align with industry best practices and compliance requirements (GDPR, PIPEDA, SOC 2)
Pre-Sales & Business Development (20%)
Support sales team with technical discovery and proposal development
Develop client-facing architecture diagrams and solution designs
Provide effort estimates and technical scoping for proposals
Present capabilities and case studies to prospective clients
Participate in industry conferences and networking events
Thought Leadership (10%)
Contribute to Ripotek's knowledge base and best practices
Mentor team members on architecture patterns and methodologies
Stay current with emerging technologies and platform updates
Write whitepapers and blog posts on data architecture topics
Present at internal lunch-and-learns and training sessions
Internal Projects (10%)
Contribute to Ripotek's internal IP development (accelerators, frameworks, templates)
Participate in hiring and interviewing candidates
Support development of training curriculum content
Participate in strategic planning and service offerings refinement
ExperienceRequired Qualifications
8+ years in data architecture, engineering, or related roles
5+ years designing and implementing enterprise data platforms
3+ years with Azure data services (Data Lake, Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks)
Proven track record delivering 5+ large-scale data platform implementations
Experience across multiple industries (Energy, Finance, or Public Sector preferred)
Technical SkillsCloud PlatformsAzure (primary), AWS or GCP (secondary)
Data PlatformsAzure Synapse, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake
Data ModelingDimensional modeling, Data Vault 2.0, one big table patterns
Architecture FrameworksTOGAF, Zachman, or similar
Governance ToolsAzure Purview, Collibra, or similar
ProgrammingSQL (advanced), Python or Scala (intermediate)
DevOpsGit, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines
BI ToolsPower BI, Tableau, or Looker
Soft Skills
Exceptional communication skills - can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Strong facilitation skills for workshops and discovery sessions
Proven ability to influence and gain stakeholder buy-in
Experience managing client relationships and expectations
Comfortable presenting to C-level executives
Self-motivated with ability to work independently
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Preferred Qualifications
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Databricks Certified Data Engineer or Architect
TOGAF 9.2 certification
Experience with data mesh or modern data architecture patterns
Knowledge of AI/ML platform design
Prior consulting experience (Big 4, boutique firm, or independent)
Industry-specific domain knowledge (Oil & Gas, Banking, Government)
What We OfferWork Environment
Hybrid model: 2 days/week in Calgary office, 3 days remote
Flexible hours (core hours 10am-3pm MT)
Modern downtown Calgary office with standing desks
Latest MacBook Pro or Surface Laptop
Home office setup allowance ($2,000)
Growth & Development
Work on cutting-edge Azure, Databricks, and AI projects
Exposure to diverse industries and use cases
Mentorship from seasoned architects (15-20+ years experience)
Opportunity to contribute to training curriculum
Clear path to Principal Architect and leadership roles
Conference attendance and speaking opportunities
Culture & Impact
Small team environment - your impact is visible and valued
Direct client interaction - you own the relationship
Collaborative, low-ego culture focused on client success
Contribute to training the next generation of data professionals
Opportunity to work on projects that drive real business transformation
Interview Process1 Phone Screen (30 min)
HR and hiring manager
2 Technical Interview (90 min)
Whiteboard architecture design exercise
3 Case Study Presentation (60 min)
Present solution to mock client scenario
4 Culture Fit (45 min)
Meet with leadership and peers
5 Reference Checks
3 professional references
Timeline:2-3 weeks from application to offer
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