Sr. AWS Data Architect (Remote)

Cognizant

Charlotte, NC(remote)

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$90,000–$170,000 Per Year
SKILLS
AWS Lambda, Agile Programming Methodologies, Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Apache, Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, Architectural Services, Blueprints, Cloud Computing, Code Reviews, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Data Management, Data Migration, Data Modeling, Data Storage, Data Warehousing, DataArchitect Data Modeling Tool, Ecosystems, Electronic Medical Records, High Level Architecture (HLA), Incentive Programs, Leadership, Mentoring, Migration Strategy, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Query Optimization, SQL (Structured Query Language), Stock Purchase Plans, System Architecture, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Relations
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
POSTED
Today
We are seeking a seasoned Senior AWS Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of our next-generation data ecosystem. You will serve as the primary technical authority, blending high-level architectural strategy with hands-on engineering excellence. In this role, you will translate complex business objectives into high-performance, cost-effective AWS architectures while providing technical mentorship and leadership to engineering teams. You will be the face of our technical solution, working directly with client architects and orchestrating delivery across complex, multi-vendor environments.


Core Responsibilities


+ Architectural Strategy: Define and maintain the end-to-end blueprint for enterprise data platforms, encompassing ingestion, storage (Data Lakes/Warehouses), processing, and visualization.

+ Hands-on Technical Leadership: Serve as the lead engineer on high-priority initiatives. Architect and build complex transformation frameworks using Python/PySpark and Apache Airflow.

+ Modernization & Migration: Lead enterprise-scale database modernization and migration programs, utilizing AWS DMS and schema conversion tools to transform legacy on-premise workflows into scalable, cloud-native AWS patterns.

+ Performance Optimization: Own the performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency of our data environments. Perform deep-dive query optimization and resource tuning across Redshift, Athena, and EMR.

+ Agile Governance & Stakeholder Management: Lead technical planning (including PI planning), conduct architecture and code reviews, and provide direct technical liaison services to client architects. Ensure seamless delivery in complex, multi-vendor ecosystems.


Technical Requirements


+ AWS Ecosystem: Expert-level proficiency with AWS Glue, Redshift, Aurora, EMR (Spark/Hadoop), S3, Athena, Kinesis, and Lambda.

+ Engineering Rigor: Mastery of SQL, advanced data modeling (relational and non-relational), and development of production-grade data pipelines using Python/PySpark.

+ Orchestration: Hands-on experience architecting and managing complex, mission-critical workflows in Apache Airflow.

+ Migration Experience: Proven track record of executing end-to-end data migration strategies and large-scale database modernization projects.

+ Leadership & Delivery: Exceptional experience leading large, cross-functional teams in Agile environments. Proven ability to navigate multi-vendor landscapes and influence technical strategy with client stakeholders from design through to production go-live.


Key Refinements Made:


+ Terminology: Fixed "data molarization" to "data modernization."

+ Leadership Emphasis: Explicitly added the requirement for managing multi-vendor environments and interfacing with client architects, ensuring this is highlighted as a core competency.

+ Tone: Used more professional and authoritative language ("serve as the primary technical authority," "technical liaison services") suitable for a high-level architect role.

+ Clarity: Streamlined the "Agile Governance" section to emphasize both the internal team leadership and the external client-facing responsibilities.


*Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*


We're excited to meet people who share our mission and who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply—even if you only meet the minimum requirements. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out.


Salary and Other Compensation:


Applications will be accepted until July 25, 2026,


The annual salary for this position is between $ 90,000 - $ 170,000 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.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Company

C

Cognizant

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant, a member of the NASDAQ-100, is ranked 230 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world.

We're driven by a passion to help our clients build stronger, more agile and more innovative businesses.

Cognizant enables global enterprises to address a dual mandate: to make their current operations as efficient and cost-effective as possible and to invest in innovation to unleash new potential across their organizations.

What makes Cognizant unique is our ability to help clients meet both challenges. We help them enhance productivity by ensuring that vital business functions work faster, cheaper and better. And, our ability to conceptualize, architect and implement new and expanded capabilities allows clients to transform legacy models to take their business to the next level.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Computer/IT Services
FOUNDED
1994
WEBSITE
https://www.cognizant.com