What does a lead data architect do?
Lead Data Architects are experienced employees who manage the data architecture needs of the company. They also manage the data architects who fulfill these needs. They are in charge of creating data management systems based on the requirement of the company. They work hand in hand with data engineers and information technology professionals to create these systems. Lead Data Architects design data systems based on the internal and external data sources of the company. They would then create a blueprint to centralize these systems to streamline the different processes of the company.
Lead data architect responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead data architect resumes:
- Define and manage MDM RFP for software selection.
- Report procedures against SSAS are constructed and ExcelWriter templates are developed to automate and replace existing manually generate, client-contract reports.
- Perform dimensional data modeling using Erwin to support data warehouse design and ETL development.
- Expose plan reports using HADOOP and HAWQ.
- Map the extracted data to Java components generate.
- Design tables that publish deep analytics and dashboard reports by processing 60MM transactions per day.
- Develop XML-based database messaging system using SSL between a Java application and a secure web server.
- Involve in design, development and validation of multiple journey visualization layers including base, segmentation, detail and journey layers.
- Develop analytics universe and data mappings for offshore development.
- Develop complex architecture for heavy data offloading into EDW environment from Hadoop.
- Conduct modernization effort of legacy ETL, developing an ejb-base data parser to replace legacy mainframe business functionality.
- Redesign enterprise operations data mart and relate ETL supporting migration to leverage service management tool, reducing vendor cost.
- Carry out full-scope technology assessment - infrastructure evaluation, software adoptions and hardware procurement in support of overall business-process improvement goals.
- Provide best practices documentation in the use of DB2 Capture/Apply replication tasks and usage scenarios as well as performance recommendations.
- Create UML diagrams as a prototype for non-technical and senior managers & conduct series of meetings to give them an overview.
Lead data architect skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Lead Data Architects are proficient in Analytics, Data Management, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Organizational skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Lead Data Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Analytics, 14%
Lead dedicated Quality Improvement team effort in data collection and management, reporting and analytics.
- Data Management, 7%
Transitioned to Data Manager -Support role to initiate multiple process enhancement projects in Data management.
- Java, 5%
Developed XML-based database messaging system using SSL between a Java application and a secure web server.
- Data Governance, 5%
Evaluated the Data Governance maturity level within the client organization and scoped the data governance implementation to address data quality.
- Data Quality, 5%
Provided data quality and migration reports on status of assignments to management and business both on-shore and off-shore
- Emerging Technologies, 5%
Set technical direction and evaluated emerging technologies to meet long and short-term business objectives.
Most lead data architects use their skills in "analytics," "data management," and "java" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead data architect responsibilities here:
Leadership skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead data architect to have is leadership skills. You can see how this relates to what lead data architects do because "many computer network architects direct teams of engineers, such as computer hardware engineers, who build the networks they have designed." Additionally, a lead data architect resume shows how lead data architects use leadership skills: "project management and leadership responsibilities: poc for business process definition, development and design. "
Organizational skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead data architect duties is organizational skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "computer network architects who work for large firms must coordinate many different types of communication networks and make sure they work well together." According to a lead data architect resume, here's how lead data architects can utilize organizational skills in their job responsibilities: "created as-is and to-be business processes through ms visio to accurately map the requirements and identify organizational and trading partners impacts. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of lead data architects is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday lead data architect duties, as "computer network architects create comprehensive plans of the networks they are creating with precise information describing how the network parts will work together." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "involved in design, development and validation of multiple journey visualization layers including base, segmentation, detail and journey layers. "
Analytical skills. A big part of what lead data architects do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to lead data architect responsibilities because "computer network architects have to examine data networks and decide how to best connect the networks based on the needs and resources of the organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead data architect tasks: "engineered xml interface for next-generation contact management center (cmc) application (java based) using database xml features. "
The three companies that hire the most lead data architects are:
- CDM Smith94 lead data architects jobs
- Oracle63 lead data architects jobs
- Humana49 lead data architects jobs
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Compare different lead data architects
Lead data architect vs. Voice engineer
A voice engineer is responsible for evaluating the efficiency and performance of voice over internet protocols (VoIP) to support the optimization of system networks for operations. Voice engineers design and manage the features of the VoIP and ensure that the transmissions meet the quality standards and specifications. They also run multiple diagnostic tests for the networks and recommend technical solutions for faster information processing to avoid operational delays and downtimes. A voice engineer must have excellent communication and technical skills to recognize failures and inconsistencies and maintain the safety and security across the networks.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead data architect responsibilities require skills like "analytics," "data management," "java," and "data governance." Meanwhile a typical voice engineer has skills in areas such as "unity," "voip," "unified communications," and "qos." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Voice engineers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $99,614. In contrast, lead data architects make the biggest average salary, $114,504, in the technology industry.voice engineers tend to reach lower levels of education than lead data architects. In fact, voice engineers are 17.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Lead data architect vs. Noc analyst
A Network Operation Center (NOC) analyst works on ensuring the stability and working order of all network connections used in a company. The position is essential for companies that require fast-paced communication in both internal and external affairs. Companies like customer support centers, online services, and the like require someone who will inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, and upgrade all vital network and IP connections used in a company. A network operation center analyst should be highly knowledgeable in network engineering and relative fields of study.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, lead data architect responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "analytics," "data management," "java," and "data governance." Meanwhile, a noc analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "servers," "network operations," "troubleshoot," and "lan wan." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, noc analysts earn a lower salary than lead data architects. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, noc analysts earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $56,276. Whereas lead data architects have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $114,504.In general, noc analysts achieve lower levels of education than lead data architects. They're 20.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead data architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Barry Stiefel Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Charleston
My suggestion is to try to be aware, as much as possible, of the latest and upcoming tech but focus on a specific set (or two) of hardware and software that most interests you. When I was younger, I tried staying on top of it all but quickly found that so much was coming out so fast that soon I spent all my time just trying to be on top of it all and unable to do much else. Technology has become so vast and diversified that to be good at something, you may not be able to do it all.
Professional and social networking can create professional communities where people who specialize in one set or two of technology or skills can share and exchange knowledge and expertise with colleagues and friends that complement each other. This is a strategy that I recommend.
Lead data architect vs. Communications systems engineer
Communication systems engineers are engineering professionals who are responsible for developing communication systems and general electrical designs for their clients. These engineers are required to prepare communication designs, including diagrams, instructions, and the cost of materials for large-scale telecommunications projects. They must undergo certification training so that they can perform maintenance on communication and navigation systems. Communication systems engineers must also work with the development and test engineering to select for proper communication system components and to ensure that features are working properly.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead data architect is likely to be skilled in "analytics," "data management," "data governance," and "data quality," while a typical communications systems engineer is skilled in "rf," "communications systems," "c++," and "dod."
Communications systems engineers earn the highest salary when working in the telecommunication industry, where they receive an average salary of $121,454. Comparatively, lead data architects have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $114,504.Most communications systems engineers achieve a lower degree level compared to lead data architects. For example, they're 5.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead data architect vs. Telecommunications consultant
Types of lead data architect
Updated January 8, 2025
