Architects data platforms, lakes, warehouses and governance.
Entry
Senior
Coding
High
Key skills
Common progression
Career overview
The Data Architect designs the data landscape: lakes, warehouses, pipelines, governance, quality and serving layers. They define data models, standards and the target data platform. The role leads to Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect or CTO.
Main responsibilities
- Architect data platforms and flows
- Model and maintain the data warehouse
- Build reliable data ingestion pipelines
- Define and enforce data governance
- Measure and improve data quality
- Review data models with development teams
- Keep technical documentation up to date
- Coordinate the technical work of the team
- Define strategy and steer long-term direction
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Less common
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Less common
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer
- TOGAF 9 Foundation
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Possible branches
Common trajectories
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Overlap: 36% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Strategy alignment, Capability mapping, Stakeholder management
View roadmapOverlap: 50% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Solution design, Security by design, Cost & sizing
View roadmapOverlap: 23% · Difficulty: Hard
Skills to learn: Technology vision, Strategy, Innovation
View roadmapWhere can you go from here?
A typical progression built from real career relationships. Click any role to open its profile.
Soft skills
- Big-picture thinking
- Analytical thinking
- Strategic thinking
- Rigour and attention to detail
- Clear communication
- Mentoring
- Organisation
Common previous careers
Roles that frequently lead into this career.
Overlap: 60% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Pipelines & ETL/ELT, Documentation, Mentoring
View roadmapContinue your career exploration
Keep moving: compare roles, follow a roadmap, read a guide or prepare for an interview.
Ready to explore your next step?
A documented transition from this role to the next.
Data ArchitectEnterprise Architect
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