Data Platform Lead -GCP

As a Data Platform Lead - Google Cloud Platform (GCP) , you will make an impact by designing, governing, and optimizing scalable cloud-based data platforms that enable trusted, secure, and cost-efficient data solutions. You will be a valued member of the Data & Analytics team and work collaboratively with business stakeholders, data modelers, data engineers, architects, and platform teams to deliver enterprise-grade data capabilities on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

In this role, you will: Define, document, and communicate enterprise data architecture standards, governance policies, security requirements, naming conventions, and framework guidelines across data platforms. Design scalable and resilient GCP data architectures that support growing business demands while maintaining performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. Establish data quality frameworks, backup and recovery strategies, and technical guardrails to ensure the integrity, availability, and security of critical data assets. Review data pipelines, storage solutions, and implementation approaches to ensure alignment with architectural standards, scalability goals, and cost optimization objectives. Partner with engineering and modeling teams to evaluate new technologies, address architectural challenges, identify bottlenecks, and recommend sustainable long-term solutions. Work model We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this position may be hybrid requiring 2-3 days from office in Davidson, NC. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. What you need to have to be considered

• Extensive experience in Data Architecture and Data Warehouse Design , including enterprise data platforms, data lakes, and modern cloud-based analytics solutions.
• Strong hands-on experience as a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Architect , with expertise in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing data solutions on GCP.
• Proficiency with Looker , including semantic modeling, dashboard development, governed metrics, and enterprise reporting solutions.
• Experience supporting and enabling Machine Learning (ML) workloads, including data preparation, feature engineering, ML data pipelines, and architecture considerations for AI/ML initiatives.
• Experience establishing architecture standards, governance frameworks, security controls, and data management best practices.
• Proven ability to design scalable, cost-efficient, and high-performance data solutions for large and growing datasets.
• Experience translating business requirements into technical architecture and communicating recommendations to technical and executive stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of backup, disaster recovery, data quality, and operational resilience strategies.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

This will help you stand out

• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect and/or Professional Data Engineer certification.
• Experience with BigQuery, Dataflow, Dataproc, Vertex AI, and other GCP data and analytics services.
• Knowledge of data governance, metadata management, and enterprise data modeling practices.
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies through proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and mentoring capabilities.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

3.83.8 out of 5 stars Charlotte, NC Hybrid work $125,000 - $150,000 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Paid parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Parental leave
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance, The annual salary for this position is between $125,000 - $150,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans. Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) plan and contributions Long-term/Short-term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.