Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principal Data Architect in Chicago, IL. Key Responsibilities: * Principal Data Architect will lead architectural planning and solution design efforts in support of enterprise data and platform initiatives * Establish and maintain data models and design frameworks that span the organization's data landscape * Define standards and best practices for data governance, master data management, metadata, taxonomy, and semantic layer development * Architect flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient data solutions optimized for performance and future growth * Engage cross-functional teams to identify requirements, define use cases, and shape end-to-end technical strategies * Develop and document system and application architectures to support business capabilities and growth * As a Principal Data Architect, you will build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including executive leadership * Provide thought leadership and strategic recommendations to senior business and technical leaders * Assess current architectural state and drive toward an optimized target architecture * Identify and communicate evolving technology needs and trends * Collaborate with infrastructure, security, application development, and operations teams to ensure cohesive solution delivery * Align data and platform architectures with organizational goals and technical roadmaps* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or foreign equivalent) * Minimum 5 years of experience in enterprise data architecture or similar leadership role * Proven background designing and implementing cloud-based solutions (AWS, Azure, or GCP), including high availability and multi-region configurations * Strong understanding of modern architectural principles, including microservices, APIs, OAuth, and event-driven systems * Adept at communicating technical strategies to cross-disciplinary teams and executive stakeholders * Track record of translating business needs into robust and scalable technical architectures * Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex technical engagements * Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings and present ideas effectively * Background collaborating with DevOps teams, software engineers, data scientists, and PMs on integrated solution planning * Capable of tailoring communication across varied audiences and seniority levels * Visa sponsorship is not available for this position