Principal Technical Architect

Responsibilities

• Define architectural frameworks, delivery standards, and technical methodologies for the Services Delivery organization.
• Own development of the SD technical practice in domains such as AI/ML, data platform, cloud migration, or MLOps; establish reference architectures, repeatable patterns, and accelerators.
• Identify and close capability gaps across the SD team through investments in tooling, enablement, and knowledge.
• Represent SD technical perspective in cross-functional planning with product, engineering, and field leadership.
• Engage with complex, strategic customer opportunities, providing principal-level technical guidance.
• Advise C-level and senior executive stakeholders on platform architecture, AI strategy, and long-term technology direction.
• Own technical outcomes for high-risk enterprise programs, resolving difficult architectural and integration challenges.
• Translate emerging Snowflake capabilities into strategic advantages for key customers.
• Represent Snowflake externally through presentations, published content, advisory boards, and forums.
• Build reputation as a trusted partner in AI and data platform ecosystem.
• Channel field intelligence back to product organization to influence roadmap.
• Mentor senior architects and technical leads, raising the technical level of the team.
• Partner with SD leadership on hiring, calibration, and architectural career paths.
• Drive adoption of AI-native delivery practices within the SD organization.

Requirements

• BA/BS in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in senior technical architecture, data platform consulting, or principal-level customer-facing technical role.
• Recognized expertise across modern data and AI stack, with deep hands-on Snowflake experience (advanced governance, performance architecture, multi-cloud deployments).
• Track record defining architectural standards or methodologies adopted organization-wide.
• Deep expertise in AI/ML lifecycle at enterprise scale, including MLOps, model governance, responsible AI, and generative AI architectures.
• Ability to influence product strategy, organizational direction, or market positioning via technical leadership.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python sufficient for architecting, reviewing, and advising on production systems.
• Experience engaging C-level audiences on complex technology decisions, translating technical depth into executive clarity.
• Ability to hold and defend strong technical positions in ambiguous, high-stakes environments.

Nice-to-Haves

• Published technical work, conference presentations, or industry contributions in data, AI/ML, or cloud architecture.
• Experience building or scaling a technical practice, Center of Excellence, or architecture function.
• Background in principal or distinguished engineer role at a product-led technology company.
• Advanced cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Google Professional Cloud Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or equivalent).
• Snowflake SnowPro Advanced Certification(s).
• Deep industry vertical expertise (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Media and Entertainment, Public Sector).
• Experience contributing to open source or co-authoring technical standards.