AI Data Architect

Position: AI Data Architect (B2B / Freelancer Contract)

Location: Remote open to candidates based in the European Union, Serbia, or Moldova

Role Overview

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced AI Data Architect to join their global Centre of Excellence as a subject matter expert (SME) for Agentic AI Services. In this key role, you will lead the design and implementation of modern, scalable data architectures built on Microsoft Fabric and the broader Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring data is structured, governed, and optimized for AI-driven use cases.

You will collaborate with business, engineering, and cloud teams to establish an AI-ready data foundation that supports ingestion, transformation, and governance across enterprise environments. The ideal candidate is a hands-on architect with deep knowledge of Microsoft data platforms, strong leadership skills, and a passion for enabling organizations to transition toward next-generation Agentic AI capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the discovery, design, and implementation of enterprise-grade data architectures and pipelines using Microsoft Fabric.

• Guide teams in preparing and transforming complex data sources to be AI-ready for use in Agentic AI workflows and machine learning models.

• Collaborate with cloud engineering and business teams to design scalable data models and products using Azure Data Services, Power BI, OneLake, and Data Factory.

• Define and implement ETL/ELT processes to support both real-time operational analytics and large-scale AI inferencing.

• Oversee the setup of data governance, cataloguing, and lineage processes using Microsoft Purview, ensuring privacy, security, and compliance.

• Integrate and leverage Microsoft Fabric componentsData Engineering, Data Science, Real-Time Analytics, and Power BIto build a unified and modern data ecosystem.

• Develop robust data lakes, semantic layers, and data models that serve as the foundation for AI and advanced analytics.

• Translate business requirements into logical and physical data architectures aligned with AI enablement goals.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to data engineers and analysts on best practices in modern cloud data architecture and AI readiness.

• Ensure secure, reliable integration of data across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

• Promote the adoption of best-in-class data platform strategies, driving the organizations transition toward Agentic AI.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related technical field.

• 5-10 years of experience architecting and maintaining enterprise data solutions in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric.

• Proven expertise with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse, Data Factory, Power BI, Azure SQL, Azure Data Lake, and Purview.

• Deep understanding of modern data architecture principles: data modeling, ETL/ELT, data lakehouse, and API-based integration.

• Hands-on experience preparing data for AI, ML, and advanced analytics environments.

• Strong knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance practices in enterprise settings.

• Skilled in cataloguing, metadata management, and lineage tracking using Microsoft Purview or equivalent tools.

• Advanced technical proficiency in SQL, DAX, T-SQL, Python, or Spark (within Microsoft frameworks).

• Demonstrated ability to build scalable, high-performance data models for analytics and AI.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft certifications such as Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect, or Fabric Analytics Engineer.

• Proven experience leading data modernization or AI-readiness transformation projects.

• Familiarity with real-time analytics, data streaming, and Power BI-based enterprise reporting.

• Experience implementing governance and compliance frameworks in large-scale cloud environments.

• Knowledge of evolving Microsoft technologies related to Agentic AI and data automation.

Contract Type

• Engagement Model: B2B / Freelancer

• Location: Fully Remote (EU, Serbia, or Moldova)