Principal Technical Architect

Snowflake Snowflake · Data AI · MA-Boston, United States · Professional Services

Principal Technical Architect for Services Delivery, defining architectural standards and methodologies for AI/ML and data platforms at enterprise scale. Engages with strategic customers, advises C-level executives on AI strategy, and influences product roadmaps. Drives adoption of AI-native delivery practices within the Services Delivery organization.

What you'd actually do

  1. Define the architectural frameworks, delivery standards, and technical methodologies that guide how the Services Delivery organization operates across engagements
  2. Own the development of the SD technical practice in one or more domains (AI/ML, data platform, cloud migration, MLOps), establishing reference architectures, repeatable delivery patterns, and capability accelerators
  3. Engage directly with the most complex and strategically significant customer opportunities, providing principal-level technical guidance that other architects build around
  4. Advise C-level and senior executive stakeholders on platform architecture, AI strategy, and long-term technology direction in the context of Snowflake's capabilities
  5. Drive adoption of AI-native delivery practices within the SD organization, setting the standard for how the team uses AI to accelerate and improve customer outcomes

Skills

Required

  • 10+ years of experience in senior technical architecture, data platform consulting, or a principal-level customer-facing technical role
  • Deep hands-on Snowflake experience including advanced platform governance, performance architecture, and multi-cloud deployment patterns
  • A track record of defining architectural standards or technical methodologies adopted across a large organization or practice
  • Deep expertise in the AI/ML lifecycle at enterprise scale, including production MLOps, model governance, responsible AI frameworks, and generative AI architectures
  • Demonstrated ability to influence product strategy, organizational direction, or market positioning through technical leadership
  • Proficiency in SQL and Python at a level sufficient to architect, review, and advise on production systems
  • Experience engaging C-level and senior executive audiences on complex technology decisions, with a track record of translating technical depth into executive clarity
  • Ability to hold and defend strong technical positions in ambiguous, high-stakes environments

Nice to have

  • Published technical work, conference presentations, or recognized industry contributions in data, AI/ML, or cloud architecture
  • Experience building or scaling a technical practice, Center of Excellence, or architecture function across a large organization
  • Background in a 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 across multiple verticals (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Media and Entertainment, Public Sector)
  • Experience contributing to open source projects or co-authoring technical standards

What the JD emphasized

  • AI/ML
  • AI strategy
  • generative AI architectures
  • AI/ML lifecycle at enterprise scale
  • MLOps
  • model governance
  • responsible AI frameworks

Other signals

  • AI-native thinkers
  • AI as a high-trust collaborator
  • AI strategy
  • generative AI architectures
  • AI/ML lifecycle at enterprise scale
  • MLOps
  • model governance
  • responsible AI frameworks