Azure Data Architect -W2 Contract

Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Azure Data Architect to design, develop, and optimize scalable cloud-based data solutions on Microsoft Azure. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in data architecture, data engineering, cloud migration, analytics, and modern data platforms using Azure services.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement enterprise-scale data architecture solutions on Azure.Build scalable and secure data platforms using Azure data services.Architect end-to-end data pipelines for batch and real-time processing.Lead data migration initiatives from on-premises or other cloud platforms to Azure.Design data lakes, data warehouses, and Lakehouse architectures.Collaborate with business stakeholders, analysts, and engineering teams to define data strategies.Ensure data governance, security, compliance, and best practices.Optimize performance, scalability, and cost efficiency of Azure data solutions.Develop CI/CD and automation strategies for data platform deployments.Mentor development and engineering teams on Azure best practices.Required Skills10+ years of experience in Data Engineering / Data Architecture.Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure cloud platform.Expertise in:Azure Data Factory (ADF)Azure DatabricksAzure Synapse AnalyticsAzure Data Lake Storage (ADLS)Azure SQL DatabaseAzure Fabric / Microsoft Fabric (preferred)Strong experience with:PySpark / SparkSQLPythonETL/ELT developmentData modeling (Star/Snowflake schema)Experience with Delta Lake, Medallion Architecture, and Lakehouse concepts.Knowledge of data governance and security frameworks.Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.Strong understanding of performance tuning and optimization.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Power BI and enterprise reporting solutions.Knowledge of real-time streaming using Kafka/Event Hub.Experience with Terraform or Infrastructure as Code (IaC).Azure certifications are highly preferred.Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.Nice to HaveExperience with Snowflake or multi-cloud environments (AWS/GCP).AI/ML data platform exposure.Healthcare, Finance, or Retail domain experience.EducationBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.