Lead Data Solutions Architect

About

The Lead Data Solutions Architect is key to pioneering innovative and scalable data solutions utilizing cutting-edge technologies and tools. This position offers an exceptional chance for an experienced candidate to architect secure, cloud-native data solutions while collaborating closely with business partners and IT leaders. You will gain a deep understanding of our organizational needs, enabling the development of new capabilities in our data platform that align with current objectives and future growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and architecture of comprehensive data solutions, effectively translating business objectives into scalable and high-performance data architectures.
• Facilitate the development of AI/ML capabilities by creating data architectures that foster experimentation, feature engineering, and model deployment.
• Convert business strategies and requirements into secure and high-performing data solutions supporting operational and AI-driven applications.
• Establish target-state data architecture, including data flows, integration patterns, storage solutions, and consumption layers.
• Define standard patterns for data ingestion, transformation (ETL/ELT), integration, and data sharing across various platforms.
• Design and implement efficient data pipelines and workflows while optimizing for performance, cost, and reliability.
• Ensure design compliance with cloud-native principles, utilizing modern data platforms for enhanced elasticity, resilience, and modularity.
• Incorporate aspects of data governance, security, and privacy by design, consisting of access controls, data masking, lineage tracking, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Enable interoperability and integration that promotes seamless data exchange across applications and external systems.
• Lead the evaluation and selection process for data management technologies, collaborating with IT and business stakeholders to ensure integration coherence.
• Work alongside Enterprise Architecture, Infrastructure, and Application Development teams to establish roadmaps, capabilities, and solution strategies.
• Provide architectural guidance for cloud-native data platforms to ensure scalability, performance, and operational excellence.
• Assess and govern solution designs, identifying risks, gaps, and trade-offs, ensuring adherence to enterprise standards.
• Drive innovation through feasibility studies, proof of concepts (POCs), and pilot initiatives, validating the effectiveness of new technologies and architectural strategies.
• Oversee vendor and third-party solutions, ensuring they align with enterprise architecture and integration standards.
• Engage in architecture governance forums, contributing to design reviews, approvals, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor and support junior data architects and engineers, promoting best practices and fostering design excellence.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in modern cloud data architecture or related fields, accompanied by a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a relevant discipline.
• Practical experience with contemporary AI technologies and MCP architecture, along with modern data and analytics tools such as Snowflake, Matillion, and Power BI.
• Demonstrated experience leading the design and implementation of enterprise data solutions, covering data warehousing, management, big data, and integration projects.
• Extensive hands-on expertise in constructing end-to-end data platforms, utilizing modern technologies and cloud environments (preferably Microsoft Azure), with familiarity in cloud-native, multi-cloud, or hybrid architectures.
• Adept at converting business needs into scalable data solutions with strong communication skills to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• In-depth understanding of modern data ecosystems, including data warehouses, data lakes, and lakehouse architectures, with the capability to critically assess and select suitable technologies for ingestion, storage, processing, analytics, APIs, and microservices.
• Proficient in collaborating with vendors and third-party providers to ensure aligned enterprise architecture standards.
• Strong foundation in data governance, quality, security, and privacy, inclusive of understanding regulatory and compliance needs.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication capabilities, with the ability to influence decision-making and drive cross-functional team alignment.
• Expertise in designing modern, scalable data platforms that empower advanced analytics, AI/ML, and Generative AI applications while ensuring governance, security, and performance.

Base Pay Information

The national base pay range reflects a good-faith estimate of what Delta Dental may offer new hires. Actual compensation may differ based on Delta Dental's evaluation of a candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and educational background. Base Pay Grade 22 is set between $93,425 and $202,404.

Additional Information

We are focused on safeguarding the health and financial wellbeing of our employees and their families, extending our commitment beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellness. Our comprehensive rewards package includes:

• Competitive base salary and incentive pay
• 401(k) plan with robust matching and non-matching contributions
• Rich medical and pharmacy benefits
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision benefits
• Holistic wellness programs with substantial financial incentives
• Generous paid time off along with 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
• A culture of growth and learning, offering career development and tuition reimbursement
• Family support services covering adoption, fertility treatments, and assistance with child, elder, and pet care
• Opportunities for social responsibility and volunteering
• Employee discount programs

Fair Chance Ordinances and Criminal Background Considerations

This role requires applicants to undergo a background check. Qualified candidates with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable laws, including federal, state, and local regulations.

About the Team

At Delta Dental, we stand behind millions of smiles and counting. For over 68 years, we have served our communities by enhancing access to affordable, quality care. Our commitment goes beyond the individuals we serve; it extends to our dedicated employees who contribute to those genuine smiles. We believe that by caring for each other, we create a positive impact for everyone.

We promote an inspiring workplace grounded in trust, service, excellence, and innovation. Joining our team means you will work for a company that values stability, balance, leadership opportunities at all levels, and a collaborative environment.

Discover the dedicated team at Delta Dental and experience our commitment to core values by connecting with us on social media. If you have an innovative mindset and want to help transform the future of health care, come join us!

The Delta Dental network encompasses affiliates serving over 31 million individuals across multiple states, providing comprehensive dental benefits and enhancing health through excellent care.

Delta Dental is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We promote a respectful work environment and will not tolerate violations of our policies.

Currently, we are unable to hire individuals from specific states and territories. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States will be required upon selection for hire.