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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Azure AI Data Architect - **Company:** Perficient - **Location:** Denver, CO, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $82,000.0 - $178,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics Applications, Data Analysis, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing Security, Computer Programming, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Extract Transform Load (ETL), Data Warehousing, Software Debugging, DevOps, Systems Analysis, Python (Programming Language), SQL Azure, Cloud Services, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Data Lake, SQL Databases, Enterprise Data Management, Cloud Platform System, Azure Data Factory, System Availability, Large Language Models, Prompt Engineering, Apache Spark, Generative AI, Data Strategy, Microsoft Fabric, Containerization, Data Lakes, Pyspark, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Bicep, Azure AKS, Data Management, Machine Learning Operations, Terraform, Stream Processing, Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, Microservices - **Published:** August 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://fa-etqd-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/2026001874 ## About the Role * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. * 10+ years of experience in Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Analytics, or Cloud Solutions Architecture. * 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure. * Proven experience architecting enterprise-scale data platforms including Data Lakes, Data Warehouses, and Lakehouse architectures. * Strong expertise in Azure Data Services including Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL, and Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. * Experience designing and implementing AI/ML and Generative AI solutions using Azure AI Services, Azure Machine Learning, Azure OpenAI, and Azure AI Foundry. * Strong hands-on programming skills in Python, SQL, Spark, and PySpark. * Experience implementing Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, prompt engineering, and LLM-based applications. * Deep understanding of data modeling, ETL/ELT frameworks, data integration patterns, and real-time data processing. * Experience with cloud security, governance, privacy, and compliance frameworks, including Microsoft Purview and Azure security services. * Strong knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, or ARM Templates), and MLOps. * Experience leading architecture reviews, technical design discussions, and mentoring engineering teams. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage executives, business leaders, and technical teams., * Experience with Microsoft Fabric and enterprise analytics modernization initiatives. * Experience building production-grade GenAI applications and AI copilots. * Knowledge of Responsible AI, AI Governance, and AI Risk Management practices. * Experience with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), containerization, and microservices architecture. * Industry experience in Financial Services, Healthcare, Energy, Manufacturing, or Retail. * Consulting or client-facing architecture experience preferred., * Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional (preferred) ## Description We are seeking an experienced Azure AI Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of enterprise-scale data and AI solutions on Microsoft Azure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cloud data architecture, modern data platforms, analytics, machine learning, and generative AI technologies. This role will partner with business stakeholders, engineering teams, and leadership to develop scalable, secure, and cost-effective data and AI ecosystems that enable advanced analytics and intelligent business solutions. Job Overview The Solutions Architect is expected to be knowledgeable in two or more technologies within the Data & Analytics domain. The Solutions Architect may or may not have a programming background, but will have expert infrastructure architecture, client presales / presentation, team management and thought leadership skills. You will provide best-fit architectural solutions for one or more projects; you will assist in defining scope and sizing of work; and anchor Proof of Concept developments. You will provide solution architecture for business problems, perform platform integration with third party services, and design and develop complex features for clients' business needs. You will collaborate with some of the best talent in the industry to create and implement innovative high quality solutions, participate in Sales and various pursuits focused on our clients' business needs. You will also contribute in a variety of roles in thought leadership, mentorship, systems analysis, architecture, design, configuration, testing, debugging, and documentation. You will challenge your leading edge solutions, consultative and business skills through the diversity of work in multiple industry domains., Data Architecture & Strategy * Design and implement enterprise-scale data platforms leveraging Azure cloud services. * Define data architecture standards, governance frameworks, and best practices. * Develop scalable data lake, lakehouse, and data warehouse architectures. * Design robust data integration, ingestion, transformation, and orchestration frameworks. AI & Advanced Analytics * Architect AI and machine learning solutions using Azure AI services and Azure Machine Learning. * Design and implement Generative AI solutions leveraging Azure OpenAI Service and Azure AI Foundry. * Establish MLOps and AI governance frameworks for model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management. * Collaborate with data scientists and AI engineers to operationalize predictive and generative AI solutions. Cloud Platform Leadership * Provide architectural leadership for Azure-based modernization and cloud migration initiatives. * Evaluate emerging Azure Data and AI technologies and recommend adoption strategies. * Ensure high availability, scalability, security, and performance of enterprise data platforms. * Drive cloud cost optimization and operational excellence initiatives. Stakeholder Engagement * Translate business requirements into technical architecture solutions. * Present architectural recommendations and roadmaps to executive leadership. * Mentor engineering teams and establish architecture best practices. * Lead architecture reviews and participate in strategic planning discussions. ## Related Videos - [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Back(end) to the Future: Embracing the continuous Evolution of Infrastructure and Code](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/440-back-end-to-the-future-embracing-the-continuous-evolution-of-infrastructure-and-code) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Reference Architecture of AI in the Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1613-reference-architecture-of-ai-in-the-cloud) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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