Principal Architect – Data & AI

About the job

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Data & AI Principal Architect to lead a newly formed practice in selling services as well as promoting Ascends Data Intelligence Platform Accelerator. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to sell and develop world-class Data and AI solutions, leading with Databricks technology but also selling and implementing Azure and AWS analytic services. Your expertise in Databricks, Azure, or AWS with a combination of AI technologies will drive the success of our practice, team growth, an ever-evolving accelerator solution, and ensuring they meet strategic business goals and customer needs.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of data platform accelerators as service delivery solution to our customers.
• Continuously improve service delivery to ensure ROI for our customers.
• Create strategies and execute on plans to achieve revenue and bookings targets
• Support account planning process with sales operations and Account Managers to drive opportunities in key accounts
• Create and maintain a library of internal demos to showcase the capabilities of our data and AI solutions.
• Guide and lead strategic initiatives to grow the practice with the Director of Data & AI
• Collaborate with our marketing department for external initiatives, such as webinars, blogs, events and industry conferences.
• Engage with external customer and partner communities (e.g. Databricks/Fabric) and be an ambassador for the Ascend brand
• Host presentations and/or education sessions as required
• Monitor key project delivery performance metrics to ensure project success and continuous improvement.
• Other ad hoc duties as assigned by leadership.
  
  

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

Must-Have Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of network security and data protection
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Relevant certifications (e.g. Databricks, Fabric, Azure, and/or AI/ML)
  
  

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of network security and data protection
• Strong skillset in both Python and SQL
• Proven experience in product development, particularly in data and AI technologies.
• Proficiency in Data platforms end-to-end like Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, AWS Analytics or similar.
• Strong expertise in the Databricks platform is preferred.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with machine learning frameworks and tools.
• Experience with a secondary cloud platform (e.g., Azure, AWS) or multi-cloud/hybrid environments
• Technical sales experience
• Other certifications such as PMP, Agile, CompTIA
• Other programming/scripting languages such as Java, C#, DAX, PowerFX