Data Architect Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a data architect. Feel free to use our data architect job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a data architect.
Who is a Data Architect?
A data architect is someone who is assigned the responsibility of designing, structuring, organizing, and maintaining data for a specific company or project. As an architect meticulously designs the blueprints for a building, a data architect meticulously maps out the structure and organization of a company’s or project’s relevant data. He or she may work for a single company, concentrating exclusively on internal data, or for a database company, assisting multiple companies with their data.
A data architect performs a variety of functions and is accountable for a variety of responsibilities. He or she is accountable for evaluating the use of data and connecting it directly to the company’s goals and practices in a way that produces measurable results. Someone in this position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of all critical data, as well as for understanding what data is critical and why. He or she frequently serves as a middleman, ascertaining the data requirements of a particular group and explaining the significance and utility of the data that is most pertinent to them.
Throughout a data architect’s career, he or she will use a variety of tools. Apart from basic databases, a data architect frequently creates what is known as a metadata registry. This is a database in the sense that it catalogs the available data rather than the data itself. A metadata registry can organize data on a much larger scale than a traditional database, as it is not required to store the data itself, but only to reference it.
Almost every data architect is familiar with data-oriented programming languages like SQL. SQL is a data querying language that focuses on retrieving data stored according to mathematical relations in an attempt to simplify a rather complicated system. Rather than storing numbers, SQL databases represent all types of data mathematically and sort them using mathematical tools. Additional data-oriented languages, such as XML, are likely to be used frequently by individuals in this position.
Data architect jobs are classified into four categories: design, implementation, customization, and support. A data architect is responsible for examining the data structure and designing the data infrastructure. The architecture of information technology is the organization of a system of data, relationships, and the rules that govern the computer system’s behavior.
System design is a significant part of the job of a data architect. A data architect is also referred to as a data modeler in this role. This skill set is required for systems with a large database. The data architect’s design role requires him or her to identify the critical tables in a relational database system. The inadequate design has a detrimental effect on system performance, reporting, and processing capabilities.
A full-time data architect is required for the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Multi-module or multi-functional systems are built on top of relational databases. These databases must be created on a per-installation basis. Additionally, ERP systems necessitate the existence of at least three instances or versions. Each of the instances for production, quality assurance, development, and reporting requires a distinct architecture that must be maintained by a data architect.
Customization of data architecture is extremely common, as very few standard solutions meet an organization’s requirements. When programming changes, patches, upgrades, or physical hardware modifications occur, the structure may need to be adjusted. Numerous businesses also employ data architects to optimize the database structure for interactive websites or content management systems.
Maintenance of any complex data structure requires ongoing support. Any changes to the underlying technology structure or the way the system interacts with the database tables may necessitate data architect corrections. It’s critical to understand that data architect jobs require a high level of skill and an understanding of how business requirements affect technology structure.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data modeling, statistics, or mathematics is required to qualify for various data architect jobs. Additionally, specialized training is required in data modeling, system optimization techniques, and the most commonly used ERP solutions. Data architects make extensive use of a variety of data modeling and structure management software tools.
The proliferation of data warehouses and business intelligence tools has increased the demand for data architects. A business warehouse or intelligence system is used exclusively to generate customized reports, data cubes, and other information to address specific business questions. Businesses typically begin exploring these solutions as their business system becomes more stable and users gain confidence in searching for more detailed information.
Data Architect Job Description
Below are the data architect job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a data architect job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a data architect include the following:
- Analyzing the current databases and data networks of a business
- Architecting data and combining existing databases
- Investigating novel data collection techniques
- Keeping the database secure
- Developing database standards to ensure the database’s security
- Communicating with senior management and stakeholders to ascertain their needs and objectives
- Evaluating their current databases and architecture to determine which changes, upgrades, and enhancements they require
- Modeling and planning database structures
- Coding and database design
- Assuring the security of all data
- Assuring compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and industry standards and regulations
- Monitoring the database and establishing feedback mechanisms allow for constant refinement and improvement.
- Creating and implementing database management procedures
- Researching new techniques, software, and products that could be used to enhance a business’s data-related functions
- Collaborating with marketing teams to develop prototypes before product launches
Qualifications
Education
Data architects must possess a bachelor’s degree. Computer science, computer engineering, and information technology are all relevant fields. Classes in database systems, data management, operating systems, technology architecture, and systems analysis are all beneficial for a career in data architecture.
Many data architects, particularly those aspiring to leadership positions and larger corporations, also hold master’s degrees in computer science or a related field. Additionally, an advanced degree can be advantageous when applying for teaching or research positions.
Training
The majority of a data architect’s training occurs during their education, whether through hands-on projects or internships. Employers may educate data architects about the company’s unique systems and requirements for them to understand how to apply their knowledge and skills in that environment. Additionally, data architects can attend boot camps and workshops offered by organizations such as the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals to gain additional knowledge about specific job functions.
