Principal Data/Cloud Solutions Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES: Kforce has a client in Baltimore, MD that is seeking a Principal Data/Cloud Solutions Architect to add to their team on a contract to hire basis. Responsibilities: • Establish and enforce data governance practices to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promote a culture of data stewardship • Stay current on emerging data technologies and trends and recommend innovative solutions that enhance organizational data maturity • Mentor and guide cross functional teams in designing and implementing data platforms that provide actionable insights for business users • Design and implement DevOps and DevSecOps strategies for data platform automation, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, automated testing frameworks, and security integration throughout the data development lifecycle • Collaborate with Cloud Engineering teams to architect resilient, scalable, and secure cloud native data infrastructure with a focus on automation, observability, high availability, and secure deployments • Drive FinOps accountability by developing and monitoring cloud cost optimization strategies, including cost modeling, usage analysis, and governance • Mentor and guide cross-functional teams in the design and implementation of scalable solutions-including data platforms-that deliver actionable insights for business users • Continuously assess and optimize existing data systems to improve efficiency, performance, and user satisfaction; identify and mitigate risks • Communicate data strategies and complex technical concepts • Evaluate and implement cloud-native solutions in Azure to support operations, monitoring, incident response, and cost transparency, enabling enterprise-wide scalability, resilience, and efficiency REQUIREMENTS: • Bachelor's degree inComputer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field • 10-years of experience in IT with at least 5-years in data architecture, data engineering, or similar role • Experience with Azure Data Ecosystem - Azure Databricks, Synapse, Data Lake, Fabric/Power BI, and Azure DevOps with the ability to architect end-to-end data solutions-from ingestion to analytics and visualization-that are scalable, secure, and cost-optimized • Knowledge of the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including services and tools such as Azure Databricks, Synapse, Fabric/Power BI, Azure AI Foundry, and Azure OpenAI • Expertise in data architecture, encompassing data modeling (OLTP and OLAP), ETL pipelines, data lakes, and business intelligence solutions. Proficient in both relational and NoSQL databases (e.g., SQL Server, MongoDB) and Big Data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka), with familiarity in data formats such as Avro and Parquet and architectural concepts like Data Lake, Data Mart, DataMesh, and Data Hub • Understanding of data governance, data security best practices, and cybersecurity fundamentals in cloud-based and enterprise data systems • Experience with defining enterprise-level data standards and implementing secure, compliant architectures • Experience with data profiling, data cataloging, and maintaining Data Dictionaries, using tools such as Erwin, Power Designer, or similar platforms for managing complex data model • Experience in DevOps or platform engineering within data platforms, including infrastructure automation and deployment workflows using tools such as Terraform, ARM templates, GitHub Actions, and Azure DevOps • Experience in cloud architecture, particularly in Microsoft Azure, including infrastructure-as-code, network architecture, monitoring/logging frameworks, disaster recovery planning, and cloud cost optimization using FinOps principles and tools (e.g., Azure Cost Management, Cloudability) The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave. Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. 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