Data Architect - Plano or Houston, TX

Job Title: Data Architect

Location: Plano, TX (preferred) or Houston, TX

Note: 5 days onsite — only local or nearby candidates will be considered

• W2 Candidates only

We are seeking a skilled Data Architect to join our Data Strategy Team and lead the design, integration, and optimization of critical data movement architectures across on-premise and AWS cloud environments. This role will play a pivotal part in enabling secure, scalable, and efficient data flows, data contracts, and integration strategies that support enterprise-wide data needs.

• • Design and recommend data movement architectures (e.g., API, data bus) that are scalable, secure, and capable of performing data completeness checks.

  • Lead data integration efforts, ensuring smooth data flows across multiple systems (e.g., System A → B → C) and overseeing end-to-end consistency.

  • Define and manage data contracts: identify critical data elements, secure cross-team agreements, and formalize data exchange rules.

  • Provide data mapping for entities being backed up and validate alignment with Systems of Record (SOR).

  • Review and assess data fields and schemas to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment across the enterprise.

  • Evaluate new and existing technologies using established data architecture standards and frameworks.

  • Provide ongoing technical guidance and mentorship to internal teams, contractors, and vendors.

  • Represent the Data Architecture team in technical governance forums and contribute recommendations for improving data architecture governance practices.

  • Work across both on-premise and AWS cloud environments to deliver integrated data solutions.

  • Analyze architectural options and conduct pros/cons evaluations to ensure optimal, secure, and scalable solutions.

  Required Qualifications:

  • Strong experience with AWS cloud services.

  • Extensive background in data integration architecture across diverse systems.

  • Proven expertise in designing API-based data movement and/or data bus architectures.

  • Ability to define, negotiate, and manage data contracts and cross-team agreements.

  • Experience in developing scalable, secure, and auditable data architectures.

  • Familiarity with data completeness checks and validation techniques.

  • Strong knowledge of both on-premise and cloud architectures.

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience integrating multiple heterogeneous data sources.

  • Experience participating in or leading data architecture governance bodies.

  • Hands-on experience evaluating and implementing new data technologies in enterprise environments.

  Additional Information:

  This is a critical onsite role with a focus on delivering enterprise-level data solutions. Candidates must be local to Plano, TX (preferred) or Houston, TX, and available to work onsite 5 days a week.

  TopTech Talent is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

  🚫 Third-party recruiters, please do not reach out for this role.