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Database Architect

A Database Architect este the specialist responsible for projecting, implementing and optimizing an organization’s data storage architecture. Their role is to ensure that data is properly structured, secure, scalable, high-performing and accessible, supporting both software applications and processes for analysis, reporting and decision-making.

The Database Architecture defines data models, selects appropriate technologies (SQL/ NoSQL/ cloud), establishes standards and best practices, and collaborates with developers, DevOps engineers, data analysts, and other stakeholders to create robust and sustainable data ecosystems.

Salary

The salary of a Database Architect can vary depending on their level of experience as well as employment conditions. Actual compensation depends on experience and skills, the infrastructure managed (cloud, enterprise, big data), the complexity of the systems, and the location and size of the employer.

Working hours

Typically, full-time, with a standard work schedule (around 40 hours/ week). During system migrations, major releases, or critical incidents, work outside regular hours may be required.

Remote work possibility

Depending on the company and the project, there is the possibility of working remotely or hybrid, with flexibility, especially, if the infrastructure is cloud-based and the team works in a distributed manner.

Types of employers

In Romania, a database architect can work in different ways:

  • Employed in a software or IT development company.

  • Employed within a Cloud and SaaS solution provider.

  • Employed in a financial or banking institution

  • Employed in retail and e-commerce

  • Employed in organizations working in health and research

  • Employed in big companies with complex data infrastructure (telco, energy, transport)

  • Employed in the public sector or governmental agencies

  • Employed in AI/ big-data startups

Responsibilities

  • Designing logical and physical data models (relational schemes, NoSQL, structures, data lakes)

  • Selecting and configuring data storage technologies - SQL, NoSQL, cloud databases, data warehouses, or lakehouses

  • Defining data access architecture for applications, analytics, and BI

  • Establishing security, backup, replication and disaster recover standards

  • Optimizing database performance (indexing, partitioning, query optimization)

  • Coordinating integrations between applications and systems

  • Collaborating with software developers, DevOps, and Data Scientists to implement data solutions

  • Providing advanced technical support for troubleshooting performance or data consistency issues

  • Documenting the architecture and maintaining compliance with internal standards and regulations (GDPR)

Skills

Technical skills

  • Strong knowledge of data modeling and information architectures

  • Experience with SQOl and relational database systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL, Server, Oracle)

  • Experience with NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, Firebase, etc.)

  • Understanding of cloud database solutions (Azure SQL, AWS RDS, Google Cloud, Spanner, etc.)

  • Familiarity with ETL processes, data pipelines, and data warehouses

  • Skills in database performance tuning and scalability

  • Scripting or programming knowledge (Python, Bash, PowerShell)

  • Experience with modern practices: Infrastructure as Code, automated back-ups, monitoring

Soft Skills

  • Analytical thinking and the ability to tackle complex problems

  • Clear communication to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

  • Teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration

  • Attention to detail, essential for data consistency and security

  • Planning and documentation skills

  • Adaptability and continuous learning, database technologies are constantly evolving

Qualifications

A person aiming to become a Database Architect should have a university degree in fields such as computer science, software engineering, mathematics, business informatics, or information systems.

Professional experience:

  • Entry level: 1-3 years as a DBA, Developer, or Data Analyst

  • Mid level: 3-5 years of relevant experience in designing and managing data systems

  • Senior level: 5+ years of experience in enterprise or big data architectures

Recommended certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator/ Data Engineer

  • AWS Database Specialty

  • Oracle Database Certifications

  • TOGAF/ ArchiMate (for enterprise architecture)

What else you can do

  • Specialization toward: Data Architect/ Cloud Architect/ Big Data Architect

  • Technical leadership: coordinating data teams or enterprise projects

  • Involvement in defining policies for data governance, security, and standardization

  • Participation in conferences, workshops and open source projects (e.g., GitHub)

  • Advanced certifications in cloud architectures and data platforms

  • Mentoring for developers and Data Analysts

Possible career paths

  • Database Administrator → Database Architect

  • Software Engineer → Data / Database Architect

  • Database Architect → Senior Data Architect → Enterprise Architect → CTO

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