Staff Data Architect

We are seeking a Staff Data Architect to join our Data Infrastructure team. As a Staff Data Architect, you will own the architecture and long-term roadmap for Snowflake, define how it integrates with Databricks and adjacent data stores, and evaluate and pilot new features and cost-optimization tooling. You will analyze query execution plans, optimize clustering and partitioning, and guide engineering teams toward efficient schema and query design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the architecture and long-term roadmap for Snowflake, define how it integrates with Databricks and adjacent data stores, and evaluate and pilot new features and cost-optimization tooling.
• Analyze query execution plans, optimize clustering and partitioning, and guide engineering teams toward efficient schema and query design.
• Monitor warehouse consumption, adjust scaling policies, and eliminate idle/overprovisioned compute. Implement automation to enforce cost controls.
• Build dashboards, scripts, and alerts for proactive performance and cost monitoring. Integrate Snowflake telemetry with observability platforms.
• Establish metadata tagging for cost attribution, sensitivity classification, and resource ownership; align with compliance requirements.
• Create and maintain documentation, run enablement sessions, and coach teams on Snowflake best practices for query performance and cost efficiency.
• Assist customer success in triaging customers encountering database or query performance issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing sustainable fixes.

Requirements:

• 8+ years in data engineering or warehousing, including 5+ years of hands-on experience managing large-scale Snowflake environments (warehouse sizing, resource monitoring, query optimization, and security governance) in a production setting.
• Demonstrated success reducing query runtimes and eliminating bottlenecks through deep understanding of clustering, partitioning, caching, and execution plans.
• A track record of reducing data warehouse spend by implementing auto-scaling strategies, eliminating idle compute, and partnering with engineering teams to rewrite or restructure high-cost workloads.
• Expert-level SQL combined with proficiency in Python, Terraform, or similar for automation, monitoring, and orchestration of Snowflake resources.
• Strong background in implementing metadata tagging, role-based access control (RBAC) to support governance, cost attribution, and ownership.
• Deep familiarity with Snowflake integrations in AWS/Azure/GCP environments and with tools such as Databricks, Airflow, dbt, Keebo, and observability platforms like New Relic or Tableau.
• Proven ability to operate strategically and tactically, partnering with analytics engineers, data scientists, and infrastructure teams to align performance and cost strategy with business objectives while delivering hands-on, measurable results.

Expectations of AI Use in this role:

• Applies AI strategically, knowing how to use the right tools at the right time to solve problems or generate new ideas.
• Uses AI to accelerate feedback loops, test ideas, and make informed decisions faster.
• Applies both judgment and creativity when working with AI and understands its limitations.
• Demonstrates curiosity and initiative in exploring new AI tools and workflows relevant to their role.
• Has developed or shared AI-enhanced workflows, automations, or prompts with others.
• Brings a reflexive AI mindset and uses AI as a natural part of their process to iterate, research, and deliver better work.
• Comfortable working in AI-enhanced environments across writing, data analysis, content creation, or design.
• Regularly leverages AI tools such as Notion AI, Perplexity, Claude, Descript, Runway, Midjourney, or Microsoft Copilot i.e. to improve speed, clarity, or creative output.

Additional skills and experience we’ll prioritize:

• Experience with ClickHouse, ScyllaDB and other high performance DBaaS products.
• Experience with Temporal for ETL workflow management.
• Knowledge of data governance, security practices, and compliance requirements like SOC2 or HIPAA.