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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Data Specialist - **Company:** Caterpillar - **Location:** Mossville, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $128,470.0 - $192,710.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Big Data, Information Systems, Data Architecture, Information Engineering, Data Governance, Data Infrastructure, Dataspaces, Data Vault Modeling, Data Warehousing, Python (Programming Language), Meta-Data Management, Software Engineering, Enterprise Software Applications, Data Classification, Data Strategy, Information Technology, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 28, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/59894211-lead-data-specialist ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience) * Progressive experience in data, analytics, information architecture, or enterprise technology roles. * Experience leading enterprise-scale data architecture initiatives across multiple business domains. * Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, data warehousing principles and data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical) * Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise data strategies, roadmaps, standards, and governance frameworks. * Experience partnering with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technology teams to translate business strategy into data architecture solutions. Top Candidates Will Have: * Knowledge of Caterpillar's Power & Energy business, including products, customers, operations, and key business processes. * Experience managing work for a team of data engineers, providing direction, prioritizing deliverables, and ensuring high-quality, timely execution. * Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, etc.) * Demonstrated success leading large-scale data modernization, cloud migration, and digital transformation programs. ## Description We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect to define and guide the Power & Energy segment data vision, structure, and standards in close partnership with the Lead Data Engineer. This role is accountable for designing the blueprint of the data ecosystem-ensuring that data is structured, governed, and aligned to business needs. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking, data modeling expertise, and firsthand architectural guidance across modern data platforms along with strong business engagement and communication skills. What You Will Do: Data Strategy & Target State Vision * Map the current-state data landscape related to critical business initiatives, including systems, flows, redundancies, and gaps. * Define and maintain the future-state data architecture vision and roadmap aligned to business strategy. * Establish guiding principles for scalable, reusable, and governed data ecosystems. Data Modeling & Architecture * Build and maintain conceptual data models that define core business entities and relationships. * Guide the development of logical and physical data models in collaboration with engineering teams. * Ensure consistent application of industry-standard modeling techniques (e.g., dimensional, data vault) * Define canonical data definitions and promote reuse across domains. Solution Design & Engineering Partnership * Partner closely with the Lead Data Engineer to translate architecture into implementable solutions. * Provide oversight and guidance on end-to-end data solution design, from ingestion through consumption. * Ensure architecture decisions support performance, scalability, and extensibility. * Review and validate solution designs to ensure alignment with architectural standards. Cross -Functional Alignment * Build collaborative relationships with business stakeholders and cross-functional teams, ensuring requirements are accurately understood. * Possess strong verbal and written communication skills essential for presenting findings and driving alignment between technical solutions and business outcomes. * Function as a trusted advisor on data-related decisions and trade-offs. Data Governance & Standards * Ensure the right data sources are identified and leveraged for each use case. * Enforce alignment with enterprise data standards, governance policies, and security requirements. * Promote data quality, consistency, and lineage across the data ecosystem. * Define standards for metadata management, data classification, and access controls. ## Related Videos - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [Hacking Your Vacation: Using Data for Fun](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/585-hacking-your-vacation-using-data-for-fun) - [Harnessing the Power of Open Source's Newest Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1448-harnessing-the-power-of-open-source-s-newest-technologies) - [Data Governance in the Era of AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1622-data-governance-in-the-era-of-ai) - [Big Business, Big Barriers? 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