Senior Data Architect

We are seeking an experienced Data/Solutions Architect with 12+ years of overall IT/data experience to lead the design and execution of legacy-to-cloud data migration initiatives for our client. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in modernizing legacy SAS/Alteryx/SQL-based data pipelines into Python/PySpark-based cloud architectures, along with strong experience in building enterprise-grade semantic layers and data models. Hands-on knowledge of Microsoft Fabric is a mandatory requirement for this role. Base Compensation Range: 140,000 - 180,000 The posted range is the hiring range for this role — a subset of the broader range available to employees over time — and reflects base salary across our national hiring scale. Final offers are based on several factors, including the candidate's skills and experience, internal pay equity, work location, market conditions for the role, and the specific scope and responsibilities of the position. The top of the range is reserved for candidates who notably exceed the requirements; the lower end applies to those with less experience or fewer preferred qualifications. For positions based in higher-cost zones (e.g., California, New York, New Jersey), actual compensation may exceed the posted range; your recruiter will share specifics during the process. For more information on benefits and what we offer please visit us at https://www.exlservice.com/us-careers-and-benefits Key Responsibilities • Architect and lead legacy-to-cloud migration strategies, converting SAS, Alteryx, and SQL-based workflows into modern Python/PySpark pipelines • Design scalable, enterprise-level data models and semantic layers to support analytics, reporting, and BI consumption • Define and implement data architecture standards, patterns, and best practices across the migration lifecycle • Collaborate with business, data engineering, and BI teams to translate legacy logic into cloud-native, maintainable code • Lead solution design within Microsoft Fabric (Lakehouse, Data Pipelines, OneLake, Power BI integration, etc.) • Conduct architecture reviews, identify technical risks, and define mitigation/migration roadmaps • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data engineering teams during migration execution • Partner with stakeholders to ensure data governance, security, and performance standards are met throughout the migration Required Skills & Experience 12+ years of experience in data engineering/architecture roles, with at least 5+ years in a Data/Solutions Architect capacity Proven experience leading legacy-to-cloud architecture migration initiatives end-to-end Hands-on expertise translating SAS, Alteryx, and SQL logic into Python and PySpark Strong experience designing semantic layers and enterprise data models (dimensional modeling, star/snowflake schemas, etc.) Mandatory: Working knowledge of Microsoft Fabric (Lakehouse, OneLake, Data Factory/Pipelines, Fabric-based analytics) Solid understanding of cloud data platforms (Azure preferred, given Fabric alignment) Experience with data pipeline orchestration, ETL/ELT design, and performance optimization at scale Strong stakeholder management and ability to communicate complex architecture decisions to both technical and business audiences Prior experience in large-scale enterprise data modernization programs is highly preferred Nice to Have Certifications in Azure Data/AI or Microsoft Fabric Experience with Power BI or other enterprise BI/reporting tools Exposure to data governance frameworks and metadata management tools Location East Coast, USA (Onshore – flexible/remote within East Coast time zones) Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering 8+ years