Senior Data Platform Architect

We are seeking a Senior Data Platform Architect to serve as a lead architect and guardian of our enterprise data infrastructure. This is a newly created, high-impact role aimed at bringing the architecture and management of our data platforms in-house, reporting directly to Clark’s Enterprise Data and Analytics lead.

In this role, you will be a primary authority over our data ecosystems and platforms. You will move beyond simply "managing platforms" to architecting a Unified Data Foundation through a combination of leading platforms like Snowflake, Databricks, AWS, Microsoft OneLake, and Microsoft Fabric. This foundation serves as the central engine that harmonizes data from across our business (Financial data, IoT and construction processes) to power our next generation of AI and analytics needs for 5000+ users.

This is an onsite role in our McLean, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Serve as the senior technical lead for the platform, establishing the standards for how the platform is architected, managed, data is moved, stored, and secured.

• Foundational Data Modeling: Design the "Unified Core" of our data creating the logic and common connectors that allow data from various sources to be combined into a single, reliable source of truth for enterprise usage.

• Complex Data Integration: Architect and maintain mission-critical data flows between disparate enterprise systems, and democratize data consumption to enable self-serve analytics

• Cross-platform Governance: Implement cross-platform governance and security, ensuring seamless data movement and "Zero-Copy" sharing across data storage and Data Lakehouse - For example - Connectivity between Snowflake Iceberg tables and Microsoft OneLake, integration of SAP Business Data Cloud with Snowflake and Databricks  

• Platform Modernization:  You will develop and maintain long-term roadmaps and drive healthy operating stats for data platforms for security, performance and availability. Advise and execute on continuous innovation that will include feature augmentation and selection of new technologies.

• Data Governance and Catalog: Establish and scale corporate data catalog, ensuring 100% metadata coverage and establishing clear data stewardship roles to improve enterprise data discoverability and trust.

• System Stability & Scalability: Lead high-priority infrastructure initiatives and upgrades, such as Snowflake upgrades and performance tuning to ensure a resilient, 24/7 production environment.

• Collaboration: Partner with business ensure the underlying data architecture perfectly supports advanced visualization and machine learning deployments.

Basic Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in data engineering, enterprise integration, or platform architecture.

• Hands-on experience working in a hybrid environment that leverages Snowflake or Databricks for its powerful cloud data warehousing, AWS Infrastructure, Microsoft Fabric (OneLake) for unified data mesh capabilities, and Talend, Matillion, Mulesoft (or similar ETL/ELT tools) for complex enterprise integration.

• You are equally comfortable discussing API integration patterns as you are writing complex scripts ( eg - python, lambda functions andSQL). You enjoy the "plumbing" and architecture more than the dashboarding.

• Deep, hands-on expertise in Data Lakehouse technologies like  Snowflake, Databricks  and  ELT/ETL technologies such as Mulesoft, Talend, Matillion, Informatica Cloud services is essential. You should be able to lead an upgrade or migration independently.

• You have a proven track record of solving scaled problems and building platforms that support 1,000+ users.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in supporting the adoption of AI/ML or other emerging capabilities.

• Expertise in Business Intelligence (BI) tools such as Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, or Looker.

• Experience architecting, implementing, and managing highly scalable cloud-based platforms (e.g., Azure Synapse/Fabric, AWS Redshift/S3/PostGres, Google Cloud BigQuery/Storage)     AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Validated foundational knowledge of AWS Cloud infrastructure, security, and compliance, with a strong grasp of core services including Amazon EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda to support business-driven cloud initiatives.

• Experience in a Project-Based Industry (i.e. Construction, Engineering, or Consulting) is a plus, but not required.

The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. 

The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work. While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.

Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our professional office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.

A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests. 

Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $140,000-$225,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.