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Principal Data Architect Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Releady

Data Engineer, Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

$117.10 - $130.87/hr

The Principal drives data product delivery by designing and implementing cloud data lakes, data ... Partner with Solution Design, Architecture, and Product teams to ensure technical designs are ...

Releady

Data Engineer, Principal

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$85 - $95/hr

The Principal drives data product delivery by designing and implementing cloud data lakes, data ... Cross-Functional Solution Design Partner with Solution Design, Architecture, and Product teams to ...

Socket.dev

Principal Data Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$200 - $290/hr

Strong understanding of data engineering, data architecture, data modelling and ELT/ETL * Strong ... This is a hands‑on Principal level engineering role. The successful candidate should be ...

New

True Anomaly

Principal Data Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$210K - $290K/yr

Strong understanding of data engineering, data architecture, data modelling and ELT/ETL * Strong ... This is a hands-on Principal level engineering role. The successful candidate should be comfortable ...

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All JobsPrincipal Data Architect JobsPrincipal Data Architect Jobs in Colorado

Principal Data Architect information

See Colorado salary details

$112.5K

$175.1K

$228.2K

How much do principal data architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data architect in Colorado is $175,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,800.00 and $201,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal data architect?

A Principal Data Architect is a senior-level role responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing an organization's data architecture. They develop data strategies, ensure data integrity, and align systems with business goals. This role involves collaboration with IT teams, data engineers, and business leaders to create scalable and efficient data solutions. They also establish best practices for data governance, security, and compliance. Strong expertise in cloud platforms, databases, and big data technologies is typically required.

What are some typical challenges a principal data architect may face in their day-to-day work?

Principal Data Architects often navigate complex challenges such as integrating disparate data sources, ensuring data quality and security, and staying ahead of rapidly evolving technologies. They may also be tasked with guiding teams through large-scale data migrations or modernizing legacy systems while minimizing disruptions to business operations. Collaborating with stakeholders from different departments to align data strategies and adhering to regulatory compliance requirements are common aspects of the role. Overcoming these challenges requires both technical expertise and strong problem-solving skills, making the work dynamic and highly impactful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal data architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Data Architect, you need deep expertise in data modeling, database design, systems architecture, and data governance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of tools such as SQL, NoSQL, ETL frameworks, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and certifications like CDMP or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are common requirements. Strong leadership, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure robust, scalable data solutions that align with organizational goals and drive business value.

How much does a principal data architect get paid?

A principal data architect typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in data modeling, cloud platforms, and leadership responsibilities, which can influence compensation levels.

How much does a principal data architect make?

The average salary for a principal data architect in Texas ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and company size. Senior roles often require expertise in data modeling, cloud platforms, and leadership skills, with additional compensation such as bonuses or stock options common in larger organizations.

What does a principal data architect do?

A principal data architect designs and oversees an organization’s data strategy, ensuring data is collected, stored, and used effectively. They develop data models, establish data governance standards, and work with teams to implement data solutions using tools like SQL, cloud platforms, and data management frameworks. This role often requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience with data architecture best practices.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado?

For Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Data Architect jobs in Colorado are:

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Principal Data Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Data Architect job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,079 per year, or $84.2 per hour.

Talent Data Management Associate Director - Principal Data Architect (Location Flexible)

RSM

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You'll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There's no one like you and that's why there's nowhere like RSM.

The Talent Data Management Associate Director serves as the Principal Data Architect for Talent Technology and is responsible for defining and executing the strategic vision for the firm's HR data ecosystem. This roleleadsthe design, governance, and evolution of the Talent Operational Data Store (ODS), ensuring HR data is scalable, secure, reliable, and optimized to support enterprise reporting, analytics, and business intelligence.

As the organization's HR data architecture leader, this position is responsible for designing modern relational database solutions and Azure-based data warehouse architecture that enable trusted, high-quality data for downstream analytics and Power BI reporting. The role partners closely with HRIS, Talent Analytics, Reporting, and business stakeholders to translate complex HR business processes into scalable, sustainable data solutions.

This leader will manage the Database Administrator while serving as the organization's technical authority for HR data architecture. The role will frequently operate as a player/coach by providing architectural leadership, technical guidance, mentoring, and hands-on design expertise for critical initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Data Architecture (50%)

  • Develop and execute the long-term strategy and roadmap for the Talent Operational Data Store and enterprise HR data architecture.

  • Lead and manage the Database Administration function by providing technical leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

  • Serve as the Principal Data Architect for Talent Technology, establishing enterprise data architecture standards and best practices.

  • Design scalable relational database structures and Azure-based data warehouse solutions that support current and future business needs.

  • Develop conceptual, logical, and physical data models that optimize reporting, analytics, scalability, and system performance.

  • Partnerwith HRIS, Talent Analytics, Reporting, and business leaders to ensure data architecture aligns with business strategy and enterprise objectives

  • Evaluate current data structures and recommend modernization opportunities that improve usability, scalability, and operational efficiency.

  • Lead architectural decisions for new HR technologies and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards.