Before applying for positions as data architects, many have extensive experience in the information technology field. To gain relevant experience, they may seek positions as data analysts, network or database administrators, or systems engineers.
Certifications
Data architects can earn a variety of certifications demonstrating their expertise in various facets of their job. The majority require independent study followed by an examination. Recertification within a specified period is required in some cases, but these requirements vary. The following are some examples:
- Certified Data Management Professional
The CDMP, which is offered by the Data Management Association, is a well-known certification for data architects. Certification is available at four levels: associate, practitioner, master, and fellow. Associates must have at least six months of experience, practitioners between two and ten years, masters at least ten years, and fellows of more than twenty-five years. To become a fellow, applicants must pass examinations covering the first three levels and be nominated by a DMA member.
- Certified Data Professional
The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals offers this certification for data architects. Candidates for this certification may specialize in one of the following areas: business analytics, data analytics, and design, data governance, data integration and interoperability, data management, data warehousing, information systems, data stewardship, enterprise data architecture, and data and informational quality.
- IBM Certified Big Data Architect
This certification focuses on BigInsights, BigSQL, Hadoop, and Cloudant software (NoSQL). The certification demonstrates the recipient’s ability to collaborate closely with customers to translate their requirements into a big data solution.
- Big Data Hadoop Architecture Master’s Degree
For data architects interested in concentrating their efforts on Hadoop technologies, this certification will teach them how to master real-time processing with Spark and NoSQL technology, as well as how to use Storm, Kafka, and Impala.
Essential Skills
- Industrial knowledge
Data Architects should have extensive knowledge of the industry, its trends, and competitors to solve problems efficiently. Capability to provide data for business purposes such as increasing customer satisfaction, identifying key performance indicators, improving products, making business decisions about growth and diversification of services, evaluating expenditures, and evaluating risk.
- SQL, Python, and Java programming skills
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a data architect’s must-have skill. SQL is a query language that is used to access and manipulate data stored in relational database models. SQL statements come in a variety of flavors, including Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Control Language (DCL), and Transactional Control Language (TCL) (TCL).
- Design Capabilities
Data architects should be able to create models that enable businesses to solve problems and users to access services. Authorized users should have easy access to data, and data elements should be well defined to ensure that they are correctly interpreted. Numerous design techniques should be used to ensure the data’s quality and integrity.
- Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning
Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, and Natural Language Processing skills are critical for Data Architects because they understand how computers and human language interact to solve data-driven problems. Additionally, they utilize clusters for data management and text mining.
- Communication skills
Data architects should be capable of positively communicating with and influencing their customers.
- Analytical skills
A data architect is constantly solving problems on both the micro and macro scales. Not only must they ensure the integrity of the smallest piece of data, but they must also ensure the safety, security, and organization of massive systems and bulk data. Identifying a need and developing, implementing, and troubleshooting a solution all require a meticulous and detail-oriented approach to each task.
- Multitasking and time management skills
tasks, establish and adhere to deadlines, and create work timelines. Because information technology is a fast-paced environment, data architects must carefully plan their time to ensure they fulfill all of their responsibilities.
How to Become a Data Architect
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree from a college or university is required to become a data architect. Data architects typically earn this degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or a related field. Complete coursework in web development, computer programming, operating systems, systems analysis, and technology architecture throughout your studies.
- Accumulate experience
Given that the majority of a data architect’s training occurs on the job, it’s beneficial to begin gaining experience. This can be accomplished through an internship or a position as an entry-level data scientist, data engineer, or solutions architect. It’s critical to gain experience, as many employers prefer candidates with three to five years of relevant work experience.
- Improve your technical abilities
Continue developing your technical skills as you gain experience through an internship or job in information technology. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the various data modeling tools, database management system software, and other related programs. You can enhance your related skills by reading professional books or participating in training sessions.
- Earn a credential
Completing a certification program demonstrates your commitment to the industry and your motivation. Additionally, these can assist you in receiving specialized training and honing your technical skills.
- Submit applications for open positions
Once you’ve accumulated sufficient education and experience, you can begin looking for open data architect jobs. You can conduct a search on a company’s website or a job listing website. Because data architect positions are available in a variety of industries, consider which one interests you the most and where you have the most experience. Prepare responses to some common interview questions as you apply for positions.
- Consider pursuing a master’s degree.
While a bachelor’s degree is required for data architects, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s. This is particularly beneficial if you wish to pursue a senior position in data architecture. Continuing your education can also assist you in developing a deeper understanding of data mining, machine learning, and big data.
Where to Work as a Data Architect
Data architects are employed in a wide range of industries. Financial services, healthcare, consulting, pharmaceuticals, higher education, and technology all fall under this category.
Data Architect Salary Scale
In the United States, the average salary that a data architect earn is $124,650 per year
