Principal Architect, Data Knowledge Platform

Airwallex2 weeks ago

Location

SG - Singapore

Type

Full Time

Salary

SGD 150,000 – 220,000

Level

Principal

Role

Principal Architect

Posted

Feb 25, 2026

Full TimePrincipal

The role

Summary

Airwallex is seeking a Principal Architect for their Data Knowledge Platform team to design and build the foundational AI/ML data infrastructure that powers analytics, AI agents, and real-time decision-making across the global fintech company. The role focuses on creating three critical layers: governed data models, semantic knowledge systems, and operationalized skills capabilities.

What you'll do

Data Localization Architecture: Own technical execution of regional and global data localization strategies within Databricks environment

Scalable Compliance Patterns: Design scalable patterns satisfying strict regulatory requirements while maintaining unified global data model

Global Data Modeling: Lead global data modeling efforts creating unified schemas that accommodate regional variance

AI Agent Interface Design: Define and implement Agent Interfaces - APIs and tools enabling AI agents to interact with Knowledge and Skills layers

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with Data Science, AI Engineering, Product, and Risk teams to ensure platform supports experimentation and decision-making

Governance-as-Code Implementation: Implement automated data lineage and quality controls embedded directly into data platform

Three-Layer Architecture: Architect Data, Knowledge, and Skills layers for governed datasets, semantic understanding, and operationalized capabilities

What we look for

Technical

Large-scale Data Systems10+ years designing and building large-scale data systems with strong architectural fundamentals

Databricks EcosystemHands-on experience with Databricks ecosystem including Unity Catalog and Delta Lake

Semantic Layer ImplementationExperience implementing semantic layers or metric stores for consistent reporting and analytics

AI/Agent Systems IntegrationUnderstanding of how AI/agent-based systems consume data with experience building supporting APIs

Regional Compliance DesignExperience designing data solutions meeting regional data residency and compliance requirements

Education

Advanced Degree PreferredMaster's or PhD in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Architecture CertificationsCloud architecture certifications (AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect) highly valued

Experience

Senior IC LeadershipDemonstrated senior-level individual contributor experience including leading design reviews and mentoring engineers

Fintech/Financial ServicesExperience in regulated industries with complex data governance and compliance requirements

Global Scale SystemsExperience building data platforms serving 200,000+ business customers across multiple regions

Skills

Required skills

Data ArchitectureExpert-level data architecture and system design capabilities

Databricks PlatformAdvanced proficiency with Databricks, Unity Catalog, and Delta Lake

Python/SQL/ScalaStrong programming skills in data engineering languages

Regulatory ComplianceDeep understanding of data governance and regional compliance requirements

AI/ML IntegrationExperience building data services for AI and agent-based systems

Nice to have

Real-time Data ProcessingExperience with streaming data architectures using Kafka and Spark Streaming

Semantic Layer ToolsHands-on experience with dbt, Looker, or similar semantic modeling tools

Infrastructure as CodeTerraform or similar IaC tools for data platform automation

Financial Services DomainUnderstanding of payments, banking, and financial data requirements

Multi-region ArchitectureExperience designing systems for global deployment with regional constraints

Compensation & benefits

Salary

SGD 150,000 – 220,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Competitive Equity Package

Valuable equity within rapidly growing $8B fintech company

Collaborative Work Environment

Open office space with fully stocked kitchen and modern facilities

Team Building Events

Regular team-building events and social activities

Creative Freedom

Freedom to be creative and innovative in technical approaches

Global Impact Opportunity

Work on systems impacting 200,000+ businesses across 26 global offices

Learning and Development

Accelerated learning opportunities in high-growth fintech environment

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — 30-minute phone/video call with talent acquisition to discuss background and role fit
2
Technical Architecture Review — 60-minute technical interview focusing on data architecture patterns and system design
3
Case Study Presentation — 90-minute session presenting solution to real Airwallex data platform challenge
4
Cross-functional Panel — 45-minute interview with Data Science, AI Engineering, and Product stakeholders
5
Leadership Interview — 30-minute conversation with senior engineering leadership about vision and approach
6
Final Decision Meeting — Internal team discussion and offer decision within 48 hours of final interview