  • Provide architectural oversight for large-scale Talent Technology initiatives involving enterprise HR data.

  • Guide technical decision-making on complex data challenges while balancing business priorities and long-term sustainability.

  • Establish standards for database design, metadata management, documentation, naming conventions, and data lifecycle management.

  • Communicate architectural direction, project progress, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and technical excellence across the Talent Data Management function.

Talent Data Management & Operational Data Store (35%)

  • Lead the design, development, implementation, and ongoing evolution of the HR Operational Data Store (ODS).

  • Design and maintain enterprise HR data models that accurately represent business processes and organizational relationships.

  • Develop and maintain conceptual, logical, and physical data models supporting Workforce, Recruiting, Learning, Compensation, Payroll, Organizational Management, and other Talent domains.

  • Build scalable Azure-based data warehouse solutions that support enterprise reporting and advanced analytics.

  • Design relational database structures that optimize reporting performance and simplify downstream consumption by analytics platforms.

  • Understand end-to-end HR business processes and translate functional requirements into scalable technical data solutions.

  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including entity relationship diagrams (ERDs), data dictionaries, metadata, data lineage, mapping specifications, and solution architecture documentation.

  • Ensure data quality, consistency, integrity, and reliability across the Talent data ecosystem.

  • Partner closely with the Power BI and Reporting teams to ensure the operational data store and data warehouse are optimized for semantic modeling, dashboard development, and self-service analytics.

  • Anticipate future reporting and analytical needs by designing reusable, extensible, and scalable data structures.

  • Collaborate with HRIS and business stakeholders to continuously improve the firm's Talent data strategy and architecture.

  • Drive database optimization initiatives to improve system performance, reliability, and reporting efficiency.

Data Governance, Quality & Operational Excellence (15%)

  • Develop and maintain enterprise standards for HR data governance, quality, and operational data management.

  • Establish quality controls and validation processes that ensure trusted, accurate, and consistent HR data.

  • Partner with HRIS and business stakeholders to define data ownership, stewardship, and governance practices.

  • Ensure compliance with enterprise security, privacy, legal, and regulatory requirements.

  • Participate in architecture and solution reviews to ensure new initiatives align with enterprise data standards.

  • Support metadata management, master data management, data lineage, and data catalog initiatives.

  • Promote best practices for database architecture, documentation, and operational excellence.

  • Provide technical consultation, education, and mentorship on HR data architecture across Talent Technology.

  • Maintain knowledge of emerging Azure data technologies and industry best practices to continuously improve the Talent data platform.

Other duties as assigned

MinimumRequirements

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • 5+ years of experience designing enterprise data architecture, operational data stores, enterprise data warehouses, or relational database solutions.

  • 2+ years of leadership experience, including managing technical teams or leading enterprise data initiatives.

  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing enterprise data warehouse solutions using Microsoft Azure technologies.

  • Experience designing scalable relational database solutions supporting enterprise reporting and business intelligence.

  • Experience translating business requirements into conceptual, logical, and physical data models.

  • Experience partnering with analytics and reporting teams to build reporting-ready data solutions.

  • Experience working with HR, ERP, or other enterprise operational data is preferred.

TechnicalSkills

  • Strong experience designing and implementing Azure-based enterprise data warehouse solutions.

  • Hands-on experience with Azure technologies, including:

  • Azure SQL Database

  • Azure Synapse Analytics

  • Azure Data Factory

  • Microsoft Fabric

  • Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS)

  • Azure SQL Managed Instance (preferred)

  • Expert understanding of relational database design principles, normalization, indexing, and performance optimization.

  • Advanced experience developing conceptual, logical, and physical enterprise data models.

  • Experience designing Operational Data Stores (ODS), enterprise data warehouses, and dimensional data models.

  • Strong SQL development and database performance tuning skills.

  • Experience designing ETL/ELT data transformation frameworks.

  • Strong understanding of metadata management, master data management, data lineage, and enterprise data governance.

  • Experiencecreating architecture documentation including ERDs, solution architecture diagrams, data dictionaries, and technical specifications.

  • Working knowledge of Power BI semantic models, data modeling, and performance optimization.

  • Understanding of enterprise security, role-based access, and data privacy best practices.

  • Experience with HR data domains including Core HCM, Recruiting, Learning, Compensation, Payroll, Organizational Management, and Talent Management is preferred.

Leadership & SoftSkills

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to establish and execute a long-term enterprise data architecture vision.

  • Strongsystems-thinking mindset with the ability to understand how data flows across enterprise platforms and supports business outcomes.

  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations for executive and non-technical audiences.

  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and build strong partnerships across HRIS, Analytics, Reporting, and Technology teams.

  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a passion for developing technical talent.

  • Exceptional analytical, architectural, and problem-solving capabilities.

  • Ability to balance strategic initiatives with operational priorities while maintaining a high standard of data quality and governance.

  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

  • Ability to prioritize competing priorities and successfully lead multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life's demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership.RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.

RSM does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

At RSM, an employee's pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Compensation Range: $136,800 - $2...

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