Lead Data Architect - Hybrid (Dallas or Houston, TX)

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect to support and drive the overall data architecture strategy for our organization, encompassing a cloud-based data platform, lakehouse, data warehousing, and the data infrastructure required to support our growing AI, advanced analytics, and business intelligence use cases. This critical, hands-on role will be responsible for designing and building scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions, establishing data standards, and ensuring data quality and governance for the enterprise. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in data modeling, data integration, and database technologies, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. 

This position will offer flexibility for hybrid work schedules to include both in-office presence and telecommute/virtual work to be based in either Dallas or Houston, TX.

Key Responsibilities: 

Data Architecture Strategy and Vision:

• Develop and maintain the overarching data architecture blueprint, aligning with business strategy, application architecture, and technology roadmaps.
• Define principles, standards, and guidelines for data modeling, data integration, data storage, and data access. 

Data Modeling and Design:

• Lead the design and development of reusable data products that meet the needs of various use cases, including GenAI/AI/ML pipelines, and reporting/BI.
• Ensure data integrity and accessibility. 

Data Integration and ETL/ELT Architecture:

• Design and oversee the implementation of robust and scalable data integration processes, including ETL/ELT pipelines, change data capture, and master data management.
• Ensure data quality, consistency, and timely delivery of data. 

Data Storage and Management:

• Evaluate and select appropriate data storage technologies (e.g., relational databases, NoSQL databases, data lakes, data warehouses, vector database) based on performance, scalability, cost, and security requirements.
• Design tooling and automation to support data governance operations, including data retention policies and data lifecycle management strategies. 

Data Architecture for AI and Advanced Analytics:

• Design and implement the data infrastructure required to support AI/ML initiatives, including feature stores, data pipelines for model training and inference, and access to large-scale datasets.
• Optimize data architecture for the specific needs of advanced analytical techniques. 

Data Architecture for Business Intelligence:

• Ensure N-tier data products are designed and optimized to support efficient and accurate business intelligence reporting and analysis.
• Facilitate self-service BI capabilities through well-structured and governed data assets. 

Data Governance and Quality:

• Collaborate with the Data Governance team to establish and enforce data governance policies, standards, and procedures.
• Design data quality frameworks, monitoring processes, and remediation strategies. 

Technology Evaluation and Selection:

• Evaluate emerging data technologies and trends, providing recommendations for adoption based on business needs and architectural fit.
• Conduct proof-of-concepts and pilot projects to validate new technologies. 

Collaboration and Communication:

• Partner closely with data scientists, data engineers, software engineers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to understand data requirements, translate them into architectural designs, and provide technical guidance.
• Effectively communicate complex data concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

Technical Leadership and Mentorship:

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the data management team that includes additional data architects, data analysts, data engineers, and other technical resources involved in data-related projects.
• Guide architectural decisions and ensure the quality and consistency of data solutions. 

Performance Monitoring and Optimization:

• Define monitoring strategies for data pipelines and data storage systems to track performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource utilization. 

Security and Compliance:

• Design data architectures that adhere to security policies, compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and data privacy regulations. 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BA/BS plus plus at least 10 years of experience in data architecture, data modeling, data integration, and database technologies or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Excellent collaboration, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.    
• Expertise in SQL, Python, and AWS ETL tools. 
• Understanding of data lake concepts and technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, data lake platforms). 
• Expertise designing and implementing ETL/ELT processes and data integration patterns. 
• Proven experience with a variety of database technologies (e.g., AWS S3 buckets, vector databases, SQL Server, Oracle). 
• Expertise in designing data architectures for cloud platforms (e.g., AWS). 
• Experience in designing data solutions to support AI/ML workloads, including feature engineering and data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field
• Is comfortable working in an Agile delivery model. 
• Familiarity with business intelligence and analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). 
• Solid understanding of data governance principles and practices. 
• Experience in a Fortune 200 or similar large-scale enterprise environment. 
• Familiarity with data security and compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to guide and mentor technical teams.  
• Industry-specific experience relevant to our business. 
• Certifications in relevant data management or cloud technologies. 
• Experience with data virtualization technologies. 

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position
• Sponsorship for US work authorization is not available for this position, now or in the future

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.