Architect - Azure Data & AI
Coretek Services · Remote
Coretek is seeking a senior Azure Data & AI Architect to lead the design and implementation of enterprise-grade data and AI solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. In this role, you will drive technical strategy, architect complex Azure environments, and provide thought leadership to both clients and internal teams. You will be responsible for developing data and AI roadmaps, designing scalable architectures, and ensuring solutions align with business objectives and industry best practices. This role requires deep technical expertise across the Azure ecosystem, proven leadership abilities, and extensive experience in a client-facing consulting environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the development of Data and AI strategies and roadmaps, aligning technology solutions with business goals and driving digital transformation initiatives.
- Solution Architecture: Design and architect advanced Azure solutions integrating Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, Azure SQL/Cosmos DB/Postgres, and AI technologies to meet complex enterprise requirements.
- Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring best practices in solution development, deployment, and operational excellence.
- Systems Integration: Oversee the integration of Data and AI solutions with existing enterprise systems and processes, ensuring seamless interoperability, data flow, and security compliance.
- Data Architecture: Design and implement enterprise data architectures that support AI solutions, leveraging advanced database systems and ensuring data quality, governance, and security.
- AI & Advanced Analytics: Architect solutions leveraging Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, and Cognitive Services to deliver intelligent business capabilities.
- Project Leadership: Partner with Project Managers and stakeholders to manage complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.
- Team Development: Mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and technical excellence within the organization.
- Standards & Best Practices: Develop and improve deployment architectures, solution standards, and technical frameworks that guide organizational excellence.
- Client Engagement: Act as a trusted technical advisor to clients, conducting executive workshops, presenting solutions, and driving consensus on technical approaches.
Requirements
Required:
- 7+ years of experience in technical environments (Azure strongly preferred), with a minimum of 3 years in Azure solution architecture and design.
- Proven expertise in architecting and implementing Azure data technologies including Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, and Azure database systems (SQL, Cosmos DB, Postgres).
- Deep knowledge of AI technologies, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning Studio, and Cognitive Services.
- Strong programming skills in Python, with experience designing and implementing production-grade Data and AI solutions.
- Advanced knowledge of data management concepts including ETL/ELT processes, data warehousing, data lake architecture, and real-time streaming.
- Experience with Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, and Infrastructure as Code tools (Bicep, Terraform) for CI/CD and automation.
- Strong understanding of Azure networking, security, identity management, RBAC, and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including C-level executives and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
- Strong consultative skills with demonstrated experience partnering with clients in technical advisory roles.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
Preferred:
- Experience with event-driven architectures using Azure Event Hub, Service Bus, or Kafka.
- Expertise in distributed computing and performance optimization in Databricks/Spark environments.
- Experience with ML Ops practices and operationalizing machine learning models at scale.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and consistently deliver high-quality results.
- Azure certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Data Engineer Associate (DP-203), or Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102).
Why Join Coretek?
Microsoft Azure Expert Partner: Lead cutting-edge Azure Data & AI projects with direct access to Microsoft's latest innovations and technical resources.
Technical Leadership: Shape architectural standards and technical direction while mentoring the next generation of Azure professionals.
Career Growth: Expand your expertise through advanced certifications, conference speaking opportunities, and thought leadership initiatives.
Collaborative Culture: Work alongside top-tier architects and consultants in a supportive, client-first environment that values innovation and excellence.