Lead Data Architect (Fintech)

TL;DR

Lead Data Architect (Azure/Kafka): Designing and governing real-time and event-driven data architectures for a global payments platform with an accent on scalability, security, and compliance. Focus on building end-to-end data architecture patterns, leading PoCs, and integrating Azure streaming services for high-load financial systems.

Location: Hybrid (Bellevue, WA); must be based in the US

Salary: $173,100 – $276,800 USD per year

Company

hirify.global is a world leader in payments technology facilitating transactions across more than 200 countries and territories.

What you will do

• Design and govern real-time and event-driven data architectures leveraging Apache Kafka and Azure streaming services.
• Define and maintain end-to-end data architecture patterns across real-time, near-real-time, and batch processing paradigms.
• Develop reference architectures, data flow diagrams, and technical standards to guide platform and delivery teams.
• Partner with Data Engineering and Enterprise Architecture teams to deliver scalable, secure, and compliant solutions.
• Lead proofs of concept (PoCs) and technology evaluations, providing architectural recommendations and trade-off analyses.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience with advanced degrees).
• 8+ years of experience as a Data Architect or Senior Data Engineer in complex enterprise environments.
• Deep expertise in streaming architectures and Kafka-compatible services such as Azure Event Hubs.
• Strong hands-on experience with Azure data platforms, including Data Lake Storage Gen2, Synapse Analytics, Data Factory, and AKS.
• Must be based in the US and able to work in a hybrid model (at least 3 days in office in Bellevue, WA).

Nice to have

• Experience with Databricks, AWS, and Apache Airflow.
• Prior experience in Banking or financial services, particularly within regulated environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive health package including Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Financial security with 401(k), FSA/HSA, and potential bonus and equity eligibility.
• Work-life balance support through Paid Time Off and a Wellness Program.
• Opportunity to create impact at scale within a world-leading payments technology company.