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Lead data architects at Thoughtworks play a key part in developing modern data architecture approaches to meet business objectives and provide end-to-end data solutions.
They take a technical leadership role in enabling clients and Thoughtworks teams to align on outcomes that support the vision painted by data strategists. They lead, with support, the design and architecture of initiatives which are key to the delivery of solutions to budget and timelines. They also guide and mentor delivery teams on architectural decisions to deliver to the solution agreements.
Job responsibilities
- You will navigate, with support, a data project's architectural concerns, enabling delivery teams to deliver on accepted standards within time and budget.
- You will provide client-facing technical leadership and guidance on topics related to data architecture, engineering, and analytics to advise clients on bringing their data strategy to life.
- You will interact with client counterparts from the enterprise architecture group to deliver, share, align and sign-off on key architectural decisions, trade-offs and ways of working.
- You will communicate both high-level and low-level technical details of data architecture to engineers and business stakeholders.
- You understand and can collaborate at the intersection of analytical and operational architectures.
- You will lead with support the technical design of data governance, data security and data privacy to fulfill compliance requirements.
- You will lead, with support, the incorporating of data quality frameworks and processes to address and fulfill requirements as set out in strategy and acceptance criteria.
- You will collaborate with sales and pre-sales to clarify requirements and design viable solutions.
Job qualifications
Technical Skills
- You have experience in defining and implementing different types of data architecture, analyzing trade-offs and can define technology stacks for different types of data architecture.
- You have exposure to designing application system architecture based on big data, artificial intelligence and related technologies.
- You have experience in building, maintaining and tuning data platforms, as well as experience in data warehouse design, data modeling, data monitoring and maintenance.
- You have experience with common design patterns, application frameworks and foundational/theoretical knowledge (i.e.: distributed systems, data intensive applications, etc.).
- You are proficient in common open-source distributed computing/storage technologies, including but not limited to YARN, Impala, Spark, MapReduce, Kafka and Flink, with practical project architecture experience.
- You have a good understanding of business and communication, collaboration skills, strong learning and summarizing abilities.
- You have exposure to defining, developing and enabling data-driven techniques, advanced analytics, ML/AI and data mining applications in enterprise.
- You have exposure to developing real-time and low-latency data streaming solutions.
- You have exposure to productionizing machine learning models and applying techniques, tools and processes.
- You are passionate about data infrastructure and operations, with expertise working in cloud environments.
Professional Skills
- You have experience influencing others and always advocate for technical excellence while being open to change when needed.
- You bridge product and technology by helping to translate business needs to software requirements.
- You have the ability to develop and execute a technical vision with a focus on business value.
- You will act as a mentor for less experienced peers through both your technical knowledge and ability to inspire a team to deliver extraordinary impact together.
- You are resilient in ambiguous situations and can approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
Other things to know
Learning & Development
There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.
Job Details
Country: USA
City: Chicago, Illinois
Date Posted: 10-15-2025
Industry: Information Technology
Employment Type: Regular
About Thoughtworks
Thoughtworks is a dynamic and inclusive community of bright and supportive colleagues who are revolutionizing tech. As a leading technology consultancy, we’re pushing boundaries through our purposeful and impactful work. For 30+ years, we’ve delivered extraordinary impact together with our clients by helping them solve complex business problems with technology as the differentiator. Bring your brilliant expertise and commitment for continuous learning to Thoughtworks. Together, let’s be extraordinary.
Salary
Benefits: https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/careers/benefits
The annual salary range posted is subject to many factors and may vary depending on experience, geographic location, job responsibilities, performance, skills and/or training.
Salary
$173,900—$278,300 USD
Thanks for your interest in joining Thoughtworks. A member of our Recruiting team will review your application as soon as possible.
In the meantime, check out our Consultant Life page to learn more about the extraordinary impact Thoughtworkers make on clients, the tech industry and each other.
Please note that we value privacy: all information submitted to us via your online application will be kept confidential to Thoughtworks.
