Databricks Data Architect

Databricks Data ArchitectLocation: West Houston, TXWork Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 days onsite per weekContract: 12 monthsWe are seeking a Databricks Data Architect to design and lead modern cloud data solutions using Databricks and AWS. This is a hands-on architecture role focused on Lakehouse architecture, streaming, performance, governance, and cloud optimization.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign enterprise Databricks Lakehouse architectures using Medallion Architecture.Architect batch and real-time data solutions using PySpark, Structured Streaming, Kafka, Delta Lake, and AWS.Design solutions for late-arriving data, event-time processing, watermarking, CDC, CDF, and streaming recovery.Leverage modern Databricks capabilities including Lakeflow/LDP, Serverless Compute, Unity Catalog, Liquid Clustering, Z-Ordering, and Photon.Evaluate emerging capabilities including Zerobus, Lakebase-to-Lakehouse synchronization, and LTAP.Design and optimize AWS data platforms using S3, Glue, EMR, Kinesis/MSK, Redshift, Lambda, IAM, and CloudWatch.Drive performance and cost optimization across Databricks and AWS workloads.Establish standards for data governance, security, lineage, CI/CD, and infrastructure as code.Lead technical design discussions and mentor Data Engineers.Required Experience8+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, or Cloud Data Platforms.Strong hands-on experience with Databricks and AWS.Expert knowledge of Spark/PySpark and Structured Streaming.Strong experience with Kafka and/or Kinesis/MSK.Deep understanding of Delta Lake and Medallion Architecture.Experience with Unity Catalog, CDF/CDC, Liquid Clustering, and Z-Ordering.Strong understanding of Databricks performance and cost optimization.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Preferred: Databricks certification, AWS certification, and experience with newer Databricks capabilities such as Lakeflow, Zerobus, Lakebase, Serverless Compute, and LTAP.Local Houston candidates preferred.