Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

Principal Data Architect

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated • $196K — $235K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, data engineering, or technology leadership roles.
  • Significant experience designing and implementing enterprise-grade AI/BI solutions in production environments.
  • Deep knowledge of modern data architecture patterns, including LLM-based data applications, RAG, data query agents, and serving data through MCP.
  • Expertise in distributed computing environments including Apache Spark, DBT, and ETL/ELT frameworks for large-scale data processing.
  • Proven experience building semantic layers and enterprise ontologies that enable AI-driven data consumption.
  • Strong understanding of data products, data contracts, data quality frameworks, and data authorization patterns.

Responsibilities

  • Establish the strategic direction for JLL's AI/BI ecosystem, defining how semantic and context layers will unlock new AI-driven data consumption capabilities.
  • Evangelize consistent methodologies that drive business line adoption of new consumption patterns.
  • Partner with product, platform, and data engineering teams across JLL to guide initiatives and drive architectural adoption.
  • Design and establish ontologies, knowledge graphs, and semantic models that enable intelligent data discovery and consumption.
  • Architect analytical data models and dimensional designs that support both traditional analytics and AI-driven use cases.
  • Lead cloud-native data architecture initiatives leveraging Databricks technology stack on Azure or AWS.
  • Mentor technical leads and senior engineers, raising the technical bar and fostering architectural excellence across the organization.

Benefits

  • 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
  • Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
Full Job Description
Role Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Principal Data Architect to transform JLL's data consumption patterns. This role will drive the strategic vision for AI/BI, establishing practices for building semantic and context layers. As a senior individual contributor operating at the highest level of technical leadership, you will define how the organization transforms traditional analytics and enables AI-driven consumption use cases. The ideal candidate brings proven expertise in semantic modeling and enterprise ontology, context layer architecture, and transforming how business stakeholders consume and interact with information.

In this role, you will partner closely with product and platform teams to build capabilities, collaborate with engineering teams to develop solutions, and drive adoption of enterprise data platform consumption patterns across the organization.

We are looking for someone with proven hands-on experience who can champion core analytics and business personas, establish robust semantic layers for business line data, drive AI-powered self-service consumption, develop capabilities for reliable Text-to-SQL agents, and define new patterns for consuming data from the enterprise data platform (EDP).

Core Responsibilities
  • Strategic Vision: Establish the strategic direction for JLL's AI/BI ecosystem, defining how semantic and context layers will unlock new AI-driven data consumption capabilities.
  • Data Consumption Standards and Patterns: Evangelize consistent methodologies that drive business line adoption of new consumption patterns
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product, platform, and data engineering teams across JLL to guide initiatives and drive architectural adoption.


Key Responsibilities
  • Partner with business units, product leaders, and engineering teams to shape data layers for AI-first consumption and modernize analytics strategies across the organization.
  • Design and establish ontologies, knowledge graphs, and semantic models that enable intelligent data discovery and consumption.
  • Architect analytical data models and dimensional designs that support both traditional analytics and AI-driven use cases.
  • Lead cloud-native data architecture initiatives leveraging Databricks technology stack on Azure or AWS.
  • Build and deploy AI-first data consumption solutions through MCP and Text-to-SQL agent implementations using Databricks Genie or JLL-built SQL query agents.
  • Drive architecture for agentic AI capabilities and intelligent data consumption use cases, implementing rigorous evaluation frameworks to ensure consistency and reliability at scale.
  • Design and build agentic solutions that integrate unstructured data through RAG agents and structured data through SQL query agents.
  • Mentor technical leads and senior engineers, raising the technical bar and fostering architectural excellence across the organization.
  • Lead architecture reviews, technical strategy discussions, and investment decisions related to the data platform.
  • Champion AI-Harness adoption, enabling engineering teams to leverage AI-powered development lifecycle capabilities for building modern consumption patterns.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 12+ years of experience in enterprise data architecture, data engineering, or technology leadership roles.
  • Significant experience designing and implementing enterprise-grade AI/BI solutions in production environments.
  • Deep knowledge of modern data architecture patterns, including LLM-based data applications, RAG, data query agents, and serving data through MCP.
  • Expertise in distributed computing environments including Apache Spark, DBT, and ETL/ELT frameworks for large-scale data processing.
  • Proven experience building semantic layers and enterprise ontologies that enable AI-driven data consumption.
  • Strong understanding of data products, data contracts, data quality frameworks, and data authorization patterns.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud-native data platforms, specifically Databricks technology stack.
  • Experience establishing architecture standards, reference architectures, and technical guardrails across multiple teams.
  • Proven ability to influence senior technical and business stakeholders without direct authority.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging from engineering teams to executive leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance innovation, speed, risk management, and long-term maintainability.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related engineering field.
  • Experience working in large enterprise, platform-oriented environments with complex stakeholder ecosystems.
  • Proven track record migrating BI platforms from Power BI and Tableau to modern cloud-native solutions like Databricks.
  • Experience building Text-to-SQL agents using Databricks Genie or similar agentic AI platforms.
  • Familiarity with cloud AI platforms and services, including vector search, AI gateways, and observability frameworks.
  • Experience helping engineering organizations adopt AI-powered development tools and data engineering practices.
  • Track record of mentoring architects, engineers or leading architecture communities of practice.


