This is a role for a Principal Data Architect. It combines architecture and hands‑on implementation, supporting major client data initiatives from initial design through to build.
You’ll design data architectures that solve real client problems, and then build them yourself. The goal is to keep adding engineering value well beyond the initial design phase.
Role
As a Principal Data Architect, you will:
Design end-to-end data architectures for client initiatives, along with the diagrams, documentation, and decision records that go with them.
Build the systems you design, taking them from initial sketches through to production.
Work closely with client teams to understand their data landscape, constraints, and business goals, and shape practical solutions for them.
Work alongside software, AI, and front‑end engineers to integrate data platforms into broader applications and workflows.
Present your work in weekly demos and updates, representing both yourself and Manakau in front of client stakeholders.
Bring good data engineering practice into client teams: modelling, pipelines, observability, and reliability.
Stay involved after the initial architecture is in place, evolving the platform as the engagement continues.
Help grow the engineering team by sharing what you know, mentoring colleagues, and setting a high standard for the work.
What we’re looking for
Specifically, you’ll bring:
8+ years of professional experience across data architecture and data engineering, with a track record of leading architecture decisions on large, complex systems
Strong working knowledge of the modern cloud‑based data‑pipeline landscape, particularly Snowflake, AWS, and S3. AWS‑stack data‑warehouse and big‑data‑analytics experience is the natural starting point for us. Experience with more traditional self‑managed and hybrid data platforms (such as the Cloudera ecosystem) is a plus.
Experience designing data architectures for real, complex systems, and producing clear documentation to go with them.
Able to engage with a new client, survey their data estate (structured databases plus the unstructured stuff: emails, documents, tribal knowledge), interview the right people, understand what the business is actually trying to do, and come back with a future‑state architecture and a roadmap to get there.
Strong, current hands‑on engineering skills. You can build what you design, and keep adding value throughout the engagement.
Able to lead an implementation end‑to‑end, with a more junior engineer alongside you as a sidekick. You set direction, make the architectural calls, and drive delivery.
Comfortable working across the full data lifecycle: modelling, pipelines, storage, integration, and the operational side.
Confident communication skills, with the presence to represent your work in front of clients and in weekly demos.
A consulting mindset. You can land in a new environment, get your bearings quickly, and start delivering.
This role is full remote within Ireland - you need to be physically in Ireland with full working permissions.
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