Databricks Data Architect

Databricks Architect | Health and Life Sciences | 12 Month Contract | Remote (EU)

We are recruiting a Databricks Architect for a specialist data and AI consultancy delivering a large-scale migration programme for a major organisation in the health and life sciences sector. You will lead the design of the data architecture and strategy, defining how data is stored, consumed, integrated and governed across the organisation.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who values clean architecture over quick fixes. You will work closely with data engineers, analysts and business stakeholders to make sure the platform is scalable, secure and aligned with business goals. The team works with stakeholders in the US, so a little flexibility around working hours will help.

The details

• 12 month contract, with the client looking to take the right person on permanent afterwards
• Fully remote, working within the EU
• Occasional travel to Brussels, roughly once a quarter
• Start date: mid October

Key responsibilities

• Design and oversee the overall data architecture across data warehouses, data lakes and integration systems, with Databricks at the core
• Lead Databricks migration work, from target state design and migration approach through to delivery
• Work with stakeholders to translate business requirements into architecture solutions that support current and future needs
• Define and embed data management practices, including data modelling, metadata management, data quality and data governance
• Design access controls and data protection mechanisms to keep data secure and compliant with the regulations that apply in health and life sciences
• Optimise architectures for performance, scalability and cost across cloud and on-premise environments
• Guide data engineers, analysts and developers on architecture best practices
• Design and deploy Databricks Genie, working with governed data to support accurate, self-service analytics
• Create and maintain architecture documentation, including data flow diagrams, data models and system integrations
• Keep up with new trends and technologies in data architecture and apply them where they add value

Essential experience

• 6+ years of hands-on Databricks experience, with proven architecture and solution design capability
• 5+ years of experience in health and life sciences
• 7+ years across data architecture, data engineering or related fields
• Strong grounding in data modelling, ETL, data integration and data warehousing
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases, data lakes and big data technologies such as Spark and Kafka
• Working knowledge of data governance and data quality frameworks
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure or GCP) and modern architectures, including serverless and microservices
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, able to design and deliver complex data systems
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across teams
• Fluent English (essential)

Highly advised

• Hands-on experience with Databricks Genie
• Experience delivering Databricks migrations at scale

Nice to have

• Dutch or French