GCP Application Architect

We are looking for a seasoned, executive-ready Principal GCP Solutions Architect with 15+ years of IT leadership experience to serve as the chief technical authority for a multi-million-dollar legacy SAS to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) migration program.

In this strategic, high-visibility leadership role, you will be accountable for defining the overarching modernization strategy, translating legacy SAS ecosystems (Base SAS, Macros, SAS EG, SAS Viya) into modern cloud-native architectures (BigQuery, Dataproc, Dataflow, Vertex AI). You will act as the primary liaison to the Client’s Executive Leadership and Enterprise Architecture Review Board (ARB) , leading technical defense sessions, justifying architectural paradigms, and driving formal consensus and architectural sign-offs across complex enterprise domains.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Architecture & Modernization

· Establish the target-state cloud architecture, modernization blueprint, and multi-phase roadmap to transition complex SAS footprints to GCP-native analytics platforms.

· Architect conversion patterns across diverse workloads:

· SAS Data Steps, Procs, & SQL → Google BigQuery (BigLake, SQL stored procedures, dbt).

· Statistical & Predictive Models → Vertex AI and Python/PySpark on Serverless Dataproc .

· Complex Orchestration & Batch Workflows → Cloud Composer (Apache Airflow) or Workflows .

· Multi-tier Datamarts & Storage → Cloud Storage (GCS) & BigQuery .

· Establish enterprise-wide data validation, dual-run reconciliation, and automated parity frameworks to guarantee data consistency and computational integrity between SAS and GCP.

· Define and enforce governance frameworks covering IAM, data mesh/governance (Dataplex), VPC Service Controls, Customer-Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK), and regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, Basel III/BCBS 239).

Executive Client Defense & Architecture Approval

· Lead architecture defense, design reviews, and steer-co presentations before the Client Chief Enterprise Architect, Chief Data Officer (CDO), and ARB .

· Drive consultative discussions regarding total cost of ownership (TCO), capacity sizing, compute optimization (BigQuery editions/slots vs. Dataproc), and migration approaches (automated translation vs. refactoring).

· Author and govern high-level designs (HLD), Architecture Design Documents (ADD), threat models, and architectural decision records (ADRs).

· Proactively address enterprise security audits, infrastructure hurdles, and governance challenges to secure formal written sign-offs.

Program Leadership & Technical Governance

· Provide technical direction, mentorship, and architectural oversight to cross-functional engineering pods, migration leads, and data engineering squads.

· Guide the creation of reference implementations, Proofs of Concept (PoCs), and code conversion accelerators for automated SAS macro and proc translations.

· Oversee zero-downtime cutover plans, dual-run operations, business continuity, and disaster recovery (DR) strategies.

· Partner with client leadership to establish target operational operating models (Cloud CoE / FinOps).

Required Skills & Experience

· Extensive IT & Cloud Leadership: 15+ years of technology consulting and solution design experience, with substantial hands-on and architectural depth in enterprise GCP data platforms ( BigQuery, Dataproc, Dataflow, Composer, Vertex AI, Dataplex ).

· Legacy Modernization Pedigree: Proven track record leading large-scale analytics migrations from legacy analytical platforms (SAS, Teradata, Oracle, or Mainframe) into cloud environments. Deep functional comprehension of Base SAS, SAS Macros, SAS/STAT, and SAS EG logic is required.

· Executive Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated mastery in guiding client C-suite, Chief Architects, and ARBs through complex architectural transformations and change management.

· Security, Compliance & Networking: Comprehensive mastery of enterprise GCP networking (Shared VPC, Cloud Interconnect, Private Service Connect) and zero-trust security postures (VPC-SC, Cloud KMS/CMEK, BigQuery policy tags and row/column security).

· Automation & Enterprise DevOps: Strong grounding in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), GitOps, and enterprise-grade CI/CD automation.

Qualifications & Certifications

· Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.

· Required Certifications: Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect AND Professional Data Engineer .

· Preferred Background: Senior leadership/advisory tenure within a premier Global System Integrator (GSI), Big 4, or elite technology consultancy.

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Experience:

• SAS: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• GCP Professional Certificate (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote