Jr. Solutions Architect

About the Role

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Architect to join their Solutions Architecture team on a contract-to-hire basis in a hybrid role based in Philadelphia, PA. As a Junior Architect, you will support the design and delivery of enterprise-level data solutions that manage both structured and unstructured data, enabling scalable processes and robust business intelligence capabilities. This highly collaborative position focuses on solution design reviews, documentation, data modeling, and adherence to data architecture best practices within an on-prem SQL Server environment. You will work closely with senior architects, data engineers, analysts, and cross-functional teams to align on standards, evaluate tools, and support the creation of efficient, reliable, and well-documented data solutions. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, technically curious, and capable of balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining clear communication, strong process discipline, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and documenting data structures, pipelines, and architectural components aligned with business and technical standards.
• Support data quality efforts during ingestion, processing, and final load to target systems.
• Help build and enhance ingestion frameworks for structured and unstructured data, including quality checks and reporting.
• Contribute to standard data consumption methods such as database views, extracts, and APIs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of data systems such as data warehouses and data lakes.
• Support solution design across on-prem and cloud platforms (e.g., Kubernetes, Teradata, Databricks, AWS S3, Redshift).
• Help determine appropriate storage platforms based on privacy, access, and sensitivity needs.
• Document data lineage, transformation logic, and architectural decisions to support troubleshooting and impact analysis.
• Collaborate with platform and technology teams to optimize data sourcing, processing, and architectural consistency.
• Assist with data migrations and conversions as platforms evolve.
• Identify and escalate technical issues using established policies and processes.
• Apply data sensitivity, privacy rules, and compliance requirements throughout the data lifecycle.
• Monitor system logs and notifications to support database and application quality.
• Support problem-solving using reusable logic, data files, or standardized patterns.
• Provide insights and trends related to specific data sources when needed.
• Maintain regular, consistent, and punctual attendance; flexibility for occasional night/weekend work.
• Support solutions architecture work with emphasis on front-end solution components.
• Assist with backend design tasks on small-to-medium initiatives and serve as backup to lead architects as needed.
• Participate in evaluating tools and technologies using standard comparison frameworks.
• Support proof-of-concept initiatives and long-term architecture planning.
• Contribute to ongoing data management initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency with SQL, data warehousing concepts, and data modeling best practices.
• Exposure to Python, PowerShell, and cloud technologies (e.g., Databricks, AWS S3, Redshift).
• Familiarity with enterprise reporting tools (e.g., OBI, Crystal Reports) and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik), including data storytelling.
• Experience with Office 365 or similar productivity suites.
• Experience using JIRA and Confluence.
• Strong documentation skills, including process flows and ERDs.
• Understanding of data sensitivity, privacy, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with Lean and Agile methodologies and SDLC frameworks.
• Exposure to systems thinking and systems analysis is a plus.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and understand broader architectural impacts.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Flexibility for occasional night/weekend work as needed.
• Proactive, transparent communication style with strong attention to detail.