Role Overview
As 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 Responsibilities
Client 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
Experience
Required 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 Skills
Cloud Platforms
Azure (primary), AWS or GCP (secondary)
Data Platforms
Azure Synapse, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake
Data Modeling
Dimensional modeling, Data Vault 2.0, one big table patterns
Architecture Frameworks
TOGAF, Zachman, or similar
Governance Tools
Azure Purview, Collibra, or similar
Programming
SQL (advanced), Python or Scala (intermediate)
DevOps
Git, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines
BI Tools
Power 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 Offer
Work 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 Process
1
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
Ready to Join Our Team?
We'd love to hear from you. Apply now and let's build something amazing together.
