Sr. AWS Data Architect (Remote), Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

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.

Core Responsibilities

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.

*Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply—even if you only meet the minimum requirements. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until July 25, 2026,

The annual salary for this position is between $ 90,000 - $ 170,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Over Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is een bouwer van AI-oplossingen en een leverancier van technologiediensten. Wij slaan de brug tussen AI-investeringen en ondernemingswaarde door het bouwen van full-stack AI-oplossingen voor onze klanten. Onze diepgaande kennis van sectoren, processen en engineering stelt ons in staat om de unieke context van een organisatie te verankeren in technologische systemen. Deze systemen versterken het menselijk potentieel, realiseren tastbare resultaten en geven wereldwijde ondernemingen een voorsprong in een snel veranderende wereld. Ontdek hoe op cognizant.ai of @cognizant.

Aanvullende arbeidsinformatie
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Cognizant is een werkgever die gelijke kansen biedt. Je sollicitatie en kandidatuur worden niet beoordeeld op basis van ras, huidskleur, geslacht, religie, levensovertuiging, seksuele geaardheid, genderidentiteit, nationale afkomst, handicap, genetische informatie, zwangerschap, veteranenstatus of enige andere eigenschap die wordt beschermd door federale, regionale of lokale wetgeving.