Data Architect Jobs in North Carolina
Data Architect jobs in North Carolina are in strong and growing demand, with openings concentrated in financial services, healthcare, and technology across seniority levels from entry-level data engineer through senior and principal architect. The heaviest hiring is in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham, where employers like Bank of America, Duke University Health System, and Red Hat maintain large technical workforces with ongoing data infrastructure needs. Cloud data platform design, data governance, and enterprise data modeling are the most sought-after specialties in the state right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This is a senior, client-facing onshore role requiring deep technical expertise, strong leadership presence, and the ability to independently drive architecture decisions across large, complex programs while managing distributed (onshore/offshore) engineering teams. A very strong expertise in working on Life Sciences Clinical R&D specifically Veeva CTMS is an important aspect for this role.
In This Role, You Will:
- Own and drive the enterprise data architecture roadmap across Azure, aligning with business strategy and long-term scalability goals.
- Architect complex, high-volume data platforms spanning batch, real-time, and streaming pipelines using Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Event Hubs/Stream Analytics, and Data Lake Storage Gen2.
- Lead enterprise data modeling efforts (conceptual, logical, physical) across multiple domains — supporting analytics, BI, and AI/ML use cases.
- Define and enforce data governance, lineage, cataloging, and quality frameworks (Azure Purview or equivalent).
- Own the security and compliance architecture — encryption, RBAC, Private Endpoints, Key Vault, data masking, and regulatory alignment (GDPR, HIPAA, GxP).
- Serve as the primary technical authority in client architecture reviews, steering committees, and executive presentations.
- Lead and mentor a team of data architects and senior data engineers, both onshore and offshore.
- Drive modernization/migration initiatives — legacy on-prem warehouses to Azure, or multi-cloud to Azure consolidation.
- Establish and govern CI/CD, IaC (Terraform/Bicep), and DevOps practices for data platform delivery.
- Own cost optimization and FinOps practices across Azure data services.
- Conduct architecture governance reviews, risk assessments, and design authority sign-offs (HLD/LLD).
- Partner with enterprise architects, security teams, and business leadership to ensure alignment with overall IT strategy.
- Evaluate and pilot emerging Azure data/AI capabilities (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, AI Foundry integration) and recommend adoption.
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in a client or Cognizant office in Wilmington, DE . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.
What You Need to Have to Be Considered
- 10+ years in data engineering/architecture, with hands-on experience in Azure data services at an architect level.
- Deep, demonstrable expertise across:
– Azure Synapse Analytics (dedicated & serverless SQL pools)
– Azure Databricks (PySpark, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog)
– Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
– Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance / Cosmos DB
– Microsoft Fabric (working knowledge strongly preferred)
- At least one implementation of a Life Sciences Clinical R&D project, either EDC, CTMS or eTMF implementation is required. Veeva CTMS implementation is preferred.
- Proven experience architecting Lakehouse, Medallion architecture, and modern data mesh patterns.
- Strong command of data modeling (3NF, Star/Snowflake, Data Vault 2.0).
- Advanced proficiency in SQL, Python/PySpark, and Spark performance tuning.
- Deep knowledge of Azure security & networking (Managed Identity, Private Link, VNet integration, Azure Firewall).
- Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or Bicep) and Azure DevOps CI/CD.
- Strong background in MDM, data governance, and metadata management tools (Purview, Collibra, or similar).
- Track record of leading large-scale migrations (Teradata/Netezza/On-prem SQL → Azure).
- Excellent stakeholder management — able to independently lead C-level/VP-level architecture conversations.
Applications will be accepted until October 14, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $88,000 - $160,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
This is a senior, client-facing onshore role requiring deep technical expertise, strong leadership presence, and the ability to independently drive architecture decisions across large, complex programs while managing distributed (onshore/offshore) engineering teams. A very strong expertise in working on Life Sciences Clinical R&D specifically Veeva CTMS is an important aspect for this role.
In This Role, You Will:
- Own and drive the enterprise data architecture roadmap across Azure, aligning with business strategy and long-term scalability goals.
- Architect complex, high-volume data platforms spanning batch, real-time, and streaming pipelines using Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, Event Hubs/Stream Analytics, and Data Lake Storage Gen2.
- Lead enterprise data modeling efforts (conceptual, logical, physical) across multiple domains — supporting analytics, BI, and AI/ML use cases.
- Define and enforce data governance, lineage, cataloging, and quality frameworks (Azure Purview or equivalent).
- Own the security and compliance architecture — encryption, RBAC, Private Endpoints, Key Vault, data masking, and regulatory alignment (GDPR, HIPAA, GxP).
