Solution Architect - Data and AI

About the Role

Our client, based in Dubai, is searching for a seasoned Solution Architect specializing in Data and AI with strong expertise in Azure Data Platform technologies to lead the design and deployment of advanced enterprise technology solutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive enterprise architectures covering data ingestion, transformation, storage, analytics, as well as AI and machine learning workflows.
• Develop cloud-native data platforms primarily on Microsoft Azure, utilizing Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS), and Microsoft Purview.
• Construct scalable cloud ecosystems integrating Azure, Snowflake, and open-source tools such as Spark, Airflow, and Kafka.
• Create AI/ML platforms that encompass MLOps, continuous monitoring, and adherence to responsible AI principles.
• Define enterprise-wide architecture blueprints, data schemas, integration methodologies, and governance policies that align with business and regulatory standards.
• Deploy enterprise Azure Data Platforms focusing on scalability, high performance, and fault tolerance.
• Implement security, privacy, governance, and compliance frameworks tailored for data platforms.
• Design systems for logging, monitoring, observability, and alerting to sustain operational excellence and platform reliability.
• Lead architecture reviews, conduct technical workshops, and oversee design governance activities.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to teams specializing in Data Engineering, Analytics, and AI.
• Set architecture principles, engineering standards, and reusable solution templates.
• Promote data engineering best practices including CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure-as-Code, and DevOps workflows.
• Assess emerging technologies and recommend their adoption for enterprise solutions.
• Work closely with clients to translate complex business requirements into data-centric scalable solutions.
• Offer expert guidance on data strategy, architecture roadmaps, and frameworks to accelerate AI adoption.
• Support sales initiatives including solution demos, RFP responses, and high-level presentations.
• Forge effective relationships with both business and technical stakeholders.
• Ensure the integrity of architecture throughout the entire solution lifecycle from initial design to deployment.
• Architect enterprise data governance using tools like Microsoft Purview.
• Develop best practices, reusable resources, and mentoring frameworks for internal teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver secure, resilient, and business-aligned data platform solutions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, or related technical field.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including a minimum of 2 years in Data or AI Solution Architecture roles.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing enterprise-scale Azure Data Platform solutions with services such as Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Experience in designing data lakehouse architectures, optimizing analytics for large data sets, and using cutting-edge data engineering tools including Snowpark, dbt, Airflow, and Terraform.
• Strong skills in CI/CD processes using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Scala with experience in API and microservice-based data integrations.
• Demonstrated client-facing advisory and consulting capabilities with excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience across the AI/ML lifecycle including data preparation, model deployment, monitoring, governance, and implementation of MLOps principles.
• Knowledge of Generative AI technologies including Large Language Models (LLMs), Azure OpenAI, AI agents, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector databases, and AI governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with AI and data engineering frameworks such as Spark, Delta Lake, Kafka, Airflow, and dbt.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
• SnowPro Core Certification
• Snowflake Advanced Architect Certification