At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of innovative data solutions using modern lakehouse architectures.
- Company: Join a Microsoft Solutions Partner recognised for positive change and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of data transformation and make a real impact in various sectors.
- Qualifications: Expertise in lakehouse architectures, data engineering, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change. Our Microsoft data expertise, specialist sector knowledge, and innovative advice are some of the reasons clients choose to work with us. Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from both the public and private sectors harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide a full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey, from advisory support and data strategy to developing Data & AI solutions and providing managed services.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure, and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure. We also hold Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure), Digital & App Innovation (Azure), Infrastructure (Azure), and Security. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. Additionally, we are a Databricks partner and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.
With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK, we champion creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the workplace.
The Role
We’re looking for a Principal Architect to spearhead innovative data and analytics solutions, with an emphasis on modern lakehouse architectures. You will be the go-to expert guiding our delivery teams on best practices, frameworks, and accelerators, ensuring everything we do is consistent and high quality. This is a hands-on leadership position where you will blend big-picture technical strategy with hands-on technical delivery. Expect to design large-scale enterprise solutions, mentor the team, and serve as a reliable advisor to clients as they transform their data landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Solution Design: Architect and roll out sophisticated data and analytics platforms using lakehouse architectures on tools like Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.
- Drive Engineering Standards: Define and implement coding guidelines, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps approaches, and reusable templates.
- Hands-On Technical Delivery: Build secure, governed lakehouse environments, prioritising data privacy, security, and robust governance.
- Platform Mastery: Dive deep into leading lakehouse tech, including Databricks (with Delta Lake and Unity Catalog) and Microsoft Fabric.
- Mentor and Support Teams: Guide delivery teams, tackle tricky problems, and enable colleagues to level up their skills.
- Client Guidance: Be the strategic tech voice for clients, running workshops and bolstering pre-sales efforts with solid technical insight.
- Data Architecture: Implement medallion architectures to organise data effectively, boosting reliability, speed, and readiness for analytics.
Skills and Attributes Required
- In-depth knowledge of modern lakehouse architectures and key data platforms, particularly Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.
- Track record in solution architecture for enterprise data and analytics projects.
- Solid grasp of data engineering, including pipelines (ETL/ELT, streaming, batch) and integration methods.
- Proficiency in software engineering basics, DevOps, and automation tools (Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions).
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure for scalable cloud data solutions.
- Strong skills in Python, SQL, and Spark for data processing and optimisation.
- Excellent communication skills to break down complex tech ideas into straightforward terms.
- A team-oriented approach with a genuine enthusiasm for pushing boundaries and sharing best practices.
Advantageous Qualifications and Skills
- Experience prepping lakehouse platforms for AI/ML tasks, such as feature engineering, model training, or integrating with generative AI.
- Familiarity with AI/ML tools (e.g., MLflow in Databricks, experiments in Fabric, or Azure ML integration).
- Background in troubleshooting data quality issues, performance tuning, or cloud migrations.
Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.
Principal Architect employer: Simpson Associates
Contact Detail:
Simpson Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you share insights on lakehouse architectures and data solutions. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field, making you more attractive to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to data architecture and analytics. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and technical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to transform data into actionable insights.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with lakehouse architectures and data platforms like Databricks and Microsoft Fabric. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of transforming data into actionable insights!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on detailing your hands-on experience with data engineering, coding standards, and DevOps practices. We’re looking for someone who can blend strategy with technical delivery, so let us know how you’ve done this in past roles.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, we value excellent communication skills! When writing your application, break down complex tech concepts into simple terms. This will show us that you can effectively guide clients and mentor teams, which is key for the Principal Architect role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Associates
✨Know Your Lakehouse Architecture
Make sure you brush up on modern lakehouse architectures, especially Databricks and Microsoft Fabric. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past projects and how they can drive data transformation for clients.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of your hands-on technical delivery. Highlight any large-scale enterprise solutions you've designed and how you ensured data privacy and security in those environments.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
Practice breaking down complex technical concepts into straightforward terms. This will be crucial when discussing your strategies with clients or mentoring team members during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your collaborative approach and enthusiasm for mentoring others. Share instances where you've helped colleagues tackle tricky problems or level up their skills, as this aligns with the role's responsibilities.