Location: Naas, Co Kildare
The Role
This is a full-time hybrid role for a Data Architect in our Data & AI Practice at Open Sky Data Systems in Naas.
You will be working on the latest Microsoft Data & AI technologies at the forefront of technological development (Fabric, Azure Open AI, AI Studio & Cognitive Services, etc). We are working closely with our colleagues in Microsoft to ensure our staff and our clients have the best and most modern technology stacks working for them and that means if you are not Microsoft certified already, you will be very soon working for us!
We offer clear career progression paths, ensuring our team members have opportunities to advance their careers, develop new skills, and grow into leadership roles. Whether it's honing expertise in Data & AI technologies, or taking on strategic responsibilities, we help you shape your career in the way that aligns with your aspirations.
Our Data & AI Practice
Open Sky Data Systems has a 20-year history in delivering Technology Innovation to our customers across Ireland, UK, Europe, and the United States. We have multi-disciplinary teams working across our 3 Centres of Excellence, Modern Applications (.NET), Microsoft Cloud (Power Platform), and Data & AI. We deliver projects that matter, whether it is working to reduce HPV cancer in Europe or reducing homelessness in Ireland, our projects create a positive impact on others.
Our Data & AI Practice works at the very forefront of Microsoft solutions and is partnered with leading AI institutes globally including Ce ADAR (Ireland’s Centre for AI) and the Alan Turing Institute (UK). We invest extensively every year in research & training, ensuring your skills are at the highest level so we can deliver excellence every time to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture: Design and architect end-to-end data and AI solutions leveraging Microsoft technologies such as Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure Open AI.
Technical Leadership: Lead the technical design, be directly involved in the build and deployment of data and AI solutions, ensuring best practices and high-quality deliverables.
Data Governance and Compliance: Implement data governance strategies using Microsoft Purview to ensure compliance with GDPR, NIS2, and ISO27001 standards.
Integration and Implementation: Oversee the integration of data from various sources, ensuring seamless data flow across the organization.
Strategic Planning: Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into technical solutions.
Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in Microsoft Data & AI technologies and apply innovative approaches to solve complex business challenges.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including data engineers, data scientists, and business analysts to deliver comprehensive solutions.
Documentation: Develop and maintain architectural documentation, data models, and technical specifications.
Proposal and Tender Support: Contribute to the preparation of proposals, technical specifications, and tender responses by providing input on data architecture and AI strategies, ensuring alignment with best practices and client needs.
Quality Assurance: Ensure the integrity and quality of data and AI solutions through rigorous testing and validation.
Client Engagement: Act as a technical advisor to clients, providing insights and recommendations on data architecture and AI strategies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Minimum of 3-7 years of experience as a data/solutions architect working with Microsoft Fabric or Azure Synapse Analytics for data ingestion, ETL/ELT workloads, data integration, Machine Learning, and Generative AI solutions in real-world projects.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines, with a solid understanding of GDPR and NIS2 to ensure full compliance in all projects.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail with excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams.

Must-Have Skills

Extensive expertise in architecting solutions using Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL scripting, and database design principles.
Advanced knowledge of Azure Data Factory, SSIS, and Azure Data Storage solutions.
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or C# for scripting and automation.
Proven experience in designing data warehouses, data lakes, and star schema models.
Proficient in implementing Dev Ops practices using Azure Dev Ops, Git Hub, and CI/CD pipelines.
Strong understanding of big data architectures, data integration patterns, and best practices.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to handle complex, unstructured data sets.
Deep understanding of data governance, data quality, and compliance requirements.
Experience in leading technical teams and mentoring junior team members.

Desirable Skills

Microsoft Certifications: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate, Fabric Data Engineer Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure Data Scientist Associate, Azure AI Engineer Associate, Power BI Data Analyst Associate.
Expertise in Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics.
Expertise and working experience in Azure ML, AI Studio, and Azure Open AI.
Expertise in Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Fabric.
Experience with Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework.
Creative thinker with the ability to innovate and provide strategic solutions.

What We Offer
You will form part of a high-performance team, working together to deliver projects of national and international importance, changing the way large businesses and governments work.

Incremental Increases in Annual Leave
Continuous Professional Development
Education Assistance Programme
Digital Doctor Service
Hybrid working
Company Pension
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Why Join Our Team
Open Sky Data Systems is a European challenger brand to the large global software consultancies, delivering innovation across Government, Transport, Environment, and Health sectors in Ireland and the UK. We specialise in transformative digital solutions that drive efficiency and enhance user experiences for our clients.
Our plan is simple: hire people who possess the expertise, experience, and motivation that we require, and then help them grow, develop, and achieve their goals.
If this sounds like the change you have been looking for, then apply today.