Principal Data Modernization Architect

**(Enterprise Data, Cloud & Legacy Transformation | Technical SME)**

**Location:** Basel, Switzerland
**Work Model:** Full-time | Onsite
**Employment Type:** Permanent / Long-term Engagement
**Language:** English required

About the Role

Swiss Himmel GmbH is seeking a highly experienced **Principal Data Modernization Architect** to lead large-scale **enterprise data transformation and modernization initiatives** within a complex, regulated environment.

This is a **senior technical leadership role** for an expert who can design and deliver end-to-end **data migration, transformation, and automation frameworks** across cloud, hybrid, and legacy ecosystems. You will combine deep **Python engineering, Azure data architecture, legacy platform modernization, and machine learning engineering** to build intelligent, scalable, and secure enterprise data platforms.

You will operate as a **Subject Matter Expert (SME)** and trusted advisor, guiding architecture strategy, developing migration accelerators, and leading engineering teams through highly complex cross-platform transformations.

This role is fully **onsite in Basel** and suited for a hands-on architect who thrives in technically demanding environments.

Your Responsibilities

- Lead the design and delivery of **enterprise-wide data modernization strategies and architectures**
- Architect **metadata-driven migration frameworks** using Python to automate schema discovery, transformation, reconciliation, and validation
- Design scalable **ETL/ELT platforms** supporting multi-terabyte datasets and heterogeneous systems
- Establish **engineering standards, governance models, and reusable modernization toolkits**
- Drive end-to-end **cloud and legacy platform integrations** across hybrid environments
- Provide **technical leadership and mentorship** to engineering teams across architecture, development, and deployment phases
- Collaborate with enterprise architects, security, and business stakeholders to align technical delivery with strategic goals

Azure Data Platform Engineering

- Design and implement advanced solutions using:
- Azure SQL Database
- Azure SQL Ledger Tables
- Azure Data Factory (ADF)
- Azure Functions
- Azure Storage
- Azure Authentication (Managed Identity, OAuth, MSAL)
- Build secure, high-throughput **data ingestion, orchestration, and monitoring pipelines**
- Implement lineage, observability, and compliance mechanisms across the Azure data ecosystem

Legacy System Modernization & Migration

- Lead complex migrations from **Mainframe DB2, Oracle, and AS400** environments
- Reverse engineer legacy schemas, business rules, and COBOL-based systems
- Utilize **SSMA** for schema conversion and automated validation
- Ensure end-to-end **data integrity and reconciliation** using cryptographic validation techniques
- Develop automated validation, lineage tracking, and migration assurance frameworks

API, DevOps & Automation

- Develop **API-driven orchestration workflows** using Control-M (Ctrl-M)
- Implement GitLab-based **CI/CD pipelines** and Ansible-driven infrastructure automation
- Apply DevOps best practices, testing frameworks, and infrastructure-as-code approaches
- Lead Python-based engineering and development using **Visual Studio Code**

Machine Learning Engineering

- Design, train, and deploy models using **PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn**
- Embed ML-driven intelligence into ETL and migration frameworks, including:
- Data quality scoring
- Anomaly detection
- Schema drift detection
- Predictive migration planning
- Operationalize ML components within Azure-native architectures

Your Profile

- **20+ years of experience** in enterprise data engineering, ETL, and large-scale migrations
- Expert-level **Python engineering and automation framework development**
- Mandatory **machine learning engineering expertise**
- Deep experience with **Azure data services and cloud-native architectures**
- Proven experience modernizing **legacy mainframe and enterprise database platforms**
- Strong knowledge of **API engineering, CI/CD, and DevOps automation practices**
- Experience designing **large, reusable ETL and migration toolkits**
- Excellent stakeholder management and leadership capabilities
- Experience working in **regulated or compliance-driven environments**

What We Offer

- Opportunity to lead **high-impact enterprise modernization programs**
- Strategic, senior-level architecture role with strong ownership
- Complex, cutting-edge technology landscape across cloud and legacy platforms
- Long-term, stable engagement within Switzerland
- Collaborative, expert-level engineering environment

Job Type: 100%

Work Location: In person