What Success Looks Like
  • Business units have a trusted architecture partner who guides AI-first data consumption strategies and platform decisions with clear technical leadership.
  • The organization operates with well-defined standards and reusable patterns for data solutions, supported by measurable success metrics and KPIs.
  • A consistent, governed practice exists for building semantic and context layers across all business lines, enabling scalable AI-driven consumption.
  • AI-native data consumption solutions are optimized for speed, cost-efficiency, and engineering excellence
  • Engineering teams effectively leverage AI-powered development lifecycle capabilities to accelerate delivery while maintaining quality and governance standards.


Leadership Expectations

  • This role operates as a senior technical leader across organizational boundaries. The Principal Data Architect will shape strategic direction for AI and analytics initiatives, drive critical architectural decisions, mentor technical teams, and establish enterprise-wide standards for data architecture practices at JLL.


This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

196,000.00 - 235,000.00 USD per year

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

Remote -Chicago, IL

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:
  • 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
  • Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

About Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated

Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management. Its services include: tenant representation for organizations that lease office, industrial and retail spaces; consulting, which supports companies to develop workplace strategies such as occupancy planning, relocations, and energy and environmental sustainability initiatives; project and development services to manage ground-up creation, building construction, and major interior renovations; capital markets and real estate investment banking, which helps organizations buy and sell properties, and improve the financial impact of their real estate; facilities management for a variety of properties including office towers, retail and exhibition centers, and government, collegiate and industrial complexes; property management services, that provide on-site administration to help owners of office, industrial, retail and specialty properties reduce costs and enhance their property values; and valuations that provide impartial assessments of real estate worth through more than 200 corporate offices in 70 countries. Jones Lang LaSalle was formed by the merger of Jones Lang Wootton, a British firm with origins dating back to 1783, and LaSalle Partners, an American company formed from a predecessor launched in 1968. Jones Lang Wootton opened its first US office in New York in 1975. In 1997, the initial public offering was completed by LaSalle Partners for the company's common stock in the market.

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated Careers

Join the dynamic team at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL), a global leader in real estate services, where your career journey is just as important as the professional milestones you aim to achieve. At JLL, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for growth, innovation, and leadership in an industry that shapes the world around us.

Work You’ll Do

At JLL, you will be part of a culture that prizes diversity, teamwork, and forward-thinking. Whether you are looking for a full-time position or an internship, JLL offers a variety of roles that cater to your professional skills and personal development goals. Our team is composed of the brightest minds in real estate, providing you with unparalleled mentorship and networking opportunities that foster career advancement.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the opportunity to lead projects that redefine the real estate landscape, leveraging JLL’s global scale and deep industry expertise. Our commitment to innovation is evident in every strategy we implement and every building we manage. By joining our team, you will collaborate with professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and push the boundaries of what is possible in real estate.

Professional Growth and Development

JLL is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. We offer robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, to ensure you are equipped for success. Our benefits extend beyond the basics, encompassing health, wellness, and financial planning to support you and your family at all stages of life.

Explore Job Opportunities

JLL is continuously expanding, and we are hiring across multiple disciplines. Explore positions that match your skills and interests in areas such as property management, sustainability, financial analysis, and more. We look for driven, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make an impact.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a JLL internship. Gain hands-on experience, build your resume, and make invaluable industry connections. Our internships provide a deep dive into the real estate sector, allowing you to apply academic learning to real-world challenges.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated? Search open positions, read about our employment benefits, and prepare your resume. The interview process at JLL not only assesses your fit for the company but also ensures our culture aligns with your career aspirations.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from JLL Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Receive personalized updates that align with your career preferences and learn about new opportunities in real-time.

Networking and Industry Leadership

At JLL, networking doesn’t end with your hire date. Continue to connect with leaders and peers through our various professional networks and community engagement initiatives. Lead the way in industry discussions, participate in global conferences, and contribute to innovative solutions that drive the future of real estate. At Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer careers that make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of real estate, one innovation at a time.
Learn more about Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated
Size
98,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.4 billion
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
Net Income
$402.5 million
Founded
1783
5 Year Trend
+8.3%
Revenue
$16.5 billion
NASDAQ
JLL
* Ladders Estimates

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