We are seeking a seasoned Senior AWS Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of our next-generation data ecosystem. You will serve as the primary technical authority, blending high-level architectural strategy with hands-on engineering excellence. In this role, you will translate complex business objectives into high-performance, cost-effective AWS architectures while providing technical mentorship and leadership to engineering teams. You will be the face of our technical solution, working directly with client architects and orchestrating delivery across complex, multi-vendor environments.
- Architectural Strategy: Define and maintain the end-to-end blueprint for enterprise data platforms, encompassing ingestion, storage (Data Lakes/Warehouses), processing, and visualization.
- Hands-on Technical Leadership: Serve as the lead engineer on high-priority initiatives. Architect and build complex transformation frameworks using Python/PySpark and Apache Airflow.
- Modernization & Migration: Lead enterprise-scale database modernization and migration programs, utilizing AWS DMS and schema conversion tools to transform legacy on-premise workflows into scalable, cloud-native AWS patterns.
- Performance Optimization: Own the performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency of our data environments. Perform deep-dive query optimization and resource tuning across Redshift, Athena, and EMR.
- Agile Governance & Stakeholder Management: Lead technical planning (including PI planning), conduct architecture and code reviews, and provide direct technical liaison services to client architects. Ensure seamless delivery in complex, multi-vendor ecosystems.
Technical Requirements
- AWS Ecosystem: Expert-level proficiency with AWS Glue, Redshift, Aurora, EMR (Spark/Hadoop), S3, Athena, Kinesis, and Lambda.
- Engineering Rigor: Mastery of SQL, advanced data modeling (relational and non-relational), and development of production-grade data pipelines using Python/PySpark.
- Orchestration: Hands-on experience architecting and managing complex, mission-critical workflows in Apache Airflow.
- Migration Experience: Proven track record of executing end-to-end data migration strategies and large-scale database modernization projects.
- Leadership & Delivery: Exceptional experience leading large, cross-functional teams in Agile environments. Proven ability to navigate multi-vendor landscapes and influence technical strategy with client stakeholders from design through to production go-live.
Key Refinements Made:
- Terminology: Fixed "data molarization" to "data modernization."
- Leadership Emphasis: Explicitly added the requirement for managing multi-vendor environments and interfacing with client architects, ensuring this is highlighted as a core competency.
- Tone: Used more professional and authoritative language ("serve as the primary technical authority," "technical liaison services") suitable for a high-level architect role.
- Clarity: Streamlined the "Agile Governance" section to emphasize both the internal team leadership and the external client-facing responsibilities.
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Other employment-related information
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
