Principal Data Architect (AI)

TL;DR

Principal Data Architect (AI): Providing strategic guidance and long-term vision for data and AI solutions with an accent on platform modernization, governance, and real-time architectures. Focus on designing sophisticated data architectures, leading pre-sales activities, and operationalizing AI projects from prototype to production.

Location: Schlieren, Switzerland (Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from home).

Company

Zühlke is a global innovation and transformation partner founded in 1968, specializing in tech strategy, digital solutions, and systems engineering across complex, regulated industries.

What you will do

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, leading design sessions, architecture reviews, and proof-of-concept projects.
• Drive pre-sales and sales activities to create compelling visions for data strategy, modernization, and governance.
• Design sophisticated architectures for data and AI projects and lead implementation teams.
• Apply rigorous methodology, including agile DevOps and DataOps practices, to ensure delivery success.
• Operationalize AI projects, ensuring traceability, transparency, and reproducibility for compliant production environments.
• Promote thought leadership in AI and data technologies while mentoring and growing talent.

Requirements

• Technical degree in Computer Science or a comparable field.
• Proficiency in German and English (C1 level) is essential for management-level communication.
• Deep expertise in AI and data solutions with proven experience in agile software architecture.
• Proven experience leading technical pre-sales activities and bid management.
• Strong proficiency across cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) and data platforms (Databricks, Snowflake).
• Experience with distributed processing, data modeling, API design, containerization, and data governance.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working hours and a healthy work-life blend with remote work options.
• Profit share scheme based on company success.
• Global, diverse community with annual team camps and inclusive culture.
• Strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning.