Job Title- GCP Data Architect
Location - Basking Ridge, NJ or Irving, TX
** Unfortunately we cannot consider visa dependent candidates for this position**
Summary:
We are seeking an experienced GCP Architect to lead the architecture and delivery of large‑scale data platform modernization initiatives for a leading Telecom client. The role is responsible for defining end‑to‑end solution architecture on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), driving legacy data warehouse modernization (including Informatica, SQL Server, Oracle, Teradata to GCP patterns), and providing technical leadership across design, build, and migration phases. The architect will work closely with business stakeholders, data engineering teams, security, and enterprise architecture to define target‑state architecture, govern standards, and mentor delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and own end‑to‑end GCP data architecture, designing scalable, secure, and cost‑effective solutions.
- Architect solutions using BigQuery‑centric patterns, along with GCS, Dataflow, Dataproc, Pub/Sub, Composer (Airflow) as applicable.
- Ensure alignment with Client specific enterprise architecture and governance standards.
- Lead Teradata to GCP modernization/migration, translating legacy Teradata SQL, ETL, and workload patterns into cloud‑native designs.
- Drive data modeling and redesign where required to optimize for cloud performance and cost.
- Design conceptual, logical, and physical data models for BigQuery.
- Define and enforce partitioning, clustering, naming standards, and optimization techniques.
- Drive SQL performance tuning and cost optimization for BigQuery workloads.
- Collaborate with security teams on IAM‑based access control, data protection, and compliance.
- Define approaches for data quality, validation, reconciliation, metadata, and lineage.
- Translate business requirements into High‑Level Design (HLD) and Low‑Level Design (LLD) artifacts.
- Lead design reviews, mentor engineers, and provide ongoing architectural guidance.
- Support estimation, solutioning, and technical inputs for planning and executive communication.
Required Qualifications:
- 15+ years of experience in Data Architecture / Solution Architecture / DW Architecture roles.
- Strong hands‑on expertise in Google Cloud Platform, including:
- BigQuery (data modeling, optimization, cost controls)
- Dataflow / Dataproc / Pub‑Sub
- Cloud Storage
- Composer (Airflow) for orchestration
- Strong SQL expertise, including complex joins, window functions, and performance tuning.
- Solid grounding in data warehousing fundamentals:
- Dimensional modeling (facts & dimensions)
- ETL/ELT patterns
- Metadata, lineage, and data quality
- Experience working with large enterprise data environments and multi‑team delivery models.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate architecture trade‑offs to both technical and business stakeholders.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until May 23 2026
The annual salary for this position is between $130-175K 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.
The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
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.
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, state 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.
Disclaimer:
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.