Apply for Databricks Architect

We are seeking a Senior Azure Databricks Architect to support a data modernization initiativeT. his role will lead the assessment and design of a migration from Azure Synapse to Azure Databricks, collaborating closely with the client’s internal data team and our Data Engineering team.

This is an onsite role requiring strong architectural leadership, hands-on expertise, and the ability to co-create solutions directly with client stakeholders.

Project Description

The architect will join a team supporting the client’s effort to modernize their enterprise data platform as part of a broader digital transformation. The objective is to design a secure, scalable, governance-first modern data platform that enables analytics, reporting, and future ML/AI use cases.

You will work alongside:

• A part-time PM/Scrum Master
• A full-time Data Engineer
• Oversight and QA from a Senior Architect based in Vancouver

The initial 6‑week planning phase includes:

• Establishing architectural foundations
• Defining governance and compute strategy
• Designing ingestion, integration, and data serving patterns
• Building an implementation roadmap and migration estimates

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Define the future-state Azure Databricks platform architecture.
• Develop system and platform architecture diagrams.
• Design workspace deployment models aligned with enterprise security and governance.
• Establish data ingestion, integration, and pipeline patterns.
• Define data serving architecture for Power BI, Spotfire, and analytics workloads.
• Create compute strategy and cost-optimized design approaches.
• Lead workshops and technical discussions with client SMEs and engineering teams.

Governance

• Design Unity Catalog structure and governance-first approach.
• Define naming conventions, security standards, and data access controls.
• Contribute to governance model for the modern data platform.

Delivery Planning

• Create phased implementation roadmap, backlog, and migration estimates.
• Define CI/CD strategy and development lifecycle processes.
• Document decisions, risks, assumptions, and requirements.

Role Requirements

• Extensive experience designing and architecting solutions within Azure Databricks in enterprise environments.
• Proven experience leading EDW migrations, specifically Synapse to Azure Databricks.
• Strong expertise in Unity Catalog, data governance, and modern data architecture.
• Hands-on capability to document architecture, develop patterns, and support engineers.
• Proficiency with CI/CD, DevOps practices, and modern development lifecycles.
• Databricks certifications strongly preferred.
• Must be located in Calgary and able to work onsite 5 days per week; parking will be covered.
• Ability to run workshops with senior stakeholders and translate business needs into technical designs.

Key Deliverables

Architecture

• Target Azure Databricks architecture
• System architecture diagrams
• Workspace deployment model

Governance

• Unity Catalog design & hierarchy
• Naming convention standards
• Data access & security model

Platform Design

• Compute strategy & cost optimization approach
• Pipeline architecture & orchestration patterns
• Integration architecture (Power BI, Spotfire)

Delivery Planning

• Phased implementation roadmap
• Development lifecycle definition
• CI/CD strategy

Project Artifacts

• Requirements documentation
• Decision log
• Risk register
• Issue log

Affinity Earn:

Know someone who’s great for this, or any of our open roles? Earn up to $4,000/year for each successful referral through Affinity Earn. You can also earn up to $50,000 for helping us find new clients. Learn about our referral program at https://affinity-group.ca/earn/ or browse our jobs & follow us at https://www.linkedin.com/company/affinity-staffing/jobs/

About Affinity: 

Affinity Group is a technology and business consulting and services company. We believe in creating long term relationships between clients and consultants that foster a mutually beneficial partnership. Affinity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

For more information on Affinity, please visit www.affinity-group.ca

Job Number: 13176