Senior Data Architect in Calgary

As a Senior Data Architect, you'll lead the design and implementation of modern data platforms for enterprise clients across Energy, Financial Services, and Public Sector. You'll work directly with C-level stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable, governed data architectures on Azure, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Delivery (60%)
  • Lead data architecture assessments and gap analysis for enterprise clients
  • Design target-state architectures (lakehouse, data mesh, modern data warehouse)
  • Create detailed technical roadmaps with phased implementation plans
  • Architect end-to-end solutions: ingestion, storage, processing, consumption layers
  • Develop governance frameworks: data cataloging, lineage, quality, security
  • Lead discovery workshops and present architectural recommendations to executives
  • Mentor junior consultants and provide technical oversight on projects
  • Ensure solutions align with industry best practices and compliance requirements (GDPR, PIPEDA, SOC 2)
• Pre-Sales & Business Development (20%)
  • Support sales team with technical discovery and proposal development
  • Develop client-facing architecture diagrams and solution designs
  • Provide effort estimates and technical scoping for proposals
  • Present capabilities and case studies to prospective clients
  • Participate in industry conferences and networking events
• Thought Leadership (10%)
  • Contribute to Ripotek's knowledge base and best practices
  • Mentor team members on architecture patterns and methodologies
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and platform updates
  • Write whitepapers and blog posts on data architecture topics
  • Present at internal lunch-and-learns and training sessions
• Internal Projects (10%)
  • Contribute to Ripotek's internal IP development (accelerators, frameworks, templates)
  • Participate in hiring and interviewing candidates
  • Support development of training curriculum content
  • Participate in strategic planning and service offerings refinement

Experience Required Qualifications

• 8+ years in data architecture, engineering, or related roles
• 5+ years designing and implementing enterprise data platforms
• 3+ years with Azure data services (Data Lake, Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks)
• Proven track record delivering 5+ large-scale data platform implementations
• Experience across multiple industries (Energy, Finance, or Public Sector preferred)

Technical Skills

• Cloud Platforms: Azure (primary), AWS or GCP (secondary)
• Data Platforms: Azure Synapse, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Snowflake
• Data Modeling: Dimensional modeling, Data Vault 2.0, one big table patterns
• Architecture Frameworks: TOGAF, Zachman, or similar
• Governance Tools: Azure Purview, Collibra, or similar
• Programming: SQL (advanced), Python or Scala (intermediate)
• DevOps: Git, Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines
• BI Tools: Power BI, Tableau, or Looker

Soft Skills

• Exceptional communication skills - can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Strong facilitation skills for workshops and discovery sessions
• Proven ability to influence and gain stakeholder buy-in
• Experience managing client relationships and expectations
• Comfortable presenting to C-level executives
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Databricks Certified Data Engineer or Architect
• TOGAF 9.2 certification
• Experience with data mesh or modern data architecture patterns
• Knowledge of AI/ML platform design
• Prior consulting experience (Big 4, boutique firm, or independent)
• Industry-specific domain knowledge (Oil & Gas, Banking, Government)

What We Offer

• Work Environment
  • Hybrid model: 2 days/week in Calgary office, 3 days remote
  • Flexible hours (core hours 10am-3pm MT)
  • Modern downtown Calgary office with standing desks
  • Latest MacBook Pro or Surface Laptop
  • Home office setup allowance ($2,000)
• Growth & Development
  • Work on cutting-edge Azure, Databricks, and AI projects
  • Exposure to diverse industries and use cases
  • Mentorship from seasoned architects (15-20+ years experience)
  • Opportunity to contribute to training curriculum
  • Clear path to Principal Architect and leadership roles
  • Conference attendance and speaking opportunities
• Culture & Impact
  • Small team environment - your impact is visible and valued
  • Direct client interaction - you own the relationship
  • Collaborative, low-ego culture focused on client success
  • Contribute to training the next generation of data professionals
  • Opportunity to work on projects that drive real business transformation

Interview Process

• 1 Phone Screen (30 min) - HR and hiring manager
• 2 Technical Interview (90 min) - Whiteboard architecture design exercise
• 3 Case Study Presentation (60 min) - Present solution to mock client scenario
• 4 Culture Fit (45 min) - Meet with leadership and peers
• 5 Reference Checks - 3 professional references

Timeline: 2-3 weeks from application to offer