Data Architect | AWS/Azure Cloud (100% Remote)

Data Architect — Contract-to-Hire (6 Months) — 100% Remote (US)OverviewLead enterprise data architecture for a multi-entity organization undergoing AWS/Azure data modernization. Own the data strategy roadmap, design cloud-native lakehouse/data platform solutions, and establish governance for advanced analytics and AI/data products across multiple business units.ResponsibilitiesDefine and own the enterprise data architecture roadmap aligned to business and regulatory needsArchitect cloud-native lakehouse and data platform modernization initiatives across AWS and Azure (Azure Fabric as central lakehouse)Design data integration across source systems (Couchbase, MySQL, DynamoDB, InfluxDB) and enterprise platforms (Salesforce CRM, NetSuite ERP)Build canonical data models, enterprise data standards, and data product frameworks (with SLAs, ownership, quality metrics)Drive data mesh / domain-oriented architecture for team autonomy and scalabilityProduce solution architecture artifacts: capability maps, technical blueprints, reference architecture, system diagrams, ADRsEstablish data governance, privacy, and security frameworks (HIPAA, GDPR/PCI, FCC compliance)Evaluate emerging technologies (AI/ML, data virtualization, knowledge graphs) and lead PoCs/pilotsPartner with IT and business leaders; mentor data engineers and architects; deliver executive-level updatesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in CS, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)10+ years in enterprise data solution architectureDeep AWS expertise: S3, RDS, DynamoDB, Redshift, Glue, Lake Formation, EMR, Kinesis, Step Functions, AWS Data Pipeline, Well-Architected FrameworkEnterprise architecture framework expertise (TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent)Proven lakehouse / data platform modernization experienceAPI-first architecture for data integration and data productsAdvanced SQL and PythonStrong relational/NoSQL database, data warehousing, and streaming (Kafka) knowledgeHands-on ETL/ELT, data cataloging, metadata management, data lineageModern data orchestration toolsFamiliarity with enterprise AI/ML adoption: MLOps, model governance, scaling AI solutionsData governance and privacy regulation expertise (HIPAA, GDPR, FCC)Strong executive communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadershipPreferred QualificationsSalesforce, NetSuite, and enterprise application integration experienceExperience building Customer 360 platformsBackground in telecom, healthcare, or other regulated industriesCertifications: AWS Data/AI, Azure Data/AI, or enterprise architecture (TOGAF, Zachman)Location / Schedule / Comp100% remote, anywhere in the US6-month contract-to-hire