Database Architect

Title: Database ArchitectLocation: Phoenix, AZ (Onsite)Duration: ContractJob DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Database Architect with strong database knowledge and hands-on cloud experience to design, optimize, and modernize scalable data platforms. The ideal candidate will have expertise in relational and NoSQL databases, cloud-based database services, data architecture, and performance optimization, along with working knowledge of Python and AI/ML technologies.This role will partner with application, data engineering, cloud, security, and AI teams to define database architecture standards and build reliable, secure, and scalable data solutions.Key Responsibilities Design and define enterprise-level database architectures, standards, patterns, and best practices.Evaluate and select appropriate relational, NoSQL, and cloud-native database technologies based on business and technical requirements.Design scalable database solutions covering data modeling, availability, resiliency, backup/recovery, replication, and disaster recovery.Provide expertise in database technologies such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, or similar platforms.Design and support database solutions on cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).Lead or support on-premises-to-cloud database migrations and modernization initiatives.Optimize database performance through query tuning, indexing, partitioning, capacity planning, and database configuration.Establish database security standards, including encryption, access controls, auditing, data protection, and compliance requirements.Collaborate with application architects and engineering teams on database design, APIs, data access patterns, and integration solutions.Use Python for basic database automation, scripting, data processing, validation, and operational tasks.Work with AI/ML and GenAI teams to understand data requirements and support AI-enabled applications.Provide basic architectural guidance for AI-related data patterns, including embeddings, vector databases/vector search, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).Evaluate emerging database, cloud, and AI technologies and recommend solutions where appropriate.Create and maintain architecture diagrams, database standards, technical documentation, and design decisions.Provide technical leadership, architecture reviews, troubleshooting support, and mentoring to engineering teams.Required Qualifications Strong experience in database architecture, database engineering, or database administration.Deep understanding of relational database concepts, SQL, data modeling, normalization, indexing, transactions, and performance optimization.Experience with one or more major database platforms such as PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MongoDB, or equivalent.Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP, particularly managed database services.Understanding of cloud architecture concepts including scalability, high availability, security, monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery.Experience designing or supporting database migration and modernization initiatives.Basic to intermediate Python skills for scripting, automation, and data processing.Basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI concepts.Familiarity with AI-related technologies such as vector databases, embeddings, semantic search, LLMs, and RAG is preferred.Strong problem-solving, analytical, communication, and documentation skills.Ability to collaborate effectively with architects, developers, data engineers, infrastructure teams, security teams, and business stakeholders.Preferred Qualifications Experience with cloud-native and distributed database architectures.Experience with Infrastructure as Code and DevOps/CI/CD practices.Knowledge of database observability, monitoring, and automated operations.Experience with data governance, security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.Exposure to AI/ML platforms and cloud-based AI services.Experience supporting large-scale, high-volume, highly available enterprise systems