Principal Data Modernization Architect

Principal Data Modernization Architect

(Enterprise Data, Cloud & Legacy Transformation Technical SME)

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Work Model: Full-time Onsite

Employment Type: Permanent / Long-term Engagement

Language: English required

About the Role

Swiss Himmel GmbH is seeking a highly experienced Principal Data Modernization Architect to lead large-scale enterprise data transformation and modernization initiatives within a complex, regulated environment.

This is a senior technical leadership role for an expert who can design and deliver end-to-end data migration, transformation, and automation frameworks across cloud, hybrid, and legacy ecosystems. You will combine deep Python engineering, Azure data architecture, legacy platform modernization, and machine learning engineering to build intelligent, scalable, and secure enterprise data platforms.

You will operate as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and trusted advisor, guiding architecture strategy, developing migration accelerators, and leading engineering teams through highly complex cross-platform transformations.

This role is fully onsite in Basel and suited for a hands-on architect who thrives in technically demanding environments.

Your Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of enterprise-wide data modernization strategies and architectures

Architect metadata-driven migration frameworks using Python to automate schema discovery, transformation, reconciliation, and validation

Design scalable ETL/ELT platforms supporting multi-terabyte datasets and heterogeneous systems

Establish engineering standards, governance models, and reusable modernization toolkits

Drive end-to-end cloud and legacy platform integrations across hybrid environments

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams across architecture, development, and deployment phases

Collaborate with enterprise architects, security, and business stakeholders to align technical delivery with strategic goals

Azure Data Platform Engineering

Design and implement advanced solutions using:

Azure SQL Database

Azure SQL Ledger Tables

Azure Data Factory (ADF)

Azure Functions

Azure Storage

Azure Authentication (Managed Identity, OAuth, MSAL)

Build secure, high-throughput data ingestion, orchestration, and monitoring pipelines

Implement lineage, observability, and compliance mechanisms across the Azure data ecosystem

Legacy System Modernization & Migration

Lead complex migrations from Mainframe DB2, Oracle, and AS400 environments

Reverse engineer legacy schemas, business rules, and COBOL-based systems

Utilize SSMA for schema conversion and automated validation

Ensure end-to-end data integrity and reconciliation using cryptographic validation techniques

Develop automated validation, lineage tracking, and migration assurance frameworks

API, DevOps & Automation

Develop API-driven orchestration workflows using Control-M (Ctrl-M)

Implement GitLab-based CI/CD pipelines and Ansible-driven infrastructure automation

Apply DevOps best practices, testing frameworks, and infrastructure-as-code approaches

Lead Python-based engineering and development using Visual Studio Code

Machine Learning Engineering

Design, train, and deploy models using PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn

Embed ML-driven intelligence into ETL and migration frameworks, including:

Data quality scoring

Anomaly detection

Schema drift detection

Predictive migration planning

Operationalize ML components within Azure-native architectures

Your Profile

20+ years of experience in enterprise data engineering, ETL, and large-scale migrations

Expert-level Python engineering and automation framework development

Mandatory machine learning engineering expertise

Deep experience with Azure data services and cloud-native architectures

Proven experience modernizing legacy mainframe and enterprise database platforms

Strong knowledge of API engineering, CI/CD, and DevOps automation practices

Experience designing large, reusable ETL and migration toolkits

Excellent stakeholder management and leadership capabilities

Experience working in regulated or compliance-driven environments

What We Offer

Opportunity to lead high-impact enterprise modernization programs

Strategic, senior-level architecture role with strong ownership

Complex, cutting-edge technology landscape across cloud and legacy platforms

Long-term, stable engagement within Switzerland

Collaborative, expert-level engineering environment