Data Architect

As a Data Architect at Top Hat, your main responsibilities include analyzing requirements to build conceptual and logical data models, designing database schemas, and implementing data migration strategies. You’ll also work on optimizing existing database systems while developing robust data governance policies that ensure data integrity and accuracy, thus playing a crucial role in our data-driven projects.

To apply for the Data Architect position at Top Hat, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a relevant field, along with at least 5 years of experience in data modeling, especially within an agile work environment. Expertise in SQL and NoSQL, along with familiarity with tools like ERwin, PostgreSQL, and big data systems, are highly valued.

At Top Hat, we believe in investing in our employees' growth. Data Architects have access to professional learning and development opportunities tailored to their role level, enabling them to explore new technologies and methodologies in data architecture while enhancing their skill sets through continuous training.

As a Data Architect at Top Hat, you will work with a variety of tools and technologies including SQL, NoSQL databases, data visualization tools, and big data systems like Hadoop and Spark. You’ll also engage with data governance tools and ETL specifications to ensure all data needs are met effectively.

The company culture at Top Hat fosters innovation, teamwork, and a customer-first approach. As a Data Architect, you will find yourself in a supportive, remote-first environment that values experimentation and agile practices, allowing you to thrive and make impactful contributions to our data initiatives.

In answering this question, highlight your past experiences with different data modeling techniques, emphasizing your proficiency in both conceptual and logical data models. Discuss specific projects where your modeling skills drove success and improved data accessibility or performance.

When answering this, detail your knowledge of data governance policies and data security measures, including GDPR and CCPA compliance. Share any tools you have used to monitor and maintain data integrity throughout its lifecycle.

Explain your structured approach to database migration, starting from requirement analysis, through to planning, executing the migration, and post-migration checks. Providing examples from your previous roles can illustrate your proficiency.

For this question, detail your hands-on experience with big data environments, how you dealt with large datasets, and any specific challenges you faced. Discuss how these experiences prepare you for handling big data at Top Hat.

Use this opportunity to showcase a specific project where you faced significant challenges. Focus on your problem-solving strategies, the steps you took to address the issues, and the ultimate positive outcome that resulted from your efforts.

Share the data visualization tools you've previously used, explaining how you utilized them to present data insights effectively. Highlight any specific instances that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex data visually.

Illustrate your collaborative approach by discussing how you engage with stakeholders from various teams, document their needs, and adapt data architecture to meet those requirements effectively.

Talk about your testing processes, including QA methodologies you follow for data products, your approach to data validation, and how you ensure that the end product meets the specified requirements and best practices.

Demonstrate your continuous learning mindset by discussing the resources you use, such as industry journals, webinars, conferences, or online communities, to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in data architecture.

Discuss essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how these skills have positively impacted your work environment and project outcomes, demonstrating their importance alongside technical skills.