Principal Data Solutions Architect

Job Summary:

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Data Solutions Architect with extensive experience in enterprise data architecture transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, and modern software delivery, specifically within Financial Services and Capital Markets. Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will define and drive technical strategy across complex client engagements, leading mission-critical discovery, solution architecture, and delivery governance for enterprise-scale data transformation initiatives. This role will be critical to building a Data Architecture practice within the Digital Solutions Group as Oteemo continues to grow.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to client senior business and technology leaders, guiding them through comprehensive transformation of legacy data ecosystems, orchestrating complex migrations from obsolete platforms (i.e. Sybase, Oracle, and mainframe systems) to modern, cloud-native architectures, and implementing sophisticated AI solutions to drive measurable business outcomes. Your scope encompasses senior-level relationship management, solution architecture, and strategic development of our firm's market-leading capabilities in the financial sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve as the primary technical advisor for enterprise-wide data strategy and transformation roadmaps, with particular emphasis on migrations from legacy database platforms to modern cloud-native architectures.

Lead client workshops, discovery, and planning sessions with senior stakeholders including CTOs, CDOs, and VPs of Engineering to align technology vision with business transformation goals.

Establish trusted advisor relationships through exceptional communication skills, deep industry knowledge, and ability to translate complex technical concepts into tangible business outcomes.

Develop and present compelling business cases for major transformation initiatives, including ROI analysis and risk mitigation strategies.

Complex Transformation Leadership:

Architect and oversee enterprise-scale migrations from legacy platforms (i.e. Sybase, DB2, Oracle) to modern data ecosystems (i.e. Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/Azure/GCP native services).

Design and govern implementation of real-time, cloud-native data platforms supporting mission-critical functions including trading, risk management, compliance, and customer analytics.

Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that enhance our data practice capabilities.

Lead regulatory compliance transformations for evolving frameworks (i.e. Basel IV, FRTB, ESG reporting) through intelligent data architecture and automated compliance solutions.

Orchestrate integration of AI/ML capabilities into core financial workflows, ensuring proper governance, explainability, and regulatory alignment.

Technical Sales & Pre-Sales Support:

Own the technical sales cycle for financial services engagements, including complex RFP responses, architecture diagrams, LOEs, and client presentations.

Partner with business development teams to identify opportunities, craft data and AI-driven value propositions, and influence key decision-makers.

Lead technical discovery sessions and proof-of-concept initiatives to demonstrate value and build client confidence.

Qualifications:

10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise data architecture (including data readiness for AI), and transformation delivery with a focus on financial services or capital markets.

Proven track record in leading large-scale legacy data transformation initiatives, specifically migrations from Sybase, Oracle, or mainframe environments to modern cloud-native architectures.

Expert knowledge of data modeling (i.e. Erwin, ER/Studio, PowerDesigner), database technologies (i.e. Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB), and data integration patterns.

Experience with streaming data platforms (i.e. Kafka, Kinesis, Pulsar, Flink).

Expertise in ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools such as Apache NiFi, Talend, and Informatica.

Experience with modern data warehousing solutions like Snowflake, Redshift, and BigQuery.

Understanding of data governance frameworks and tools like Collibra and Alation.

Skills in designing and implementing RESTful APIs and microservices architecture.

Extensive experience in financial data modernization.

Comprehensive knowledge of financial data standards, protocols, and regulatory requirements (i.e. FRTB, BCBS, MiFID II, CCAR, GDPR, CCPA).

Demonstrated leadership of customer-facing transformation programs with direct senior stakeholder engagement and management.

Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, from technical specialists to senior executives.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience at a consulting firm or investment bank in a senior technology role.

Industry certifications in cloud architecture, data governance, or AI technologies.

Published thought leadership or speaking engagements at industry forums.

Domain expertise in specific financial sectors (investment banking, asset management, insurance, or market infrastructure).