Big Data Solutions Architect Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of data-driven decision making, the role of a Big Data Solutions Architect has never been more crucial.
As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and maintain our complex data ecosystems continues to rise.
But what exactly is expected from a Big Data Solutions Architect?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to design the perfect job description,
- Or simply fascinated by the world of big data,
You’ve landed in the right place.
Today, we’re presenting a fully customizable Big Data Solutions Architect job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Big Data Solutions Architect Duties and Responsibilities
Big Data Solutions Architects play a pivotal role in developing and implementing big data analytics solutions for organizations.
They use advanced analytical techniques and a deep understanding of data systems to help organizations process and use large sets of data to meet their objectives.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Understanding an organization’s requirements and devising big data solutions accordingly
- Designing, constructing, installing, testing and maintaining data management systems
- Ensuring systems meet business requirements and industry practices
- Building high-performance algorithms, prototypes, and custom data models
- Implementing data processing procedures to monitor data integrity
- Working with data scientists and analysts to improve data reliability and quality
- Designing and implementing data storage infrastructure
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and developments in the field of big data
- Collaborating with data engineers and IT teams to ensure seamless data access and security
- Providing technical supervision and guidance to a team of data engineers
- Documenting all procedures and designs for future reference and upgrades
Big Data Solutions Architect Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for an experienced Big Data Solutions Architect to join our team.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing and implementing complex big data solutions for our clients, including managing large data sets, creating cloud storage solutions, and working closely with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure optimal data delivery architecture.
The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of various big data technologies, such as Hadoop and Spark, as well as experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
Your ultimate goal will be to deliver robust, scalable, and reliable data architecture solutions that support business objectives and client requirements.
Responsibilities
- Design, construct, install, test and maintain highly scalable data management systems
- Ensure systems meet business requirements and industry practices
- Integrate up-and-coming big data technologies into existing data structures
- Develop set processes for data mining, data modeling, and data production
- Collaborate with data scientists and architects on several projects
- Develop and implement data architecture and strategies
- Interact with clients to understand their business needs and objectives
- Create custom data solutions to achieve desired business outcomes
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Big Data Solutions Architect, Data Scientist or similar role
- Experience with big data tools: Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, etc.
- Experience with relational SQL and NoSQL databases
- Experience with cloud services (AWS, Microsoft Azure) and understanding of distributed data processing
- Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Java, Scala)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- BSc or MSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Big Data Solutions Architect
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Data Architect or Data Management Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $140,000 minimum to $230,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Big Data Solutions Architect Do?
Big Data Solutions Architects work in technology-driven industries or IT firms.
They may also work as independent consultants, providing services to various businesses.
Their primary role is to design, build, and manage the information infrastructure required to handle large amounts of data.
They work closely with Data Scientists, Analysts, and IT teams to understand the business needs and translate them into big data solutions.
Big Data Solutions Architects are responsible for developing the architecture that helps analyze and supply data in the way the business needs, and to make business decisions.
They also ensure the data solutions are in compliance with the privacy and security regulations of the company and the industry.
Additionally, they conduct system performance tests and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
They constantly monitor the big data industry trends and technologies to update the system architecture as required.
Part of their job is also to provide technical leadership and support to the software development and data teams, helping them integrate their work into the overall big data solution.
They play a crucial role in decision-making processes related to the selection of big data tools and frameworks, implementation of data models, and establishing guidelines and best practices for big data use and storage.
Big Data Solutions Architect Qualifications and Skills
A Big Data Solutions Architect should possess a combination of technical skills, analytical abilities, and industry knowledge to design and implement big data solutions.
Key qualifications and skills include:
- Strong understanding of big data concepts, principles, and technologies, with the ability to design and implement big data solutions.
- Proficiency in big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases to handle the collection, storage, and processing of large datasets.
- Proficient in programming languages like Java, Python, or Scala for designing and building big data applications.
- Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret complex digital data, and derive insights to aid decision-making.
- Good knowledge of machine learning and data mining techniques, and their application in big data scenarios.
- Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and address any issues that arise during the design, development, and deployment stages of big data solutions.
- Effective communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, clearly articulate system designs, and provide technical guidance to teams.
- Ability to work collaboratively with data scientists, data engineers, and other team members in cross-functional teams.
- Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for deploying big data solutions.
- Understanding of data security and privacy principles, and designing solutions that comply with these.
Big Data Solutions Architect Experience Requirements
Big Data Solutions Architects typically require at least 5 to 7 years of experience in the field of big data, data science, or data engineering.
This could include experience in roles such as Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or Big Data Developer.
Candidates often gain foundational experience through positions that involve working with large data sets, developing algorithms, and using advanced statistical techniques.
In these roles, they can develop an understanding of data management principles, gain experience using data visualization tools, and learn how to handle complex data-related problems.
Furthermore, having at least 3 years of experience specifically in designing and deploying big data solutions using technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, or AWS is often required.
Candidates with over 7 years of experience in the field may have developed leadership skills and be suited for senior or managerial roles.
They are usually proficient in understanding business needs, translating them into technical requirements, and developing effective data architectures.
Certifications such as the AWS Certified Big Data Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate, or Google Professional Data Engineer certification can also serve to highlight a candidate’s experience and expertise in the field.
Big Data Solutions Architect Education and Training Requirements
Big Data Solutions Architects typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, or a related field.
Advanced knowledge in big data technologies, like Hadoop and Spark, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala is essential.
A master’s degree in data science, data analytics, or relevant field is often preferred.
This advanced degree can provide a deeper understanding of algorithms, data structures, and data processing.
Certifications related to big data or specific technologies can also be beneficial.
These could include certified data management professional (CDMP), certified information systems security professional (CISSP), or certificates from big data tool providers like Cloudera or Hortonworks.
Work experience in data analysis, data warehousing, or a related field is usually required.
Experience with cloud services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud can be an added advantage.
Like other IT professionals, Big Data Solutions Architects should be committed to ongoing learning due to the rapidly changing nature of technology.
They may need to continuously update their skills and knowledge through workshops, seminars, and further education.
Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership are also important as Big Data Solutions Architects often work in a team environment and need to explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
Big Data Solutions Architect Salary Expectations
A Big Data Solutions Architect earns an average salary of $139,840 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may differ based on the individual’s experience, level of education, company size, and geographical location.
Big Data Solutions Architect Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Big Data Solutions Architect need?
Big Data Solutions Architects need a deep understanding of big data tools and technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases.
They should have strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and transform it into usable information.
Familiarity with cloud platforms, machine learning, and data visualization tools is also important.
Besides technical skills, they should have good communication skills to interact with various stakeholders and explain complex data concepts in layman’s terms.
Do Big Data Solutions Architects require specific qualifications or degrees?
Most companies require Big Data Solutions Architects to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
A master’s degree in data science or a related field can be an added advantage.
Certifications in big data technologies like Hadoop or cloud platforms like AWS can also be beneficial.
What should you look for in a Big Data Solutions Architect resume?
Look for extensive experience in designing and implementing big data solutions.
Knowledge of big data tools and technologies, programming languages (like Java or Python), and cloud platforms should be clearly listed.
Experience in data modeling, ETL development, and data warehousing is also desirable.
Additionally, check for any certifications related to big data or cloud platforms.
What qualities make a good Big Data Solutions Architect?
A good Big Data Solutions Architect should have a problem-solving mindset with a strong focus on data-driven decision making.
They should be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
They must stay updated with the latest trends in big data technologies and be able to innovate and adapt to changing business needs.
Is it difficult to hire a Big Data Solutions Architect?
Hiring a Big Data Solutions Architect can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.
The candidate should not only have deep technical knowledge but also understand business needs and be able to design solutions accordingly.
There is a high demand for these professionals, and it’s important to offer competitive salaries, exciting projects, and opportunities for growth to attract top talent.
Conclusion
And so, we’ve arrived at the end.
In today’s discussion, we’ve unraveled the complexities of the role of a Big Data Solutions Architect.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about managing and analyzing data.
It’s about conceptualizing and designing the digital future, one data solution at a time.
With our go-to Big Data Solutions Architect job description template and actual job scenario illustrations, you’re now ready to step up.
But why halt your progress here?
Immerse yourself more with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool to creating meticulously designed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Keep in mind:
Every data solution is a piece of a larger puzzle.
Let’s construct that future. Together.
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