Principal Data Architect

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.$155K — $259K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in Data Architecture or Enterprise Architecture
  • Strong expertise in AWS cloud services and platform architecture
  • Experience with modern distributed data platforms like Data Lakes and Lakehouses
  • Proficient in domain-driven design and event-driven architecture
  • Background in enterprise security architectures, including IAM and data protection

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive enterprise data architecture strategy and roadmaps
  • Lead collaborations with product and engineering teams to design solutions
  • Establish architectural standards and best practices for data platforms
  • Translate business goals into technology strategies and architecture
  • Drive enterprise data governance and quality initiatives
  • Architect secure and highly available cloud data platforms
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance across teams

Benefits

  • 401K matching
  • Health benefits
  • Employee stock options
  • Paid time off
  • Volunteer time off
Full Job Description
Job Overview

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Principal Data Architect to define and lead the enterprise data architecture strategy for cloud-native data platforms and systems of record. This role will drive the evolution of modern data ecosystems, enabling scalable, secure, resilient, and trusted data solutions that support business growth, digital transformation, and data-driven decision making.

The successful candidate will partner with Product, Engineering, Security, Operations, and Enterprise Architecture teams to establish architectural standards, modernization roadmaps, and technology strategies while providing technical leadership across multiple strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy & Architecture Leadership
  • Define and drive enterprise data architecture strategy, roadmaps, and target-state blueprints.
  • Lead architectural initiatives and collaborate with product and engineering teams to design scalable and sustainable solutions.
  • Establish architecture standards, design principles, reference architectures, and best practices for enterprise data platforms.
  • Translate business objectives into technology strategies and architecture roadmaps.
  • Contribute to enterprise architecture governance, technology standards, and modernization initiatives.


Modern Data Platform Architecture
  • Design and implement cloud-native data platforms leveraging AWS services and modern architectural patterns.
  • Lead the adoption of Lakehouse architectures utilizing open table formats such as Apache Iceberg and Delta Lake.
  • Drive implementation of domain-oriented architectures, Data Products, Data Mesh principles, and self-service data platforms where appropriate.
  • Define enterprise standards for data domains, metadata management, data catalogs, lineage, and data discovery.
  • Architect scalable data ingestion, processing, storage, and distribution patterns supporting batch, streaming, and near real-time workloads.


Systems of Record & Enterprise Data Management
  • Establish architectural patterns for authoritative Systems of Record and Books of Record.
  • Define strategies for data ownership, data integrity, auditability, lineage, historical data management, and reconciliation.
  • Drive enterprise data governance, quality, observability, and metadata management capabilities.
  • Partner with business and technology teams to create trusted, reusable, and governed data assets.


Security, Resiliency & Operational Excellence
  • Architect secure data platforms including authentication, authorization, encryption, key management, and fine-grained access controls.
  • Design highly available, multi-region cloud architectures supporting resiliency, disaster recovery, and business continuity requirements.
  • Define non-functional requirements covering scalability, reliability, performance, recoverability, and operational supportability.
  • Establish observability, monitoring, operational health, and platform reliability standards.


Leadership & Mentorship
  • Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance across multiple teams and programs.
  • Mentor architects and engineers on modern data architecture principles and cloud-native design patterns.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts and trade-offs to executive leadership and business stakeholders.
  • Drive adoption of architecture best practices through governance, scorecards, and technical reviews.


What are we looking for?

We're looking for strong collaborators who deliver exceptional client experiences and thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. Our ideal candidates pursue greatness, act with integrity, and are driven to help our clients succeed. We value those who embrace creativity, continuous improvement, and contribute to a culture where we win together and create and share joy in our work.

Requirements:
  • 10+ years of experience in Data Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, or large-scale data platform engineering.
  • 10+ years strong expertise in AWS cloud services and platform architecture.
  • 5+ years experience of Data Lakes, Data Warehouses, Lakehouse architectures, and modern distributed data platforms.
  • 10+ years experience with domain-driven design, event-driven architecture, and enterprise integration patterns.
  • 5+ years experience of enterprise security architectures including IAM, authentication, authorization, encryption, and data protection. Experience with metadata management, data catalogs, lineage, governance, and observability frameworks.


Preferences:
  • AWS Solutions Architect Professional, AWS Data Engineer, or related cloud certifications.
  • Experience implementing Lakehouse architectures using Apache Iceberg, Delta Lake, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with AWS DataZone, Lake Formation, Glue Data Catalog, Athena, EMR, Redshift, and S3-based data platforms.
  • Experience with Data Mesh, Data Products, and domain-oriented ownership models.
  • Experience building enterprise metadata, lineage, data governance, and self-service data platforms.
  • Experience designing active-active and active-passive multi-region architectures.
  • Experience supporting large-scale modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Experience in financial services, wealth management, brokerage, banking, insurance, or other regulated industries.
  • Understanding of wealth management products, client servicing models, operational processes, and associated data domains is highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with SAFe and Agile delivery methodologies.


Pay Range:
$155,942.00 - $259,869.00
Actual base salary varies based on factors, including but not limited to, relevant skill, prior experience, education, base salary of internal peers, demonstrated performance, and geographic location. Additionally, LPL Total Rewards package is highly competitive, designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play - such as 401K matching, health benefits, employee stock options, paid time off, volunteer time off, and more. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that LPL has to offer!

About LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. Careers

Joining LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of professionals in the financial services industry. The company is renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and professional growth, making it an ideal workplace for ambitious individuals looking to advance their careers.

Explore Job Opportunities

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and interests. From entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, each job opening provides a platform for personal and professional development. Candidates can expect a rigorous interview process that ensures each team member is not only a fit for the position but also aligns with the company's culture of excellence and integrity.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career journey, LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. provides robust internship programs designed to offer real-world experience in the financial sector. Internships are a cornerstone of the company's commitment to nurturing young talent, providing a foundation of knowledge and skills that are crucial for future employment in the industry.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. The company believes in empowering all employees through diversity training and leadership opportunities that promote an inclusive workplace. This approach not only enhances team collaboration but also drives innovation and creativity.

Benefits and Culture

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. is dedicated to supporting its employees with comprehensive benefits designed to promote a healthy work-life balance. Benefits include competitive health care options, retirement plans, and wellness programs. The company culture is built on a foundation of mutual respect and teamwork, encouraging networking and professional development across all levels of the organization.

Professional Growth and Development

Employees at LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. are encouraged to continuously enhance their professional skills and advance their careers within the company. Leadership development programs and continuous learning opportunities are readily available, allowing individuals to achieve their career goals and contribute effectively to their teams.

Join the LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. Team

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. is actively hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on the LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. careers page. Each position offers a chance to be part of a dynamic team that is instrumental in shaping the future of financial services.

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