Database Architect

Fully competent Data Architect operating independently with limited supervision. Responsible for end-to-end design decisions within their domain, contributing to enterprise standards and modernization initiatives. Work is evaluated based on quality, scalability, and alignment to architectural principles rather than task completion alone. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

This role is responsible for designing and evolving the organization’s cloud data architecture as applications are migrated and re-architected from on-premises systems to Azure. The Data Architect will define scalable and secure data solutions leveraging Azure-managed database services (PostgreSQL Flexible Server, Azure SQL) and drive best practices in data modeling, integration, automation, and interoperability (including FHIR where applicable). 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Data Architecture & Modeling 

• Define reference architectures and reusable patterns that enable consistent adoption across multiple application teams 

• Design and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models for modernized applications 

• Define standards for data structures, naming conventions, and data lifecycle management 

• Ensure alignment between application architecture and data design (transactional + domain-driven patterns) 

Cloud Data Platform Architecture 

• Design and guide implementation of solutions using: 

  • Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server 

  • Azure SQL / SQL Server 

  • Supporting Azure data services (ADF, Event Hubs, etc.) 

• Establish architecture patterns for high availability, scalability, and disaster recovery 

• Provide guidance on database selection across relational and NoSQL options 

Modernization & Migration 

• Lead data architecture for on-prem to Azure migration and re-platforming efforts 

• Define strategies for: 

  • Data migration (including near-zero downtime approaches) 

  • Data synchronization and cutover 

  • Schema modernization and decomposition of legacy designs 

Data Integration & Interoperability 

• Design integration patterns for batch and real-time data movement 

• Support implementation of FHIR-based data structures and interoperability patterns 

• Ensure consistency and quality across distributed data systems 

Governance, Security & Compliance 

• Establish standards for: 

  • Data security and access controls (AAD, RBAC) 

  • Data classification and protection 

  • Audit and compliance requirements (including healthcare considerations if FHIR is used) 

• Ensure architecture aligns with enterprise governance models 

Collaboration & Leadership 

• Partner with application teams, DBAs, engineers, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable data solutions 

• Act as a consultative architect, influencing design decisions without creating delivery bottlenecks 

• Produce and maintain architecture documentation, standards, and reference patterns 

Priority will be given to candidates who reside in the Columbus, OH metropolitan area. 

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role presently or in the future 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 

• 4+ years of experience in data architecture, database design, or data engineering 

CRITICAL SKILLS 

• Strong knowledge (4+ years) of cloud-native database platforms (Azure preferred) 

• Hands-on experience (4+ years) with: 

  • Azure PostgreSQL (Flexible Server strongly preferred) 

  • Azure SQL / SQL Server 

• Experience (4+ years)  with database migration strategies, including: 

  • Data synchronization 

  • Low/zero-downtime migration patterns 

• Proficiency (4+ years)  in: 

  • Terraform or equivalent Infrastructure-as-Code tools 

  • CI/CD pipeline integration for database deployments 

• Solid understanding of: 

  • Data modeling (relational and NoSQL) 

  • Distributed data patterns (sharding, CQRS, event-driven architectures) 

  • Experience documenting data architecture standards and procedures 

PREFERRED SKILLS 

PROBLEM COMPLEXITY 

Independently solves complex data architecture challenges spanning multiple systems. Applies sound judgment in selecting patterns, technologies, and trade-offs within established architectural guidelines. 

KNOWLEDGE 

Applies broad knowledge of data architecture principles with working knowledge of cloud platforms, DevOps practices, and integration patterns. Demonstrates ability to operate across database, application, and infrastructure domains.