- Serve as the primary technical authority in client architecture reviews, steering committees, and executive presentations.
- Lead and mentor a team of data architects and senior data engineers, both onshore and offshore.
- Drive modernization/migration initiatives — legacy on-prem warehouses to Azure, or multi-cloud to Azure consolidation.
- Establish and govern CI/CD, IaC (Terraform/Bicep), and DevOps practices for data platform delivery.
- Own cost optimization and FinOps practices across Azure data services.
- Conduct architecture governance reviews, risk assessments, and design authority sign-offs (HLD/LLD).
- Partner with enterprise architects, security teams, and business leadership to ensure alignment with overall IT strategy.
- Evaluate and pilot emerging Azure data/AI capabilities (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, AI Foundry integration) and recommend adoption.
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in a client or Cognizant office in Wilmington, DE . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.
What You Need to Have to Be Considered
- 10+ years in data engineering/architecture, with hands-on experience in Azure data services at an architect level.
- Deep, demonstrable expertise across:
– Azure Synapse Analytics (dedicated & serverless SQL pools)
– Azure Databricks (PySpark, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog)
– Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2
– Azure SQL Database / Managed Instance / Cosmos DB
– Microsoft Fabric (working knowledge strongly preferred)
- At least one implementation of a Life Sciences Clinical R&D project, either EDC, CTMS or eTMF implementation is required. Veeva CTMS implementation is preferred.
- Proven experience architecting Lakehouse, Medallion architecture, and modern data mesh patterns.
- Strong command of data modeling (3NF, Star/Snowflake, Data Vault 2.0).
- Advanced proficiency in SQL, Python/PySpark, and Spark performance tuning.
- Deep knowledge of Azure security & networking (Managed Identity, Private Link, VNet integration, Azure Firewall).
- Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or Bicep) and Azure DevOps CI/CD.
- Strong background in MDM, data governance, and metadata management tools (Purview, Collibra, or similar).
- Track record of leading large-scale migrations (Teradata/Netezza/On-prem SQL → Azure).
- Excellent stakeholder management — able to independently lead C-level/VP-level architecture conversations.
Applications will be accepted until October 14, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $88,000 - $160,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
See All 17 Data Architect Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Data Architect JobsData Architect Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Data Architect Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in data architect jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing enterprise data models and data warehouse solutions
- Proficiency with cloud data platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Strong working knowledge of SQL, data modeling tools, and ETL pipeline architecture
- Experience with data governance frameworks and data quality management practices
- Familiarity with financial services or healthcare data environments common to North Carolina employers
Data Architect Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a data architect in North Carolina?
Data architect is not a state-licensed profession in North Carolina, so there is no board exam or state registration required. Most employers in the state expect a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering, with a master's degree preferred for senior roles. Earning vendor-recognized credentials such as AWS Certified Data Analytics or Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer strengthens a candidacy considerably. North Carolina's concentration of financial institutions in Charlotte and research-driven employers in the Research Triangle makes domain experience in those sectors a practical differentiator.
Which companies hire data architects in North Carolina?
Employers hiring data architects in North Carolina right now include IQVIA, NVIDIA, and Infosys, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. North Carolina's mix of large financial institutions in Charlotte and research-sector and technology employers in the Raleigh-Durham area means active hiring is distributed across multiple industries rather than concentrated in a single sector.
Which North Carolina cities have the most data architect jobs?
Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham have the most data architect openings in North Carolina. Charlotte leads because of its dense concentration of major financial institutions and their enterprise data infrastructure needs, while Raleigh and Durham draw significant demand from the Research Triangle's technology companies, life sciences firms, and research universities that generate large, complex data environments requiring experienced architectural oversight.
Are there remote data architect jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, and more than most fields. Data architect work is largely design, documentation, and stakeholder collaboration, which translates well to distributed teams. About 50% of data architect openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly the role has been adopted into flexible work models. The portions most likely to remain fully on-site are roles tied directly to regulated financial or healthcare data environments where compliance oversight requires physical presence.
How can I get hired as a data architect in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving from a data analyst or database administrator role into an associate or junior data architect position once you have demonstrated experience building and maintaining data models. Large North Carolina employers such as Bank of America and Duke University Health System hire at the data analyst and data engineer levels as feeder roles. Building a portfolio of documented data models, completing a recognized cloud data certification, and targeting employers in Charlotte's financial sector or the Research Triangle's technology and life sciences companies gives candidates without senior experience a concrete starting point.
Where can I find and apply to data architect jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to data architect jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly from the listings.
See All 17 Data Architect Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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