Principal Architect, Data Knowledge Platform (San Franciso)

Airwallex1 weeks ago

Location

US - San Francisco

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 220,000 – 350,000

Level

Principal

Role

Principal Architect

Posted

Apr 1, 2026

Full TimePrincipal

The role

Summary

Airwallex is seeking a Principal Architect for their Data Knowledge Platform team in San Francisco, focused on building advanced data infrastructure that powers AI-driven business insights. The role involves designing a sophisticated three-layer data ecosystem (Data, Knowledge, and Skills Layers) that enables robust, compliant, and intelligent data management across global markets.

What you'll do

Data Infrastructure Design: Architect a comprehensive three-layer data ecosystem encompassing Data, Knowledge, and Skills Layers

Global Data Strategy: Lead technical execution of regional and global data localization strategies within Databricks environment

Compliance Management: Design scalable patterns that satisfy strict regulatory requirements while maintaining a unified global data model

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Data Science, AI Engineering, Product, and Risk teams to support experimentation and decision-making

AI Agent Enablement: Define and implement APIs and tools that enable AI agents to interact with Knowledge and Skills layers

What we look for

Technical

Data Systems ArchitectureAdvanced architectural skills for large-scale, distributed data platforms

Regulatory ComplianceDeep understanding of international data residency and compliance frameworks

AI/ML InfrastructureExpertise in designing data ecosystems that support advanced AI and machine learning workflows

Education

Advanced DegreeBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

Senior Technical Leadership10+ years of experience in designing complex data systems with proven architectural expertise

MentorshipDemonstrated ability to lead design reviews and mentor engineering teams

Skills

Required skills

Large-Scale Data SystemsExtensive experience designing and building enterprise-level data infrastructure

DatabricksHands-on expertise with Databricks ecosystem, Unity Catalog, and Delta Lake

Data ComplianceDeep understanding of regional data residency and compliance requirements

Semantic LayeringExperience implementing semantic layers and metric stores for consistent analytics

AI Data ArchitectureExpertise in designing data solutions for AI and agent-based systems

Nice to have

Machine Learning InfrastructureExperience with ML model lifecycle management and AI platform design

Global Data ModelingAdvanced skills in creating unified schemas that accommodate regional variations

Governance-as-CodeProficiency in implementing automated data lineage and quality controls

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 220,000 – 350,000 (annual)

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Comprehensive compensation package with salary range of $220K-$350K

Equity

Stock options in a high-growth fintech valued at $8 billion

Performance Bonus

Annual bonus potential based on individual and company performance

Global Work Environment

Opportunity to work with a diverse, innovative team across 26 global offices

Professional Development

Accelerated learning and career growth in a rapidly evolving technology landscape

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Review of resume and initial qualifications by recruiting team
2
Technical Phone Screen — Detailed discussion of technical background and data architecture experience
3
Architectural Design Challenge — In-depth technical interview focusing on system design and problem-solving
4
Leadership and Vision Interview — Assessment of candidate's strategic thinking and ability to drive complex data infrastructure initiatives
5
Final Executive Interview — Meeting with senior technical leadership to evaluate overall fit and potential impact