Senior Azure Data Architect

About the Role

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.

Work Model

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 Data Factory / Synapse Pipelines

• 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.

Salary and Other Compensation:

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.